Eszopiclone is a sleeping pill. It helps you sleep if you have problems sleeping (also known as insomnia).
Take Eszopiclone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Do not take Eszopiclone for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor. See your doctor if Eszopiclone does not seem to help you.
Take it just before you go to bed. It will take effect almost immediately. You may also take it after you have gone to bed but could not fall asleep.
Try not to take this medicine after a heavy meal as it would take a longer time to take effect.
If you are taking Eszopiclone over a certain period of time, do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise as stopping it suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headache, restlessness, confusion, depression and anxiety. Your doctor will reduce the dose of Eszopiclone gradually before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Eszopiclone is used to help you sleep. You may not need to take it everyday. Take it only when you need it. If you miss a dose, take it at your next scheduled dose.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Do not give Eszopiclone to children.
Inform your doctor if you have the following:
- liver disease
- respiratory disease
- depression or history of depression including suicidal thoughts
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Take Eszopiclone only when you need to. Try not to make a habit of relying on this medicine to help you sleep.
Practise good sleeping habits to reduce reliance on sleeping pills. These are some good sleeping habits which you should follow:
- Try to relax before bedtime. Do not engage in strenuous activities.
- Try to go to bed at about the same time every night.
- Have a light dinner. A heavy dinner may disturb your sleep.
- Avoid caffeine in the evening. Caffeine-containing food and drink include coffee, tea, certain soft drinks and even chocolate.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and airy.
- Avoid taking naps especially in the late afternoon.
Eszopiclone may cause drowsiness and dizziness. This medicine may also cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. You may not feel drowsy before you fall asleep. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: dry mouth, unpleasant taste, confusion, nervousness, nausea, pain, headache and indigestion.
Eszopiclone may cause aggressiveness, hallucination, restlessness, confusion, worsening depression and chest pain in some people. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of these symptoms.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicine for lung infection known as tuberculosis e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- HIV medicines e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Eszopiclone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol as this may increase the drowsiness caused by Eszopiclone.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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