Health Library

Eszopiclone (By mouth)

Eszopiclone (es-zoe-PIK-lone)

Treats insomnia (trouble sleeping).

Brand Name(s):

Lunesta

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• This medicine is usually taken just before bedtime, or when you are having trouble falling asleep. Do not take this medicine if you are not able to sleep for 7 to 8 hours before you need to be active again.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. This medicine should not be taken with food or right after a heavy meal.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Use this medicine only when you cannot sleep. You do not need to take it on a schedule.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how eszopiclone works. Tell your doctor if you are using clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, olanzapine, rifampin, ritonavir, or troleandomycin.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Do not use this medicine if you have drank alcohol the same evening or just before bedtime.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, lung disease, breathing problems, or a history of alcohol or drug addiction, depression, or mental health problems.
• This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially first thing the next morning. It may also cause decreased alertness or trouble with thinking or trouble with controlling body movements, which may lead to falls. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may cause unusual moods and behaviors. You may also do things while you are still asleep that you may not remember the next morning, including driving, eating, having sex, sleepwalking, or making phone calls. Tell your doctor right away if you have learned that this has happened.
• This medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourself.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Call your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping after you take this medicine for 7 to 10 days.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, aggression, confusion, depression, nervousness, unusual moods or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself
• Memory loss
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Daytime drowsiness, dizziness, or headache
• Dry mouth, unpleasant taste

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024