Dosing and Administration
LUNESTA: Once daily, at bedtime1
Dose Range
Recommended Starting Dose: 1 mg
1 mg
2 mg
3 mg
(Maximum Dose)
Tablets shown not actual size
Adults
- Dose can be increased to 2 mg or 3 mg if clinically indicated
- Use the lowest effective dose of LUNESTA for the shortest duration possible
- Total dose should not exceed 3 mg
Dosing Considerations:
- The length of treatment should be for the minimum duration necessary for the patient
- LUNESTA tablets must not be broken or crushed prior to ingestion
- In some patients, the higher morning blood levels of LUNESTA following use of the 2 mg or 3 mg dose increase the risk of next day impairment of driving and other activities that require full alertness
Additional Dosing Considerations:
- Treatment with LUNESTA should not exceed 7-10 consecutive days. Use for more than 2-3 consecutive weeks requires complete re-evaluation of the patient. Prescriptions should be written for short-term use (7-10 days) and it should not be prescribed in quantities exceeding a 1-month supply
- Geriatric patients may be more sensitive to LUNESTA. Long-term use should be avoided, including in these patients
- In elderly or debilitated patients, patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment, and patients co-administered LUNESTA with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, total dose should not exceed 2 mg
- No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild-to-moderate hepatic or renal impairment
- LUNESTA is not to be taken with alcohol
- Taking LUNESTA with or immediately after a heavy, high-fat meal results in slower absorption and would be expected to reduce the effect of LUNESTA on sleep latency