Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 3, 2012

Lunesta

Insomnia Treatment (Sleep Aids and Stimulants) »

What is insomnia and what causes it?

Insomnia is difficulty in falling or staying asleep, the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of insomnia are:

medications,
psychological conditions (for example, depression, anxiety),
environmental changes (travel, jet lag, or altitude changes), and
stressful events or a stressful lifestyle.

Insomnia can also be caused by poor sleeping habits such as excessive daytime naps or caffeine consumption and poor sleep hygiene.

The National Center for Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health estimates 30%-40% of adults report some symptoms of insomnia each year, and about 10%-15% report they have chronic insomnia.

Insomnia may be classified by how long the symptoms are ...

Read the Insomnia Treatment (Sleep Aids and Stimulants) article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Lunesta User Reviews >>

Lunesta

Causes of Fatigue Slideshow Pictures

Is Sleepiness Hurting You?

Take the Sleep Quiz

font size

LUNESTA
(eszopiclone) Tablets 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg

DRUG DESCRIPTION

LUNESTA (Eszopiclone) is a non benzodiazepine hypnotic agent that is a pyrrolopyrazine derivative of the cyclopyrrolone class. The chemical name of eszopiclone is (+)-(5S)-6-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)-7-oxo-6,7-dihydro- 5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b] pyrazin-5-yl 4-methylpiperazine-1-carboxylate. Its molecular weight is 388.81, and its empirical formula is C₁₇H₁₇CIN₆O₃. Eszopiclone has a single chiral center with an (S)-configuration. It has the following chemical structure:

LUNESTA*
(Eszopiclone) Structural Formula Illustration

Eszopiclone is a white to light-yellow crystalline solid. Eszopiclone is very slightly soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, and soluble in phosphate buffer (pH 3.2).

Eszopiclone is formulated as film-coated tablets for oral administration. LUNESTA tablets contain 1 mg, 2 mg, or 3 mg eszopiclone and the following inactive ingredients: calcium phosphate, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. In addition, both the 1 mg and 3 mg tablets contain FD&C Blue #2.

What are the possible side effects of eszopiclone (Lunesta)?

Eszopiclone may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking eszopiclone and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using eszopiclone and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

aggression, agitation, changes in behavior;
thoughts of hurting yourself; or
hallucinations (hearing or seeing things).

Less serious side effects may...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Lunesta »

What are the precautions when taking eszopiclone (Lunesta)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: intoxication with medications that depress the nervous system or your breathing (CNS/respiratory depressants such as alcohol or tranquilizers/sedatives).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea), mental/mood problems...

Read All Potential Precautions of Lunesta »

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/26/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.