• Uses

This medication is used to treat sleep problems (insomnia). It may help you fall asleep faster, sleep better during the night, and stay asleep longer. Eszopiclone belongs to a class of drugs known as hypnotics.

• Directions

Take this medication by mouth usually once nightly, immediately before going to bed, or as directed by your doctor. Do not take it with or immediately after a high-fat or heavy meal. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or break the tablet unless instructed by your doctor.
Although unlikely, this drug can infrequently cause temporary memory loss. To avoid this effect, do not take a dose of this drug unless you have time for a full night's sleep that lasts at least 7-8 hours. For example, do not take this drug during an overnight plane flight of less than 8 hours.

• Side Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, and unpleasant taste may occur. To minimize the risk of falls, remember to get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
This medication may make you sleepy during the day. Tell your doctor if you have daytime drowsiness. Your dose may need to be adjusted.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., worsening depression, hallucinations, agitation, or rare thoughts of suicide), memory problems, loss of coordination, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat).

• Precautions

30Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea), mental/mood problems (e.g., depression), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol/other substances.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase the risk of side effects.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially drowsiness and dry mouth.

• Drug Interactions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs affecting enzymes that remove this medication from your body (e.g., azole antifungals such as ketoconazole and itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin, nefazodone, certain HIV medications such as ritonavir and nelfinavir, rifampin).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), other medicines for sleep (e.g., zolpidem), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers.

• Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: confusion, fainting, or a deep sleep from which you cannot be awakened.

• Missed dosage

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is still near bedtime and you have trouble falling asleep. If it is already the next day, resume your usual dosing schedule that night at bedtime. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.