In this Article

• What is eszopiclone (Lunesta)?
• What are the possible side effects of eszopiclone (Lunesta)?
• What is the most important information I should know about eszopiclone (Lunesta)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking eszopiclone (Lunesta)?
• How should I take eszopiclone (Lunesta)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Lunesta)?
• What happens if I overdose (Lunesta)?
• What should I avoid while taking eszopiclone (Lunesta)?
• What other drugs will affect eszopiclone (Lunesta)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking eszopiclone (Lunesta)?

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking eszopiclone and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to eszopiclone.

Before taking eszopiclone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;
• sleep apnea (breathing stops while you are asleep);
• lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take eszopiclone.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Eszopiclone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The sedative effects of eszopiclone may be stronger in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take sedatives. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking eszopiclone.

Eszopiclone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Eszopiclone should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

How should I take eszopiclone (Lunesta)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take eszopiclone only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again. Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you have at least 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.

Take eszopiclone with a full glass of water.

Avoid taking eszopiclone within 1 hour after eating a high-fat or heavy meal. This will make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.

Eszopiclone is for short-term use only. Tell your doctor if your insomnia symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication for 7 to 10 nights in a row. Do not take eszopiclone for longer than 2 weeks without your doctor's advice.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking eszopiclone after taking it over several days in a row. Do not stop taking eszopiclone suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Store eszopiclone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of how many capsules have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Eszopiclone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.