ESZOPICLONETRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you have insomnia, which means you have trouble sleeping, you may be prescribedEszopiclone. You may also be familiar with its brand name, Lunesta. Eszopiclone is ahigh alert medication, which means if you do not take it exactly as prescribed it maycause illness or injury.To understand how Eszopiclone works, let’s look at what happens in your body whenyou are trying to sleep.Your brain is constantly firing information and messages to the rest of your body,telling you what to think, what to feel and what to do. When you are ready to sleep,the messages being fired in your brain slow down allowing you to fall asleep. Butwhen you have insomnia, your brain cannot slow down the messages, and you stayawake.Eszopiclone enhances a chemical in the brain called GABA, which helps calm downthe signals that are firing in your brain so you can fall asleep.Eszopiclone comes in a tablet. Doses come in either: 1 mg, 2 mg, or 3 mg tablets. Donot take more than 3 mg of Eszopiclone at one time. Your healthcare provider willdecide how much you need to take and how best to take it.Eszopiclone is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not takeEszopiclone if you are allergic to the ingredients in it.If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding tell your healthcareprovider before taking Eszopiclone. A different medication may be safer for you andyour baby.Before taking Eszopiclone, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of: liverdisease, asthma or other breathing problems, sleep apnea, or depression.20% gradient meshEszopiclone can be highly addictive. If you have a history of abuse of: street drugs,prescription medications or alcohol, tell your healthcare provider. There may be adifferent medication available for you.healthclipshealthclipsBefore taking Eszopiclone, give your healthcare provider a complete list of all othermedications you use, including vitamins and herbal supplements.healthclips(Continued on next page)healthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10044_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshESZOPICLONETRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)Some side effects of Eszopiclone include: feeling tired in the daytime, dizziness, poorconcentration, trouble with memory, anxiety, depression, nausea, constipation, drymouth, headache, mild skin rash, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.If you do notice any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider about howto manage them.Be aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Eszopiclone. Get upfrom a sitting or lying position slowly.Make sure you are fully awake before you drive or operate heavy machinery, includingyour car, while taking Eszopiclone.Be aware that alcohol can increase some side effects of Eszopiclone.When taking Eszopiclone, you may do things you don’t remember doing such as sleepeating or sleep walking. If this happens to you, stop taking Eszopiclone and call yourhealthcare provider.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your faceor throat; call 911.If you have: hallucinations, mood or behavior changes, or thoughts of hurting yourselfor others, call your healthcare provider right away.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.Take Eszopiclone exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or take it for longerthan prescribed.20% gradient meshEszopiclone is usually taken before bed. Make sure you get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleepwhen taking it.If you miss a dose, take your Eszopiclone as soon as possible.healthclipshealthclipsDo not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Eszopiclone, call 911. Anoverdose can lead to death.healthclips(Continued on next page)healthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10044_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshESZOPICLONETRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)Store Eszopiclone away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicinecabinet is not the best place because of moisture. Do not leave your medication whereit could get too hot or too cold.Always store your medication out of sight and out of reach of children to preventaccidents.When you are done taking Eszopiclone tablets, crush all of your remaining pills andmix them with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffee grounds.Do not sell or give your Eszopiclone to anyone else. It is against the law and canseriously harm anyone else taking it. Contact your local police station for moreinformation on proper disposal directions.Eszopiclone can help you get the sleep you need. But it is a powerful medicationthat should only be taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions aboutEszopiclone, ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist for more information.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10044_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
