Lunesta and Pregnancy
Lunesta is a medicine that helps people who have trouble sleeping. It works by relaxing the muscles in your brain and making it easier for you to fall asleep. Lunesta is only meant to be used as prescribed by a doctor and misusing it can have harmful side effects.
Though Lunesta is often hailed as a safer sleeping medicine, side effects are still possible. It’s always better to get the okay from your doctor before starting use.
Under certain circumstances, it’s best to avoid using Lunesta. If your doctor believes Lunesta is likely to cause side effects, he may adjust your dose or prescribe another sleeping aid. You also may not be able to use Lunesta if you’re taking other sedative drugs or sleeping medicines. Combining these medicines with Lunesta can have negative effects.
When you should not use Lunesta
o Respiratory diseases, like asthma, emphysema or bronchitis
o Symptoms of depression
If you are not careful while using Lunesta, you may experience some of the following side effects.
o Allergic reactions to this medication are rare but may include swelling of the lips, hives, face or tongue, breathing difficulties, choking, dizziness or drowsiness during the day, abnormal behavior such as increased aggressiveness, confusion or strange behavior, memory loss, or depression. If you experience any of these symptoms, please discontinue use and contact your doctor immediately.
Special attention during pregnancy
Pregnant women are advised to consult their physician before taking any medication, including Lunesta. Some medications can have negative effects on the unborn baby. Over-the-counter sedatives in particular can cause sedation and other problems for the developing fetus. The risk is higher when you use such medicines during the final weeks of pregnancy. Always tell your doctor if you’re pregnant. Doing so will help them prescribe the right medicine and avoid possible complications later on.
You should always consult with your doctor before beginning or stopping any medication, but it is especially important to do so if you are using Lunesta and become pregnant. Lunesta has been shown to pass into breast milk, but the effects of the medication on a nursing infant are unknown. To be safe, you should either avoid using Lunesta while breastfeeding or speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking the medication while nursing.
Important Note
The information above is based on what sources are currently available on the subject. These facts are only for educational purposes. Lunesta, as a sleeping medication, may have negative side effects on your health. You should always speak to your doctor before taking Lunesta. They will decide what dosage and for how long you should take the medication.
