Eszopiclone (US brand name Lunesta® and generic) is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic agent.
On this page, we will provide basic information about this medication. Links to other articles on this website with more advanced information and tips related to this medication and related topics are provided below, under the “Related Pages” section.
FDA-approved indications
Treatment of insomnia (decreases sleep latency and improves sleep maintenance)
Dosage
Initial dose: 1 mg orally, immediately before bedtime
Maximum dose (adults): 3 mg
Maximum dose in geriatric or debilitated patients: 2 mg
Maximum dose in patients with hepatic impairment or who are taking potent CYP3A4 inhibitors: 2 mg
Note:
a) Eszopiclone should not be taken with or immediately after a meal.
b) Eszopiclone should be taken only if at least 7 to 8 hours remain before the time that the person plans to wake up.
Dosage forms and strengths
Tablets: 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg
Potential side effects
Please refer to this page for a handout listing both the common and less common side effects of this medication, along with the percentage of patients who report each of them.
Important! This page does not provide all the information needed to prescribe this medication. Please refer to the full Prescribing Information (see link below) before prescribing this medication.
Related Pages
Z Drugs
Practical tips on using hypnotics: the Z drugs
How to match the patient with the right Z-drug
Give all these instructions while prescribing zolpidem
Are the Z-drugs (zolpidem and others) safe to take during pregnancy?
Hypnotic if waking up in the middle of the night?
Eszopiclone (Lunesta®): Basic Information
Zolpidem (Ambien® and Ambien CR®): Basic Information
Zaleplon (Sonata®): Basic Information
Non-Medication Interventions for Insomnia
Relaxation Practice: A Simple and Powerful Tool for Anxiety, Tension, and Insomnia
Sleep masks for better sleep
Blue-light-blocking glasses
Sleep Hygiene Worksheets-Part 1 and Part 2
Sleep log: Ten important questions about the person’s sleep
References
Eszopiclone (Lunesta®) Prescribing Information. Available at this link.
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