FDA suggests lower doses on popular sleeping aid Lunesta

The Food and Drug Administration wants new curbs on yet another popular prescription sleep medication because of concerns that adults may still be driving drowsy the next day.  

The newly-requested dosage reductions would affect Lunesta, which contains the ingredient eszopiclone.

More than a year ago, the federal government required a reduction in the recommended doses for the sleep medication known as Ambien that contains the ingredient zolpidem. The recommendation was based on concerns that driving memory and coordination may be impaired as much as 11 hours after taking it.

Cooper University Health System sleep disorders expert Jonathan Kass says the drug is fine for the short term, especially for those who cannot sleep or during periods of great stress. Kass also emphasizes that there is no "one size fits all" answer for sleep disorders, and each patient has to have these dosages tailored to their individual needs.

He says prescriptions such as Ambien  and Lunesta can be very helpful. However, Kass adds that for those who have chronic problems sleping, additional treatment may be needed.

"The great majority of people are stressed and their problem is psychologically-related.  And the real cure is to deal with the stress and psychological issues. But that's a long-term treatment," Kass said.

The decision about Lunestra was influenced by reports that both men and women still experienced impaired driving the next morning.