Lunesta has a
Brand name: Lunesta
Generic name: Eszopiclone
Drug class: Sedative-hypnotic
Dosage forms: Oral tablets
FDA-approved uses: Insomnia
Highlights
- Lunesta (eszopiclone) is an oral tablet prescribed for people with insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
- You can get a Lunesta prescription online after completing a detailed health assessment with a licensed medical provider who is authorized to prescribe controlled substances.
- Your medical provider may also offer other alternatives to Lunesta for insomnia. Be open to discussing different options.
Do you frequently toss and turn in bed while trying to fall asleep? This constant battle to get a full night’s sleep can affect your daily life, leaving you drowsy and exhausted. Sometimes, improved sleep hygiene and other lifestyle changes may help. However, these techniques may not always be enough. In this case, a healthcare provider may recommend medications, such as Lunesta (eszopiclone), to help.
This article covers the options for getting a Lunesta prescription online and the steps involved.
What Is Lunesta? What Is It Used For?
Lunesta comes as oral tablets in the following
Lunesta may be used as a short-term or long-term treatment for insomnia. In
Talk with your healthcare provider if your insomnia continues even after 7 to 10 days of using Lunesta.
Do You Need a Prescription for Lunesta?
Lunesta is a prescription medication. To purchase it, you need a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner. The treatment course should also be closely monitored to ensure safety. If you experience serious side effects or the medication is not helping as intended, consult with your provider to adjust your treatment.
How to Receive a Lunesta Prescription Online at MEDvidi?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting a prescription for Lunesta online at MEDvidi:
Step 1: Create an account
Sign up and create an account. You will be asked to provide the necessary basic information and complete an intake form, which will include questions about your symptoms, current and previous medications, allergies, and health history.
Step 2: Book an appointment
You will now be able to schedule a virtual appointment with a licensed medical provider experienced in treating and managing insomnia. You can select a day and time option that works for you.
Step 3: Consult with a medical provider and get a treatment plan
Your medical provider will review your medical history, symptoms, and sleep history, including sleep patterns and duration. They will also discuss previous medications you have tried and any current medications (prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, and other recreational substances). They may request additional labs or a sleep study to be completed. This will help them fully understand your condition.
Based on their assessment, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan for insomnia and may prescribe Lunesta, if deemed appropriate. They may also recommend an alternative medication to Lunesta based on the possible risks and benefits of use. The decision of which medication to prescribe, if any, is based on your provider’s decision as to which medication is considered safe and effective for you.
Step 4: Obtain a prescription if required
If your provider determines that medication is appropriate for managing your insomnia, they can prescribe and electronically send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy for filling and dispensing. You can then either pick up the medication or have the medication delivered.
Step 5: Follow-ups
Scheduling regular follow-up visits will help your provider monitor your response to the medication. They can check for any side effects you may experience and adjust the medication dose if needed during these visits. If treatment is effective without any reported problems, they can continue your treatment and provide medication refills.
Can an Online Doctor Prescribe Lunesta?
Healthcare providers can write online prescriptions for insomnia medications, including Lunesta, based on their qualifications. In the U.S., federal telemedicine flexibilities for controlled-substance prescribing have been temporarily extended through December 31, 2026. However, clinicians still must follow federal and state regulations and prescribe only when clinically appropriate. At MEDvidi, you can get connected with a licensed healthcare provider practicing in your state and receive treatment for insomnia online.
Side Effects
When using Lunesta, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects
Mild Side Effects
Here is a list of some common mild side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach
- Symptoms of the common cold
Serious Side Effects
Lunesta can cause some serious side effects, including:
- Serious allergic reactions. Symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unusual thoughts or behavior, including:
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Mood or behavioral changes, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Unusual sleep behaviors, including:
- Sleep-walking
- Sleep-driving
- Engaging in other activities while asleep or not fully awake
- Next-day drowsiness or grogginess
- Memory loss
It’s important to take Lunesta exactly as your medical provider recommends and contact them if you have any questions or concerns. Get help right away if you are experiencing serious side effects by calling 911 or your local emergency number.
