Eszopiclone: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Eszopiclone is a sedative-hypnotic medicine, meaning it slows activity in the brain to help with sleep, and is used to treat insomnia. It can help people fall asleep sooner and stay asleep, and it requires a prescription in the United Kingdom. It is available as coated tablets, and generic versions have been available since 2011-05-23.

Eszopiclone is used to treat insomnia. This includes difficulty falling asleep and difficulty staying asleep through the night. Studies showed that it reduced the time needed to fall asleep and improved the ability to stay asleep.

Its listed use is for sleep difficulties, rather than for treating an underlying physical or mental health condition. The label also states that safety and effectiveness have not been established in children.

Eszopiclone belongs to the group of sleep medicines called sedative-hypnotics. These medicines strengthen the effect of a natural chemical messenger in the brain called GABA. This messenger helps slow nerve activity, allowing the brain to become less alert and making sleep easier.

The same slowing effect can also affect concentration, coordination and reactions. This explains why sleepiness and reduced alertness may continue into the following day, even when someone feels awake.

The label lists coated oral tablets in strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg and 3 mg, including film-coated forms. The label lists a film-coated oropharyngeal tablet strength of 3 mg. The usual starting dose is 1 mg immediately before bedtime, with at least 7 to 8 hours remaining before the planned waking time.

The label lists increases to 2 mg or 3 mg when clinically indicated, with a maximum of 3 mg once daily immediately before bedtime. The label lists a maximum of 2 mg for elderly or debilitated patients, people with severe liver impairment, and people using potent CYP3A4 inhibitors. The label emphasises using the lowest effective amount.

Adjustments may be needed when other medicines that slow brain activity are used alongside eszopiclone. The label advises against administration with or immediately after a meal. A heavy, high-fat meal slows absorption and may reduce its effect on the time needed to fall asleep.

A missed bedtime dose should not be made up during the day or doubled at the next bedtime. For sleep medicines, enough time for a full night's sleep matters because alertness may remain impaired afterwards. If the planned waking time is too close, skip the missed dose and ask a pharmacist if unsure.

Available pregnancy reports are insufficient to identify whether eszopiclone increases the risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse outcomes. Animal studies found no evidence of birth malformations, but harmful effects on offspring occurred in rats exposed during pregnancy and lactation.

There are no data on its presence in human or animal milk, effects on breastfed infants, or milk production. A doctor should weigh the mother's treatment needs alongside breastfeeding benefits and possible risks.

The label specifies storage at 20° to 25° C. Keep the tablets in their original container and out of the sight and reach of children to maintain quality and support safe storage.