Eszopiclone
Eszopiclone, commonly referred to as its brand name Lunesta, is a medication used to treat insomnia. It causes relaxation, allowing you to fall asleep easier and stay asleep (1).
Similar to benzodiazepines, eszopiclone works by modulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by binding the GABA-A receptor. It differs from benzodiazepines in that it has higher selectivity for specific subunits within the GABA-A receptor, causing slightly different effects (2).
It is recommended to start eszopiclone at a dose of 1 mg. You should take eszopiclone right before you go to bed, allowing for at least seven to eight hours of sleep. The dose can be increased if needed, but it should not exceed 3 mg. The dose may need to be adjusted for certain individuals, such as those that are elderly, debilitated taking potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, or with hepatic impairment.
Additionally, you should not take eszopiclone with food or immediately after food (3).
Commonly experienced side effects with eszopiclone include:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Rash
- Headache
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Anxiety
While the above effects are fairly mild, there are other serious adverse events that can also happen with eszopiclone. These include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Memory issues
- Confusion
- Hallucinations (1)
If you experience any of these issues, contact your doctor right away.