HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Lunesta Safe For A Recovered Addict?

default
Posted on Mon, 29 Sep 2014
Question: my allergies are imotrex & Sulfa. is Lunesta safe for a recovered addict? Is lunesta a hypnotic or sedative?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
mostly considered hypnotic

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

A sedative is an agent that has a calming or relaxing effect. A hypnotic is an agent that induces sleep.

There is some overlap. Some sedative medications would also be considered hypnotic eg the benzodiazepines can cause both sedation and induce sleep.

Lunesta is mainly considered a hypnotic agent but does have some sedative (calming/relaxing) effects as well.
Most consider it a combination of the two- a sedative/hypnotic agent

In terms of cross reaction between the medications that you are allergic to, there is no interaction.
The allergy to imitrex and sulfa would not affect lunesta use.

In terms addiction potential, it is a non benzodiazepine which means that tolerance to it and dependence are not suppose to develop. Because of this, withdrawal symptoms should not occur.
It is possible to become psychological affected, meaning start thinking that may not be able to fall asleep without it.
Because of its safety, it is approved for long term use.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Lunesta Safe For A Recovered Addict?

Brief Answer: mostly considered hypnotic Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic A sedative is an agent that has a calming or relaxing effect. A hypnotic is an agent that induces sleep. There is some overlap. Some sedative medications would also be considered hypnotic eg the benzodiazepines can cause both sedation and induce sleep. Lunesta is mainly considered a hypnotic agent but does have some sedative (calming/relaxing) effects as well. Most consider it a combination of the two- a sedative/hypnotic agent In terms of cross reaction between the medications that you are allergic to, there is no interaction. The allergy to imitrex and sulfa would not affect lunesta use. In terms addiction potential, it is a non benzodiazepine which means that tolerance to it and dependence are not suppose to develop. Because of this, withdrawal symptoms should not occur. It is possible to become psychological affected, meaning start thinking that may not be able to fall asleep without it. Because of its safety, it is approved for long term use. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions