Uses
What is eszopiclone used for?
Eszopiclone is commonly used short-term to help treat insomnia. It can be used to help people fall asleep faster or help them wake up less times during the night.
Eszopiclone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does eszopiclone work (mechanism of action)?
Eszopiclone works by increasing the activity of a natural chemical in your brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which helps you relax and may make it easier to fall asleep.
How is eszopiclone supplied (dosage forms)?
Eszopiclone is available as Lunesta and generic eszopiclone in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 1 mg oral tablets
- 2 mg oral tablets
- 3 mg oral tablets
How should I store eszopiclone?
Eszopiclone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not use it after the expiration date.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of eszopiclone?
The most common side effects of eszopiclone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Skin rash
- Anxiety
- Seeing or hearing things that are not real
- Viral infections
There may be other side effects of eszopiclone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of eszopiclone?
While less common, the most serious side effects of eszopiclone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Eszopiclone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking eszopiclone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Abnormal Thoughts or Behaviors. A variety of abnormal thoughts and behaviors have been reported during treatment with eszopiclone and other sedative-hypnotics. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Acting more outgoing or aggressive than usual
- Agitation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression that worsens
- Seeing or hearing things that are not real
Next-day Drowsiness. The morning after you take eszopiclone you may feel drowsy or dizzy. You are more likely to have drowsiness the next day if you take eszopiclone with less than a full night of sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you have to get up. Other factors that may increase your risk of next-day drowsiness include taking a higher dose, drinking alcohol, or taking other medicines that can make you drowsy. Do not drive or do other dangerous activities until you know how eszopiclone affects you.
Activities While Not Fully Awake. Eszopiclone may cause you to do an activity that you do not know you are doing. The next morning, you may not remember doing anything. Stop taking eszopiclone, and call your healthcare provider right away if you do any of the following activities while not fully awake.
- Sleep-walking
- Talking on the phone
- Driving a car, also called “sleep driving”
- Making and eating food
- Having sex
Memory Loss. Eszopiclone may cause short-term memory loss. Taking a higher dose increases the risk of this side effect. Talk with your healthcare provider if you experience any loss of memory.
Worsening of Depression and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Eszopiclone may worsen depression and cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use eszopiclone?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take eszopiclone.
- Eszopiclone
- Lunesta
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific eszopiclone products they stock.
History of Activities While Not Fully Awake. If you have done activities while you are not fully awake, such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, or making phone calls, after taking eszopiclone, your healthcare provider may recommend a different medicine for you.
What should I know about eszopiclone before using it?
Do not take eszopiclone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share eszopiclone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep eszopiclone out of the reach of children. Eszopiclone is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store eszopiclone in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.
Take eszopiclone right before getting into bed, or once you are in bed but having a hard time falling asleep. Do not take eszopiclone if you are not able to get a full night of sleep (7 to 8 hours).
Eszopiclone should not be taken with food or right after a meal. It may take longer for eszopiclone to work if you take it with food.
Eszopiclone is only meant for short-term use. If eszopiclone is not working or your sleep problems are getting worse after 7 to 10 days, talk with your healthcare provider.
Eszopiclone can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities the next day that require alertness or coordination until you feel fully awake.
People who are 65 years and older may be more sensitive to side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness, which can increase the risk of falls while taking eszopiclone. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
Eszopiclone can cause rebound insomnia the first day or two after you stop taking it. You may feel anxious or have trouble falling asleep. Talk with your healthcare provider if this lasts longer than a couple days.
WIthdrawal symptoms are possible if you stop taking eszopiclone suddenly. These symptoms may include sweating, shakiness, unpleasant feeling, or stomach and muscle cramps.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using eszopiclone?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if eszopiclone is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Substance Use Disorder. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of drug or alcohol use disorder. Eszopiclone is a controlled substance and may be misused.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems
- History of mental health conditions, including depression or thoughts of suicide
- Lung or breathing problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Other Medicines and Supplements. Eszopiclone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking eszopiclone, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how eszopiclone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if eszopiclone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does eszopiclone interact with foods or drinks?
Avoid taking eszopiclone with or immediately after a meal.
The risk of drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking eszopiclone. Do not take eszopiclone if you drink alcohol in the evening or before bed.
Does eszopiclone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking eszopiclone.
- Ketoconazole or itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), which are medicines used for fungal infections
- Clarithromycin or Rifampicin, which are medicines used for bacterial infections
- A medicine for used for HIV or AIDS, such as ritonavir (Norvir) or nelfinavir (Viracept)
- A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline or imipramine, even if it is not used for depression
- Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of eszopiclone. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with eszopiclone. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much eszopiclone?
If you or someone else has used too much eszopiclone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of eszopiclone?
Eszopiclone is only meant to be used as needed right before you go to bed. Do not take extra or double doses.
Are you currently using Eszopiclone (Lunesta)?
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