Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Drug Information

  • Why is this medication prescribed?

    Lunesta (eszopiclone) is used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Lunesta (eszopiclone) is in a class of medications called hypnotics. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.

  • How should this medicine be used?

    Lunesta (eszopiclone) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day at bedtime or after unsuccessfully trying to fall asleep. Do not take Lunesta (eszopiclone) with or shortly after a heavy, high-fat meal. Lunesta (eszopiclone) may not work well if it is taken with high fat foods. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Lunesta (eszopiclone) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

    You will probably become very sleepy soon after you take Lunesta (eszopiclone) and will remain sleepy for some time after you take the medication. You should only take Lunesta (eszopiclone) immediately before you go to bed or after you have gone to bed and have been unable to fall asleep. Only take Lunesta (eszopiclone) if you will be able to stay in bed for at least 8 hours after taking the medication. If you do not go to bed right after you take Lunesta (eszopiclone) or if you get up too soon after taking Lunesta (eszopiclone), you may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), and problems with coordination and memory.

    Your doctor may change your dose of Lunesta (eszopiclone) during your treatment. Your doctor may increase your dose to help you sleep better or decrease your dose if you are too drowsy during the daytime.

    You should be sleeping well within 7 to 10 days after you start taking Lunesta (eszopiclone). Call you doctor if your sleep problems do not improve during this time, if they get worse at any time during your treatment, or if you notice any changes in your thoughts or behavior.

    Do not stop taking Lunesta (eszopiclone) without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking Lunesta (eszopiclone) you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, unusual dreams, stomach and muscle cramps,nausea, vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and rarely, seizures.

    After you stop taking Lunesta (eszopiclone), you may have more difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep than you did before you took the medication. These sleep problems are normal and usually get better without treatment after one or two nights.

    Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with Lunesta (eszopiclone) and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.

  • Other uses for this medicine

    This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • What special precautions should I follow?

    Before taking Lunesta (eszopiclone):

    • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to irbesartan,any other medications, or any of the ingredients in irbesartan tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
    • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and selective COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex); diuretics ('water pills'); and potassium supplements.. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
    • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure, or kidney disease.
    • tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
    • you should know that irbesartan may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking irbesartan. To help avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
    • you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting. Tell your doctor if you have any of these problems or develop them during your treatment.
  • What special dietary instructions should I follow?

    Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication

  • What should I do if I forget a dose?

    Lunesta (eszopiclone) should only be taken at bedtime. If you did not take Lunesta (eszopiclone) before you went to bed and you are unable to fall asleep, you may take Lunesta (eszopiclone) if you will be able to stay in bed for at least 8 hours afterward. Do not take a double dose of Lunesta (eszopiclone) to make up for a missed dose.

  • What side effects can this medication cause?

    Lunesta (eszopiclone) may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

    • headache
    • pain
    • daytime drowsiness
    • lightheadedness
    • dizziness
    • loss of coordination
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • heartburn
    • unpleasant taste
    • dry mouth
    • unusual dreams
    • decreased sexual desire
    • painful menstrual periods
    • breast enlargement in males

    Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

    • hives
    • rash
    • itching
    • swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
    • difficulty breathing or swallowing
    • feeling that the throat is closing
    • hoarseness

    Lunesta (eszopiclone) may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

    If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

  • What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

    Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

  • In case of emergency/overdose

    In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

    Symptoms of overdose may include:

    • drowsiness
    • coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
  • What other information should I know?

    Keep all appointments with your doctor.

    Do not let anyone else take your medication. Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

    It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

  • Brand Names

      Lunesta®