What is Zunestar 3 mg?
It contains eszopiclone, which is a prescription drug that may be prescribed to treat insomnia. The drug helps people with insomnia who have problems going to sleep or keeping sleep all night.
Eszopiclone exerts effects on the brain that induce sleepiness as well as a sedative action that helps the body calm down and get ready for rest. It is advised to use it strictly according to the dosage, since larger amounts can increase the risk of daytime drowsiness and lack of alertness.
What is Zunestar 3 mg Used For?
This medication is indicated for the management of insomnia. It was found that eszopiclone decreases sleep onset latency and helps to maintain adequate hours of sleep without disturbances.
This drug can be of great help if your main problems include:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Frequent waking during the night
- Trouble staying asleep
- Poor or interrupted sleep
It is more appropriate to address the potential causes behind the issue by a specialist rather than by changing the dose yourself.
You should consult a physician before deciding on the dose and cycling of the drug in order to rule out possible causes of sleep problems other than sleep disturbances themselves such as psychiatric conditions or other diseases in the background and also the sleep disorders in which Zunestar 3 mg may not be appropriate for.
How Does It Work?
The active ingredient in Zunestar 3 mg is eszopiclone. It acts on receptors involved in the brain’s calming system and reduces certain brain activity associated with wakefulness.
This sedative action can help you fall asleep and remain asleep for longer. Clinical studies of eszopiclone have shown improvements in both sleep onset and sleep maintenance.
How to Take Zunestar 3 mg
Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is generally taken immediately before bedtime, when you are ready to sleep.
You should have at least 7–8 hours available for sleep after taking eszopiclone. Taking it when you have less time available may increase the risk of next-day impairment.
The use of Eszopiclone with meals or very soon after a meal should be avoided as food, especially a rich in fat food could significantly reduce its uptake and delay its effect.
Do not take another pill if you think that the medicine has not worked quickly enough for you.
Dosage
Patients are usually advised to begin treatment with eszopiclone 1mg taken each night, right before going to bed. A healthcare provider could raise the amount to 2mg or 3mg, if medically sound. The maximum allowable daily dosage is 3mg.
Zunestar 3 mg is therefore the maximum standard daily strength described in the detailed prescribing information.
The lower dose of 2 mg is appropriate for senior citizens and very weak individuals, as well as those with liver damage or who are on the strongest CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Unless your doctor recommends you doing it yourself, don’t increase your drug dose.
Possible Side Effects
Some possible side effects include:
- Unpleasant or bitter taste
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
- Reduced alertness the next day
If you take either 2mg or 3mg doses you run a higher risk that your mind might not be fully awake on the next day. This kind of sleepiness can be dangerous to activities like driving or other tasks that call for your full attention.
Besides that, a very occasional occurrence of complicated sleep behaviors like dreaming, walking or doing certain things while being in a state between being asleep and being awake may arise after a tablet. It has to be pointed out that these responses can indeed be rather serious thus being a point requiring immediate reporting to a medical practitioner.
Precautions While Using Zunestar 3 mg
If you are on Zunestar 3mg, do not consume alcohol since it may amplify the sedative effects of eszopiclone.
Speak to your doctor regarding the other medicines you are taking that can lead to excessive sleepiness or that affect the central nervous system, such as certain drugs that also alter the quantity of eszopiclone in your body.
In addition, your doctor must be informed about any liver issues, breathing difficulties or if you have had past experiences regarding medicines that one can become reliant on.
Stay away from driving or working with machines if you are still sleepy or less active after having your dose of Zunestar 3mg.
Zunestar 3mg and Drug Interactions
There is a chance for the drug Eszopiclone to react with other medicines.
Drugs that suppress the function of the central nervous system can make its sedative effects worse, while compounds that modify your body’s level of the enzyme CYP3A4 either will cause more drug or very little will remain.
Discuss with your physician or the salesperson all your medications (drugs and dietary supplements), whether prescription drugs, or over-the-counter drugs, you are taking before starting your treatment.
How Should Zunestar 3mg Be Stored?
Keep it in its original packaging and follow the storage instructions supplied with the product.
The detailed eszopiclone product information instructs that it should be saved at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius). The temperature for storage may vary between 15 and 30 degrees (that is the permitted temperature range). Store medicines away from direct heat and excess moisture and keep them out of the reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zunestar 3mg the highest strength of eszopiclone?
Yes. Detailed prescribing information lists eszopiclone tablets in 1mg, 2mg and 3mg strengths, with 3mg being the maximum total daily dose.
Can Zunestar 3mg affect my memory or concentration?
It can. Eszopiclone may affect alertness, coordination, thinking or memory in some people. These effects are particularly important the following morning, so avoid driving or other activities requiring full attention if you do not feel completely alert.
Can Zunestar 3mg be taken with other sleeping medicines?
Combining eszopiclone with other medicines that cause sedation may increase drowsiness and other central nervous system effects. Do not combine sleeping medicines unless your doctor has specifically advised you to do so.
Why does Zunestar 3mg sometimes cause unusual behaviour during sleep?
Eszopiclone can rarely cause complex sleep behaviours, where a person performs activities while not fully awake and may have little or no memory of them afterwards. If this happens, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor promptly.
Can Zunestar 3mg stop working as well over time?
The response to a sleeping medicine can vary between people. If you feel the medicine is becoming less effective, do not increase the dose yourself. Speak with your doctor so the treatment and the reason for ongoing sleep problems can be reviewed.
References
Detailed Eszopiclone Reference – DailyMed – Eszopiclone Tablets
Australian Reference – TGA – Eszopiclone 3 mg Tablet
Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Zunestar 3mg is a prescription medicine and should be used only as directed by a qualified healthcare professional. Always follow your prescription and the instructions provided with your medicine.
