Eszopiclone

Generic name: Eszopiclone
Brand names: Lunesta
Dosage form: oral tablet (1 mg; 2 mg; 3 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous anxiolytics , Antineoplastic Agents

Usage of Eszopiclone

Eszopiclone is a sedative that is used to treat insomnia. eszopiclone causes relaxation to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Eszopiclone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Eszopiclone side effects

Eszopiclone may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking eszopiclone and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; nausea, vomiting; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. This may include walking, driving, or making phone calls. If this happens to you, stop taking eszopiclone and call your doctor right away.

Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake.

Eszopiclone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

anxiety, depression, aggression, agitation;

memory problems, unusual thoughts or behavior;

thoughts of hurting yourself; or

confusion, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things).

Common side effects of eszopiclone may include:

day-time drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling;

headache, anxiety;

dry mouth;

unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;

rash; or

cold or flu symptoms such as fever, body aches, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Eszopiclone

You should not use eszopiclone if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever taken sleep medicine and engaged in activity you later don't remember.

Eszopiclone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver disease;

a breathing disorder;

depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or

drug or alcohol addiction.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

The sedative effects of eszopiclone may be stronger in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take sedatives. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking eszopiclone.

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How to use Eszopiclone

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

Initial dose: 1 mg orally once a day immediately before bedtimeMaintenance dose: 1 to 3 mg orally once a day immediately before bedtimeMaximum dose: 3 mg/dayComments:-The lowest effective dose should be used.-Patients should be monitored for cognitive and/or motor impairments, especially if this drug is used repeatedly.-Patients should be reevaluated if insomnia persists after 7 to 10 days of treatment.Use: Treatment of insomnia

Usual Geriatric Dose for Insomnia:

Initial dose: 1 mg orally once a day immediately before bedtimeMaintenance dose: 1 to 2 mg orally once a day immediately before bedtimeMaximum dose: 2 mg/dayComments:-The lowest effective dose should be used.-Patients should be monitored for cognitive and/or motor impairments, especially if this drug is used repeatedly.-Patients should be reevaluated if insomnia persists after 7 to 10 days of treatment.Use: Treatment of insomnia

Warnings

Some people using eszopiclone have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. If this happens to you, stop taking eszopiclone and call your doctor right away.

Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake.

What other drugs will affect Eszopiclone

Using eszopiclone with other drugs that make you drowsy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, other sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect eszopiclone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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