Eszopiclone is a non benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic medication used for the treatment of insomnia. It is the active ingredient in Lunesta and is designed to help reduce the amount of time required to fall asleep while also improving sleep maintenance throughout the night. Health Canada currently lists Lunesta and generic eszopiclone 3mg tablets as marketed prescription medications in Canada.
Eszopiclone belongs to the cyclopyrrolone class of hypnotic medications and is the S isomer of zopiclone. Although it is chemically different from benzodiazepines, its sleep promoting activity is believed to involve interaction with GABA receptor complexes at sites associated with benzodiazepine receptors. Enhancement of inhibitory GABA signaling reduces central nervous system activity and promotes sleep.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that eszopiclone can decrease sleep latency and improve sleep maintenance, making it useful for adults experiencing difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, or both.
Eszopiclone is rapidly absorbed following oral administration, reaching peak plasma concentrations in approximately one hour. Its elimination half-life is approximately six hours, allowing the medication to maintain sleep promoting activity through much of the night. Metabolism occurs primarily through the CYP3A4 and CYP2E1 enzyme systems.
This product provides:
- Active Ingredient: Eszopiclone
- Strength: 3mg per tablet
- Quantity: 100 Tablets
- Drug Class: Non Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotic
- Dosage Form: Oral Tablet
- Common Brand: Lunesta
- Primary Use: Treatment of Insomnia
The 3mg strength is the highest marketed tablet strength of Lunesta. Higher nighttime exposure with the 3mg dose can increase the risk of impaired alertness and coordination the following day. Patients taking this strength may experience next day impairment even when they feel fully awake.
Eszopiclone can cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and an unpleasant or metallic taste. Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants can significantly increase sedation and psychomotor impairment and should not be combined with eszopiclone unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.
An important safety warning involves complex sleep behaviors, including sleepwalking, preparing food, making phone calls, or driving while not fully awake. Serious injuries and deaths have been reported in association with these behaviors. Eszopiclone should be discontinued and medical advice obtained if a complex sleep behavior occurs.
Regular use can also result in tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms, particularly following abrupt discontinuation after prolonged treatment. Treatment should therefore be individualized and managed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Eszopiclone 3mg is a prescription medication in Canada and should be used only after appropriate assessment of persistent sleep difficulties.
