Description
Eszopiclone is indicated for the treatment of insomnia.
Eszopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic drug used to treat insomnia. It is the active stereoisomer of zopiclone, belonging to the class of drugs known as cyclopyrrolones. Cyclopyrrolone drugs demonstrate high efficacy and low toxicity, offering a safer alternative to other drugs used for insomnia.
One major benefit of eszopiclone is that it is approved by the FDA for the long-term treatment of insomnia. This sets it apart from many other hypnotic sedatives, which are generally approved only for the relief of short-term (6-8 weeks) insomnia. Eszopiclone was initially approved by the FDA in 2004.
Pharmacodynamics
Eszopiclone rapidly induces sleep and decreases sleep latency. It also aids in the maintenance of sleep, preventing frequent awakenings. This drug has shown anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties in animals but is used in humans for its sedating effects.
Eszopiclone is a central nervous system depressant with various effects. These include changes in alertness and motor coordination and the risk of next morning impairment, increasing with the amount of eszopiclone administered. Exercise caution and advise against driving a motor vehicle or activities that require full mental alertness the next morning. Complex sleep behaviors may result from eszopiclone use. Eszopiclone should be discontinued in these cases.
Avoid the use of alcohol and other CNS depressants when eszopiclone is administered. Advise patients to skip the eszopiclone dose if alcohol has been consumed before bed or during the evening. Use the smallest dose of eszopiclone as possible, especially in elderly patients, who may experience exaggerated drug effects.
Though the potential for dependence and abuse with eszopiclone is lower than for other hypnotic drugs, this drug has been abused and is known to cause dependence.14
Mechanism of action
The exact mechanism of action of eszopiclone is unknown at this time but is thought to occur via binding with the GABA receptor complexes at binding sites located near benzodiazepine receptors, possibly explaining its hypnotic and sedative effects.
It has particular affinity for GABA-A (or GABAA) receptor subunits 1, 3 and 5. Eszopiclone increases GABA-A channel currents significantly. GABA-A channels are major inhibitory channels that cause CNS depression when their receptors are activated.
Side effects
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.Some medical conditions may interact with Eszopiclone.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.
Common side effects may include: day-time drowsiness, dizziness, “hangover” feeling; headache, anxiety; dry mouth; unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; rash; or cold or flu symptoms such as fever, body aches, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.
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