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Eszopiclone oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthsDosageFAQHow it’s takenCouponOverdoseAsk your doctorBoxed warning
Doctors prescribe eszopiclone oral tablet for insomnia. You take it by mouth once per day immediately before bedtime.
Medically reviewed by Amber R. Watson, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes eszopiclone oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for eszopiclone. If you want to know more about eszopiclone oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.

Eszopiclone oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Lunesta.

Eszopiclone oral tablet is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. A controlled substance is a drug the government regulates due to the risk of misuse or dependence. This means doctors and pharmacists must follow strict rules when prescribing and dispensing eszopiclone oral tablet. These rules are in place to help reduce the risk of misuse and dependence.

Boxed warning: Risk of unusual sleep behaviors

Eszopiclone has a boxed warning for the risk of unusual sleep behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Unusual sleep behaviors may include sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and engaging in activities when you aren’t fully awake.

See the end of this article for more information about this warning.

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Form and strengths of eszopiclone

Eszopiclone oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: oral tablet that you swallow
  • Strengths: 1 milligram (mg), 2 mg, 3 mg

Dosage of eszopiclone

This article describes the recommended dosages for eszopiclone oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of eszopiclone in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for insomnia (trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both):

  • Starting dosage: 1 mg per day at bedtime
  • Maintenance dosage: individualized dose up to 3 mg per day at bedtime
  • Maximum dosage: 3 mg per day

Dosage adjustments for eszopiclone

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

  • your age
  • how well your liver works
  • other health conditions you may have
  • other medications you may be taking

Your doctor may decrease your maximum dosage of eszopiclone tablet if you are older than age 65 years or if you have liver problems. Your doctor can advise whether a dosage adjustment is needed.

Missed dose of eszopiclone

Eszopiclone should be taken right before bedtime. You can take a missed dose as long as you have at least 7 to 8 hours left to sleep. Taking the drug when you’re unable to dedicate this amount of time to sleep increases your risk of feeling drowsy the next day. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

For tips on how to plan your doses of eszopiclone oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about eszopiclone oral tablet and its dosage.

Is it safe to take 6 mg of eszopiclone?

No, the maximum dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet is 3 mg per day. Taking too much of this medication can cause dangerous levels of the drug in your body. And that can lead to serious side effects.

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet that’s right for you. Be sure to take eszopiclone tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes.

To learn more about dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet, talk with your doctor. You can also see the section above, “Dosage of eszopiclone.”

What is the highest recommended dose of eszopiclone?

The highest recommended dose of eszopiclone oral tablet for most adults is 3 mg per day. Usually, your doctor will start you on a lower dose. If needed, your doctor may increase your dose up to 3 mg per day.

Be sure to take eszopiclone oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes. For more information on dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet, talk with your doctor. You can also see the section above, “Dosage of eszopiclone.”

Will my dose of eszopiclone be calculated by my weight?

No, the dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet isn’t calculated by weight. The drugmaker provides recommended dosages of eszopiclone. Your doctor will likely start by prescribing a low dosage and then increase it as needed to a dosage that’s right for you.

For dosage information, see the section above, “Dosage of eszopiclone.” Or you can look at the drug’s prescribing information.

If you have questions about your dosage of eszopiclone, talk with your doctor.

Is eszopiclone taken long term?

No, doctors don’t typically prescribe eszopiclone oral tablet as a long-term treatment. In studies, the drug was prescribed for up to 6 months. However, eszopiclone is usually recommended for up to 10 days as a short-term treatment for insomnia (trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both).

If your insomnia persists after 10 days of eszopiclone treatment, talk with your doctor. They may check for other causes of insomnia and can recommend whether you should continue to take eszopiclone.

If you have questions about how long you should take eszopiclone oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How eszopiclone is taken

You’ll swallow eszopiclone oral tablet once per day before bedtime when you have at least 7 to 8 hours to sleep. Taking your dose too early may make you feel sleepy before your scheduled bedtime. Taking it too late may decrease your alertness the next day.

Eszopiclone should not be taken with food, especially high fat meals. Food can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

Do not consume alcohol while taking eszopiclone oral tablet. If you drank alcohol in the evening or before bed, don’t take your dose that night.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

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Overdose of eszopiclone

It’s important that you do not take more eszopiclone oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of eszopiclone overdose

Signs and symptoms of an eszopiclone overdose can include changes in the level of consciousness ranging from excessive sleepiness to coma.

What to do if you take too much eszopiclone

If you think you’ve taken too much eszopiclone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for eszopiclone oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take eszopiclone oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • How does the dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet compare with the dosage of Lunesta?
  • How often will my dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet be adjusted?
  • If I have liver problems, what is my dosage of eszopiclone oral tablet?

Boxed warning for eszopiclone

Eszopiclone has a boxed warning for the risk of unusual sleep behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Unusual sleep behaviors can occur with your first dose or following doses of eszopiclone oral tablet. Your risk may increase as you continue taking the drug. These behaviors may include:

  • sleepwalking
  • sleep-driving
  • making and eating food
  • talking on the phone
  • engaging in other activities when you’re not fully awake

It’s possible that you won’t recall these behaviors the next day. However, unusual sleep behaviors can result in serious injuries that may be life threatening. Talk with your doctor to learn more about this warning.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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