Eszopiclone

Insomnia
Treatment
1 Active Study for Eszopiclone

What is Eszopiclone

EszopicloneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryEszopiclone, sold under the brand name Lunesta, is a medication used to treat insomnia. It is a non-benzodiazepine sedative and part of the cyclopyrrolone drug family, which is known for being effective yet low in toxicity. Eszopiclone has been approved by the FDA for long-term use, making it a great alternative to other hypnotic sedatives that are only recommended for short-term relief (6-8 weeks). It was first approved by the FDA in 2004.
Lunestais the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Eszopiclone Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Lunesta
Eszopiclone
2005
198

Effectiveness

How Eszopiclone Affects PatientsEszopiclone helps people fall asleep quickly and stay asleep. It can also act as a muscle relaxant, but is primarily used for its sedating effects. When taking this drug, people may be less alert and have slower reflexes, and the risk of this increases with larger doses. It may also cause complex sleep behaviors and dependence. To reduce the chance of these side effects, people should take the smallest dose of eszopiclone possible, avoid drinking alcohol before or during the evening, and not drive or do activities that require full mental alertness the next morning.
How Eszopiclone works in the bodyEszopiclone works by binding to certain areas of GABA receptors. These are molecules in the brain that help keep the brain relaxed and sedated. Eszopiclone has a strong interaction with certain GABA-A receptors, which can cause the brain to become more relaxed and sleepy. This interaction is thought to be responsible for its sedative and hypnotic effects.

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended dose of Eszopiclone is contingent upon the diagnosed affliction. The quantity is subject to change, in accordance with the delivery technique (e.g. Oral or Tablet, film coated - Oral) featured in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Insomnia
, 2.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oropharyngeal, Oropharyngeal

Warnings

Eszopiclone Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Liver Failure
Do Not Combine
severe impairment of respiratory function
Do Not Combine
Myasthenia Gravis
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Eszopiclone.
Common Eszopiclone Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Azelastine
Major
Eszopiclone may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Eszopiclone.
Deutetrabenazine
Major
The risk or severity of sedation and somnolence can be increased when Eszopiclone is combined with Deutetrabenazine.
Ethanol
Major
Eszopiclone may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Ethanol.
Fluorouracil
Major
The metabolism of Fluorouracil can be decreased when combined with Eszopiclone.
Eszopiclone Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe most toxic dose of eszopiclone in rats is 980mg/kg and 3200mg/kg in rabbits. Signs of an overdose may include changes in mental status and excessive sleepiness, which are just exaggerated versions of the drug's regular effects. If an overdose is suspected, the stomach should be washed out and the patient given supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids. Vital signs should be monitored carefully and any other drugs that may have been taken should also be considered. If necessary, contact a poison control center for help in managing the overdose.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Eszopiclone Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Eszopiclone?

81 active clinical trials are underway to determine the efficacy of Eszopiclone in providing relief from Insomnia.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Insomnia
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable

Eszopiclone Reviews: What are patients saying about Eszopiclone?

5Patient Review
7/19/2019
Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping
Though it works great, the taste is incredibly off-putting. I've tried different brands and they all seem to have the same issue. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!
5Patient Review
6/16/2022
Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping
This treatment works very well for me. I have difficulty falling asleep, but once I do, I sleep soundly through the night. Additionally, I haven't noticed any negative side effects in terms of taste or otherwise.
4.7Patient Review
10/24/2014
Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping
Takes about an hour to work, but well worth the wait. Make sure you haven't had caffeine and try to exercise regularly for best results. I also found that making my bedroom as dark as possible (covering up any electronics) really helped me fall asleep soundly.
4Patient Review
8/8/2018
Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping
Eszopiclone was very effective for me, but now that I've run out I am experiencing some withdrawal symptoms. They include sleeplessness, a weird taste in my mouth, and itching/hives.
4Patient Review
10/6/2014
Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping
I was taking Lunesta but now with the generic I am using this. I find it so helpful.
View All Reviews
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Patient Q&A Section about eszopiclone

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is eszopiclone a sleeping pill?

"Eszopiclone is a medication used to treat insomnia by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep. It belongs to a class of medications called hypnotics."

Answered by AI

Is eszopiclone similar to Ambien?

"Lunesta and Ambien are both drugs that work in similar ways, but contain different ingredients. Lunesta contains eszopiclone, and Ambien contains zolpidem tartrate."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of eszopiclone?

"The most common side effects of eszopiclone include dry mouth, unusual taste, rash, and cold or flu symptoms."

Answered by AI

Is eszopiclone the same as Xanax?

"Lunesta and Xanax are both used to treat insomnia, but they work in different ways. Lunesta is a sedative hypnotic that makes you feel drowsy and relaxed. Xanax is a benzodiazepine that calms your nervous system and helps you feel less anxious."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Eszopiclone