Eszopiclone

What is Eszopiclone?

Eszopiclone is a “Sleeping pill” used to treat a special sleep disorder (insomnia). It may help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up less frequently at night, allowing you to get a better night's sleep. Eszopiclone drug class is “sedative-hypnotic”. It provides a calming effect on your brain.

“Eszopiclone” is typically used for short treatment periods of 1 to 2 weeks or less. If your insomnia continues, consult your doctor to determine whether you require additional treatment.

How to use Eszopiclone?

Before you start using eszopiclone, and each time you get a fill-up, read the Medication Guide provided by your doctor.

• Take this medication by mouth, usually just before going to bed, as prescribed by your doctor.

• It may not work as well if taken with or immediately after a high-fat or heavy meal. The dosage is decided by your medical condition, age, liver function, other types of medication you may be taking, and treatment response.

• If you take more of this medication than prescribed, your chances of experiencing side effects will increase. The recommended starting dose is 1 mg dosage at bedtime. Eszopiclone dosage reduces the risk of having difficulty doing activities that require alertness safely the next day (such as driving or operating machinery). Also, you may not be fully alert the next day, even if you believe you are.

• If you have been prescribed Lunesta 3mg eszopiclone, you should avoid doing activities that require alertness the next day.

• If you are over the age of 65 or have liver disease, a low dose will usually be prescribed to reduce your chances of being impaired the next day. Do not discontinue your medication without first consulting your doctor.

• Do not take Eszopiclone unless you have time to sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours. If you have to wake up before that, you may symptom some memory loss and have trouble functioning in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, safely.

• If you stop taking this medication abruptly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, stomach cramps, nervousness, and shakiness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may start reducing your dose. Withdrawal is more likely if you've been taking eszopiclone for a long time or at high doses.

• Regardless of the fact that it benefits many people, this medication can sometimes lead to addiction. If you experience a substance use disorder (such as overuse or addiction to drugs/alcohol), your risk may be increased. To reduce the risk of addiction, take this medication exactly as prescribed. 

• You may have difficulty sleeping the first few nights after discontinuing this medication. This is known as rebound insomnia, and it is completely normal. It usually goes away after one or two nights. If this effect persists, consult your doctor.

Side Effects of Eszopiclone

• Dizziness 
  
• Dry mouth, an unpleasant taste 
• Difficulty with coordination. 
• Eszopiclone may cause daytime sleepiness.

The doctor has “prescribed Eszopiclone” because the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Most who take this medication have no serious side effects.

Serious side Effects:

• Memory loss
• Mental/mood/behavior changes 
• Worsening 
• Depression
• Abnormal thoughts
• Suicidal thoughts
• Hallucinations 
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Aggressive behavior

Eszopiclone causes a severe allergic reaction. However, seek medical care immediately

If you notice any of the following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling 
• Dizziness

Precautions

If you are allergic to it, Eszopiclone, or any other medicines Consult your doctor. This medication causes allergic reactions or other problems. 

Tell your doctor if you have:

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Lung/breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, and sleep apnea).

• Mental/mood problems (such as depression, and suicidal thoughts).

• A personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse or addiction to drugs/alcohol).

• Family history of sleepwalking

This drug's effects can persist even after you wake up the next day. You may feel alert but not think properly enough to drive if you did not get 7 to 8 hours of sleep.

If you take other medicines that made you sleepy, or if you are more sensitive to this drug. You may become drowsier if you consume alcohol or cannabis. 

Wait at least 8 hours after taking Eszopiclone before driving, operating machinery, or performing any other task that requires alertness until you can do so safely.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the Eszopiclone side effects, primarily 

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Unsteadiness

These side effects may increase your chances of falling. 

This medication should be used only when clearly required during pregnancy. Infants born to mothers who use this medication near the time of delivery may experience unwanted side effects such as excessive sleepiness. Notify your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.  It is unknown if this medication is absorbed in breast milk. 

FAQS

1) Is Eszopiclone a sleeping medicine?

Ans: Yes! “Eszopiclone is a sleep medicine” (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Eszopiclone belongs to the hypnotic medication class. It works by slowing brain activity to allow for sleep.

2) Is it safe to take Eszopiclone every night?

Ans: If required, you can take eszopiclone (Lunesta) every night. Unlike some other insomnia medications, eszopiclone (Lunesta) is not limited to short-term use.

3) What is Eszopiclone used for?

Ans: Eszopiclone is a sleep medication (trouble sleeping). It is in the class of medications known as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which slow down the nervous system. Eszopiclone allows you to sleep faster and for longer periods of time.

4) Is it safe to take eszopiclone?

Sleep behavior warning: Complex sleep behaviors, including:

• Sleepwalking
• Sleep-driving
• Engaging in other activities while not fully awake may occur following the use of eszopiclone.
• Some of these occurrences may cause serious injuries, including death.

5) Who should avoid Eszopiclone?

Ans: You should avoid using eszopiclone if you are allergic to it or if you have ever taken sleep medication and then engaged in an activity that you later forget. Eszopiclone is not approved for use by anyone under the age of 18.

6) How long can Eszopiclone be taken?

Ans: If you believe you need to take eszopiclone for more than 7 to 10 days, consult your doctor. Insomnia that lasts longer than this may indicate another medical issue.