Eszopiclone widely branded as Lunesta is a drug easily available as generic medicine to treat insomnia- a condition referred to trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or both.

Type of Eszopiclone

·         Eszopiclone is a prescription medication. It comes only as an oral tablet.

·         Eszopiclone is a controlled substance. This means that your doctor will closely monitor your use of this medicine.

Why used

Eszopiclone is used to treat insomnia. With this condition, you may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.

How it works

The exact functioning of eszopiclone is unknown. However, it can increase the amount of a natural chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This chemical slows down your brain activity and helps you sleep.

You should not take eszopiclone, in condition when you are not able to get atleast 7-8 hours of sleep.  In addition, you should take this medicine just before going to bed. You should not take it sooner.

Precautions

·         Inform your pharmacist of any allergic reaction to the drug to zopiclone or any other allergies.

·         Inform doctor of any medical history specially of Kidney disease, liver disease, lung/breathing problem, mental/ mood problems, family history of substance use abuse and disorder, personal history of sleep-walking and muscle disease.

·         You must take the drug and get atleast 7 to 8 hours of sleep , also you should be careful while mixing the drug with other medications or sensitive drug.

·         Alcohol or marijuana can also make you sleepy. Take atleast 8 hours of rest before driving or performing any work on machinery or do anything that needs alertness.

Side effects of eszopiclone

The most common side effects of eszopiclone may include:

·         Unpleasant taste in the mouth

·         Dry mouth

·         Drowsiness

·         Reckless

·         Dizziness

·         Headache

·         Cold symptoms, such as sneezing or runny nose

Serious side effects

·         Extreme sleepiness during the day

·         Do an activity while you are not fully awake (you may not remember). Examples may include:

·         Prepare and eat food

·         Speaking

·         Abnormal thoughts and behavior Symptoms may include:

·         Acting more outgoing or aggressive than normal

·         Confusion

·         Agitation

·         Hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that is not real)

·         New or aggravating symptoms of depression, such as:

·         Sadness

·         Loss of interest