Lunesta

Eszopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine, oral, sedative drug ("sleeping pill") that is used for treating insomnia. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 50 million Americans suffer from insomnia. Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, awakening frequently during the night, waking up too early, an inability to fall back to sleep, or awakening in the morning not feeling refreshed. Most drugs that have been used to treat insomnia are benzodiazepines, for example, flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), tirazolam (Halcion), and temazepam (Restoril). zolpidem (Ambien) was the first non-benzodiazepine approved for insomnia in over 20 years. Eszopiclone is unique in that it is the only drug used for insomnia that has been shown to be safe and effective for up to six months. Eszopiclone was approved by the FDA in December, 2004.

Side Effects

 Patients taking eszopiclone or any other sedative drug may develop dependence on the drug for sleep and experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. The most common side effects of eszopiclone are dizziness and loss of coordination.