Generic Name: eszopiclone

How should I take eszopiclone?

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since eszopiclone is usually taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Never take this medication if you do not have at least 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an eszopiclone overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking eszopiclone?

Eszopiclone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Until you know how this medication will affect you during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking eszopiclone. It can increase some of the side effects of eszopiclone, including drowsiness. Do not take other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and medicine for depression or anxiety).

Avoid taking eszopiclone during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get at least 8 hours of sleep after taking eszopiclone.