Warnings and Precautions
Lunesta comes with several important
- Risk of Misuse and Dependence: Lunesta is a controlled substance, which means it has a possible risk of misuse and dependence. Having a history of drug or alcohol misuse and dependence may raise this risk and may require a choice of alternative treatment.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Lunesta should not be suddenly stopped due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, upset stomach, and anxiety. If you are taking Lunesta and would like to stop, talk with your provider. They can help you slowly lower the dosage and decrease the chances of withdrawal.
- Unusual Sleep Behaviors: Lunesta carries a boxed warning for the possible risk of unusual sleep behaviors. These include performing activities while not fully awake, such as sleepwalking and sleep-driving, which can cause serious outcomes, including injury and death. If you experience unusual sleep behaviors while taking Lunesta, contact your provider.
- Central Nervous System Depression: Lunesta may cause central nervous system depression, leading to symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, reduced alertness, and impaired coordination. This risk increases when Lunesta is taken at higher doses or with other substances that cause drowsiness, including alcohol.
- Mental Health Problems: Lunesta may cause mood changes, such as worsening depression, anxiety, aggression, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
- Liver Problems: Your liver helps break down Lunesta before the medicine leaves your body. Because of this, having serious liver problems may increase your risk of experiencing side effects. If you have any serious liver problems, talk with your medical provider before starting Lunesta.
- Breathing or Lung Problems: Lunesta may affect your breathing. If you have any breathing or lung problems, talk with your provider before starting Lunesta.
- Age 65 Years or Older: Lunesta may take a longer period of time to break down and leave the body in older adults. This can lead to a higher risk of experiencing side effects, such as impaired thinking and reduced coordination. For this reason, a lower dosage may be recommended.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There isn’t enough information to determine whether Lunesta is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, talk with your medical provider before starting Lunesta.
- Allergic Reaction: If you previously had an allergic reaction to Lunesta or any of its ingredients, your medical provider can recommend alternative medications to treat your insomnia.
- Drug Interactions: Lunesta may interact with other medications. Before starting Lunesta, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and other recreational substances.
Lunesta Cost and Insurance
The price you pay for Lunesta may vary and is dependent on several factors. These include whether you receive the brand-name or generic version, the pharmacy you use, and your insurance coverage. The medication cost is separate from the consultation fee associated with your telehealth visit.
As of March 2026, the average retail price without insurance is the following:
- Generic eszopicone costs about $250 to $350 for a 30-day supply
- Brand-name Lunesta costs about $1,500 to $1,600 for a 30-day supply
To help reduce the cost of Lunesta, you can consider doing the following:
- Consult with your provider regarding switching from the brand-name to the generic version.
- Check prices at several different pharmacies.
- Check whether your insurance covers the medication.
- Use discount cards and coupons from sites such as GoodRx or RxSaver.
Use the Lunesta Copay Savings Program if you qualify.
Bottom Line
Lunesta may be an option for treating insomnia in some people, especially those who don’t benefit from other available treatments. However, only a medical provider can determine the best solution. The decision is based on assessing a person’s health, risk for contraindications and interactions, and overall response to treatment. Remember to consult with your provider if you experience any side effects or believe your plan needs to be adjusted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lunesta a controlled substance?
Yes. Specifically, Lunesta is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. Medications categorized as
Can you buy Lunesta over the counter?
No, you cannot buy Lunesta over the counter. Due to its possible side effects and the need for close monitoring, a qualified healthcare provider should prescribe Lunesta when deemed necessary.
Can Lunesta be prescribed through a telehealth visit?
Yes, you can get Lunesta (eszopiclone) prescribed online. In the U.S., federal telemedicine flexibilities for controlled-substance prescribing have been temporarily extended through December 31, 2026. Clinicians must still follow federal and state regulations and prescribe only when clinically appropriate.
Why don’t doctors prescribe Lunesta?
In some cases, doctors and medical providers may decide not to prescribe Lunesta due to reasons, such as safety concerns. Factors, such as your medical conditions, possible side effects, and known drug interactions, may cause Lunesta not to be the right medication for you. Ultimately, your safety is their highest priority.
What if Lunesta isn’t right for me?
If Lunesta isn’t the right fit for you, your medical provider will work with you to find the safest and most effective treatment option to manage your insomnia. As part of this process, they may recommend lifestyle changes and other treatment options that meet your specific needs. Regardless, you will always receive a personalized treatment plan along with information about the next steps.
