What is Eszopiclone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow all the prescriber’s directions.

Do not increase the dose. If the medicine does not seem to work, talk to the prescriber.

Take the tablet at night right before bedtime. Only take the tablet if you can stay in bed for seven or eight hours before being active again.

Take the tablet on an empty stomach. Do not take eszopiclone tablets during or immediately after a meal.

Do not take eszopiclone tablets on evenings when alcohol has been consumed.

Store eszopiclone tablets at room temperature.

Only take a missed dose if you have at least seven hours to stay in bed before being active again.

If you don’t, skip the missed dose.

Take the next night’s dose as directed.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to eszopiclone.

The prescriber may need to check on your progress. Keep all appointments.

Tell other doctors and healthcare providers that you are taking eszopiclone.

Before starting eszopiclone, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Liver problems

• A history of alcohol or drug abuse

• A history of depression, mental illness, or thoughts of suicide

This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially first thing the next morning. It may also cause decreased alertness or trouble with thinking or coordination, which may lead to falls or injuries. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Eszopiclone can cause strange behaviors during sleep such as driving, eating, having sex, sleepwalking, or making phone calls while not fully awake. These events may not be remembered in the morning. Contact the prescriber if you have learned that this has happened. The drug will need to be discontinued.

This medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Immediately tell the doctor if you have thoughts of hurting yourself.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without contacting the prescriber. The doctor may need to prescribe lower doses before you can stop.

Eszopiclone can be habit-forming. Do not increase the dose. Contact the prescriber if you think your medicine is not working.

If the medication hasn’t helped you sleep after seven to 10 days of dosing, contact the prescriber.

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the doctor about all the medicines and supplements you take, particularly: 

• Clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, olanzapine, Paxlovid, rifampicin, ritonavir, troleandomycin.

Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Do not use this medicine if you have had alcohol the same evening.