Eszopiclone

Insomnia

Treatment

0 Active Studies for Eszopiclone

What is Eszopiclone

Eszopiclone

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Eszopiclone, 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.

Lunesta

is 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 Patients

Eszopiclone 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 body

Eszopiclone 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 - Oral, , Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oropharyngeal, Oropharyngeal, Tablet, coated

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 Risk

The 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

0 Actively Recruiting

Eszopiclone Reviews: What are patients saying about Eszopiclone?

5

Patient 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!

5

Patient 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.

4.7

Patient 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.

4

Patient 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.

4

Patient 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.

4

Patient Review

9/10/2020

Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I only take this every 2-3 days to avoid becoming too reliant on it, and it really helps me sleep well. The taste is quite bitter though and lingers into the next morning, no matter how much I brush my teeth or gargle.

3.3

Patient Review

7/5/2017

Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I'm a 50 year old male who, after taking Lunesta, tried Eszopiclone 3mg for a month. I still cut the pill in 1/2 but found that it only provided 7 hours of sleep. Additionally, it left a lingering metal taste in my mouth which killed any sex drive. I'm going to switch back to Lunesta.

2.7

Patient Review

6/1/2021

Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Terrible insomnia! Maybe 6hrs a week sleep! Prescribed eszopiclone, 1st night actually got about 4hrs straight..2nd night, right back to where I started....I hate this!

2.7

Patient Review

10/30/2016

Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I experienced a metallic taste for the first few days, but other than that it worked well. I've been taking it for a month now.

2.7

Patient Review

7/30/2017

Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I was originally on Lunesta, but when I went to refill my prescription, I was given eszopiclone 3mg instead. I took it as directed, one hour before bedtime at 10 pm. However, it is now 3 am and I'm still wide awake!

2.7

Patient Review

12/21/2021

Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Though it helped me sleep, the next day I experienced intense negative emotions that weren't worth the temporary relief.

2

Patient Review

4/3/2018

Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I didn't find this treatment to be effective at all. It's not as good as Ambien and it doesn't make you feel sleepy. The taste is also really bad.

2

Patient Review

4/2/2018

Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

The aftertaste of this medication is absolutely vile. It lingers for days, and makes every meal and drink unpalatable.

2

Patient Review

9/12/2016

Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

The pill has an incredibly unpleasant taste that lingers long after you take it.

1.7

Patient Review

6/9/2016

Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Even after 24 hours, I still had an unpleasant metallic taste in my mouth. Additionally, I felt like I was in a daze the entire day.

1.7

Patient Review

5/9/2018

Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

After starting this medication, I experienced a lot of negative side effects.

1.3

Patient Review

11/9/2019

Eszopiclone for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I am having terrible, frightening nightmares... is anyone else having this problem?
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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