Introduction
Eszopiclone, available under Lunesta, is an oral medication used to treat insomnia in patients. It is by nature a non-benzodiazepine and stereoisomer of the Zopiclone medication with a similar clinical profile. Eszopiclone is a medically approved short-term sedative especially suitable for the elderly. It is available as an oral formulation in both brand and generic versions.
Onset
Eszopiclone is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and obtains peak plasma concentrations within an hour of ingestion. The elimination half-life of Eszopiclone is approximately 6 hours, and it is extensively metabolized by oxidation and demethylation. It has a moderate plasma protein binding of 52% and is metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2E1 enzymes.
Strength and Doses
Eszopiclone is available in strengths of 1mg, 2mg, and 3mg, with the dose depending on the severity of your sleep disorders and the physician’s treatment plan. Usually, 1mg of the medication is taken as a starting dose that is gradually increased to 2mg or 3mg if you are not exhibiting sleep improvement with the initial amount. Care should be taken to stay within a dose of 3mg in one day. The maximum quantity in elderly patients and those with compromised metabolism should be limited to 2mg daily.
Eszopiclone Side effects
- Mild side effects-: Headache, symptoms of common cold, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Moderate side effects-: Rashes, dry mouth, dizziness.
- Severe side effects-: Abnormal thoughts and behavior, memory loss, anxiety, complex sleep behavior.
Eszopiclone side effects are usually mild to moderate intensity and reverse after some time. If the side effects intensify or don’t reverse, discontinue the medication and get urgent medical attention.
How to use it?
To use Eszopiclone in the correct manner -:
- Use it in a minimal starting dose followed by gradually increasing the strength keeping in mind your tolerance to the medicine
- Do not exceed the daily dose of 3mg daily
- Do not overdose on the drug to make up for a missed dose.
- Inform your physician about your systemic conditions like kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal disorder so your dose can be modified for safety reasons.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water instead of crushing or powdering it.
Do not use Eszopiclone in conditions of
- Allergy to the medication or its ingredients
- history of psychiatric disorders
- COPD or decreased lung function Severe liver dysfunctions
Discontinue Eszopiclone in conditions of
- Developing rashes, blisters, or anaphylactic reactions on use of the drug Pregnancy.
- Developing overdose symptoms like dizziness or excess drowsiness.
- If you’re side effects intensify on the use of the drug.
FAQ
What does Eszopiclone do?
Eszopiclone belongs to a group of CNS depressants that slow down your nervous system to improve your sleep issues. Eszopiclone helps you sleep faster and improves the overall sleep quality in the form of longer hours without frequent awakenings or disturbances. In controlled outpatient and sleep laboratory studies, Eszopiclone use at bedtime decreased sleep latency and improved sleep maintenance.
How long does Eszopiclone stay in your system?
The mean elimination half-life of Eszopiclone is less than 6 hours. It takes 24-48 hours to eliminate the drug from the system, primarily in the urine. Factors like delayed absorption because of metabolic disorders or food/fluid ingestion can lead to more extended elimination periods and affect the individual in terms of grogginess and impaired alertness.
How does Eszopiclone work
The exact mechanism of action of Eszopiclone is still under evaluation. But it is hypothesized that it is a GABA agonist by nature. The interaction of the drug with GABA-receptor complexes at binding domains close to or allosterically coupled to the benzodiazepine receptor enables its hypnotic and sedative properties and helps provide symptomatic relief to patients.
Can you buy Eszopiclone in the UK?
Eszopiclone is a prescription medication and not readily available over the counter in the UK. You need to avail it through registered pharmacies or obtain it from physician’s clinics with dispensing counters. In addition, you can order it online. Online ordering will help you get the medication quickly and effectively, which is also cost-effective.
Can you buy Eszopiclone online?
Online ordering is one of the best methods of buying Eszopiclone. Before ordering, ensure that you are not allergic to any of its ingredients, in addition to ascertaining the strength required to use. After delivery of the medication, ensure that it is within its expiry limits, along with evaluating the condition of the tablets and the package.
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