Eszopiclone (Lunesta) Uses

Eszopiclone is prescribed to people who have trouble sleeping. This includes both trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. 

There may be other uses of eszopiclone—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Eszopiclone (Lunesta) Mechanism of Action

Eszopiclone works by increasing GABA levels in the central nervous system. GABA is a natural chemical that helps to slow brain activity. Eszopiclone therefore makes you calm and sleepy.

Eszopiclone (Lunesta) Doses

Eszopiclone is available as 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg tablets. The recommended starting dose of this medicine is 1 mg immediately before bedtime, with a full night’s sleep (at least 7-8 hours) remaining before the planned awakening time. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 3 mg daily. Older adults should not take more than 2 mg of eszopiclone per day because higher doses can cause more severe side effects. Your health care professional will prescribe eszopiclone at the lowest effective dose.