Are you taking Eszopiclone? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Eszopiclone with certain foods, herbs, or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.
LUNESTA (eszopiclone) tablets
Go to source).
National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines.
Go to source).
References
1. LUNESTA (eszopiclone) tablets https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/021476s030lbl.pdf
2. National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
3. National Library of Medicine: Eszopiclone MedlinePlus Drug Information.https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605009.html#
Eszopiclone Interactions with Food and Herbs
High-fat meals: When Eszopiclone is taken with a high-fat meal, absorption is slowed and the efficacy of the drug on sleep onset is reduced (1✔ ✔Trusted SourceLUNESTA (eszopiclone) tablets
Go to source).
Eszopiclone Interactions with Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Eszopiclone as it can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, impaired motor control, unusual behavior and memory problems (2✔ ✔Trusted SourceNational Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines.
Go to source).
When and How to Take Eszopiclone
- Eszopiclone is available in the form of a tablet to be taken orally.
- It is usually taken once a day before bedtime or after trying to fall asleep on an empty stomach.
- This medication should not be taken with or immediately after a heavy, high-fat meal.
- Swallow the tablets as a whole instead of crushing, chewing or breaking them.
- Follow the directions exactly as given on the prescription label.
- Eszopiclone should only be taken before going to bed.
- If Eszopiclone is not taken before going to bed and are unable to sleep, it can be taken if the person can stay in bed for at least 7 to 8 hours afterwards.
- Withdrawal symptoms: If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, hallucinations, coordination and memory problems (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
National Library of Medicine: Eszopiclone MedlinePlus Drug Information.
Go to source).
References
1. LUNESTA (eszopiclone) tablets https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/021476s030lbl.pdf
2. National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
3. National Library of Medicine: Eszopiclone MedlinePlus Drug Information.https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605009.html#
