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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
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 ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
severe hepatic insufficiency
Do Not Combine
severe impairment of respiratory function
Do Not Combine
Myasthenia Gravis
Do Not Combine
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.
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
93 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Eszopiclone Reviews: What are patients saying about Eszopiclone?
5Patient Review
7/19/2019 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 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 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 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 I was taking Lunesta but now with the generic I am using this. I find it so helpful.
4Patient Review
9/10/2020 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.
3.3Patient Review
7/5/2017 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.
2.7Patient Review
6/1/2021 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!
2.7Patient Review
10/30/2016 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.
2.7Patient Review
7/30/2017 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!
2.7Patient Review
12/21/2021 Though it helped me sleep, the next day I experienced intense negative emotions that weren't worth the temporary relief.
2Patient Review
4/3/2018 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.
2Patient Review
4/2/2018 The aftertaste of this medication is absolutely vile. It lingers for days, and makes every meal and drink unpalatable.
2Patient Review
9/12/2016 The pill has an incredibly unpleasant taste that lingers long after you take it.
1.7Patient Review
6/9/2016 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.
1.7Patient Review
5/9/2018 After starting this medication, I experienced a lot of negative side effects.
1.3Patient Review
11/9/2019 I am having terrible, frightening nightmares... is anyone else having this problem?
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 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