Indications
Eszopiclone is indicated for the treatment of insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep and difficulty maintaining sleep through the night. Eszopiclone is the first sedative approved long-term use
Pharmacology
Eszopiclone may interact with Gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor complexes at binding domains located close to or allosterically coupled to benzodiazepine receptors.
Dosage And Administration
The usual dose to improve or maintain sleep in most adults is 2 or 3 mg. Persons over the age of 65 years usually are treated with 1 or 2 mg. Eszopiclone should be taken immediately before going to bed since the onset of sedation may occur as rapidly as 10 minutes. It should be taken only by individuals who intend to sleep for at least 8 hours since its effects may last up to six hours.
Interaction
Alcohol (which causes sedation) and drugs that have sedating effects should not be used with Eszopiclone since their sedating effects, when added to those of Eszopiclone, may cause excessive sedation.
Contraindications
Depression, Severe Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, Severe Liver Disease, Weakened Patient, Having thoughts of Suicide.
Side Effects
Eszopiclone is generally well tolerated. However few side effects like fatigue, anorexia, nausea, unpleasant taste in the mouth, mood problems, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, asthenia, nervousness, dizziness and confusion have been reported.
Pregnancy And Lactation
Pregnancy: Category C. There is no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether the drug is excreted in breast milk. As many drugs are excreted in breast milk, caution should be exercised when Eszopiclone is administered to a nursing mother.
Precautions And Warnings
Eszopiclone like all sedatives should be taken immediately before bedtime to avoid short-term memory impairment, hallucinations, impaired coordination, dizziness and lightheadedness
Overdose Effects
There is limited clinical experience with the overdose of Eszopiclone. In clinical trials one case of overdose with up to 36 mg of Eszopiclone has been reported in which the subject fully recovered. Intravenous fluids should be administered as needed & Flumazenil may be useful.
Therapeutic Class
Miscellaneous sedatives & hypnotics
Storage Conditions
Eszopiclone is indicated for the treatment of insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep and difficulty maintaining sleep through the night. Eszopiclone is the first sedative approved long-term use