Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Oral Tablets
Lunesta is a prescription oral non-benzodiazepine hypnotic containing eszopiclone. It is used in adults for insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep and difficulty maintaining sleep, with a moderate half-life suited to overnight coverage.
- Active ingredients
- Eszopiclone
- Manufacturer
- Sunovion
- Dosage forms
- tablet
- Available dosages
- 1mg, 2mg, 3mg
- Category
- Sleep Aids and Hypnotics
What is it?
Lunesta is the original brand name for eszopiclone, marketed by Sunovion (formerly Sepracor) and approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2004. The product is supplied as oral tablets at three strengths and is dispensed only on prescription. Lunesta is intended for short to intermediate-term management of insomnia in adults whose sleep difficulties affect daytime function. Multiple authorised generics are available.
Active ingredients
Each tablet contains eszopiclone as the sole active ingredient at 1mg, 2mg or 3mg. Eszopiclone is the active S-enantiomer of zopiclone and acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor. The molecule is structurally distinct from benzodiazepines, although it acts on the same receptor complex.
Forms and dosages
Lunesta is administered orally immediately before going to bed, with at least seven to eight hours of expected sleep time. According to the prescribing information, the recommended starting dose is 1mg, with possible escalation to 2mg or 3mg if needed and tolerated. The medication should not be taken with or immediately after a high-fat meal because absorption is slowed. Doses are reduced in older adults and in hepatic impairment.
Indications
Lunesta is approved in adults for the treatment of insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep and difficulty maintaining sleep. According to international guidelines, treatment should be limited in duration with periodic reassessment, although clinical trials have evaluated longer-term use. Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia is recommended as the first-line approach for chronic insomnia where available. Lunesta is not indicated for paediatric patients.
How it works
Eszopiclone is a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor at a site close to the benzodiazepine binding site. It enhances inhibitory chloride conductance in central nervous system neurons, hyperpolarising them and producing sedation, sleep induction and prolongation of total sleep time. The terminal half-life is approximately six hours, intermediate between short-acting and long-acting hypnotics, supporting both sleep onset and sleep maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
How does Lunesta differ from Ambien? ▾
Both are non-benzodiazepine Z-drug hypnotics, but Lunesta (eszopiclone) has a longer half-life of approximately six hours compared with about 2.5 hours for Ambien (zolpidem). The longer profile of Lunesta supports both sleep onset and sleep maintenance, while Ambien is more focused on sleep onset. According to the prescribing information, the choice between them is made by the prescriber based on the type of insomnia, comorbidity and individual response.
Is the bitter taste from Lunesta normal? ▾
Yes. An unpleasant or metallic taste is one of the most common adverse effects of Lunesta and is mentioned explicitly in the prescribing information. It is not considered dangerous and tends to be reported throughout treatment. Patients can take the tablet with water and ensure it is swallowed promptly. Persistent or severe taste disturbance should be discussed with the prescriber, who may adjust the regimen.
Can Lunesta be used long-term? ▾
Lunesta is one of the few hypnotics evaluated in randomised trials lasting six months or more, which has supported approval without a strict label limit on duration in some markets. However, most clinical guidelines still recommend the shortest effective course, with periodic reassessment, because of dependence and complex sleep behaviour risks. According to the prescribing information, longer use should be supervised by the prescriber.
Are complex sleep behaviours associated with Lunesta? ▾
Yes, like other Z-drugs and benzodiazepines. Reports include sleep-walking, sleep-eating, telephoning or driving while not fully awake, mostly in patients also using alcohol, other CNS depressants or higher than recommended doses. Although uncommon, the consequences can be serious. According to regulatory communications, any episode of complex sleep behaviour is a contraindication to continued use.
What are the main contraindications for Lunesta? ▾
Lunesta is contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to eszopiclone and in patients with previous complex sleep behaviours while taking it. Caution is required in severe respiratory insufficiency, severe hepatic impairment, in older adults, in patients with substance use disorders and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. According to the prescribing information, the medical history must be reviewed by a clinician before any prescription.
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The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.