Lunesta contains the active ingredient eszopiclone, which is a hypnotic agent of the nonbenzodiazepine class and a pyrrolopyrazine derivative. It is available in the form of film-coated tablets, with dosage strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg, intended for oral administration. Key inactive ingredients include anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide, and hypromellose lactose monohydrate.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is better to take this medication on an empty stomach and only when you are ready for bed. Do not take your medication more often than directed. If you have been taking this medication for several weeks and suddenly stop taking it, you may get unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Your care team may want to gradually reduce the dose. Do not stop taking this medication on your own. Always follow your care team's advice. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication should only be taken immediately before going to sleep. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share it with anyone. It is only for you. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date. This medication may cause harm and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of this medication as soon as you no longer need it or it has expired. You can do this in two ways: -Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location. -If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing -CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake -Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression -Unusual sleep behaviors or activities you do not remember such as driving, eating, or sexual activity Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Dizziness -Drowsiness the day after use -Dry mouth -Headache -Metallic taste in mouth

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Depression -Liver disease -Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD -Substance use disorder -Sleep-walking, driving, eating, or other activity while not fully awake after taking a sleep medication -Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member -An unusual or allergic reaction to eszopiclone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

-Lorazepam -Medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole -Olanzapine -Supplements, such as melatonin, St. John's wort, valerian

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Keep a regular sleep schedule by going to bed at about the same time nightly. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks in the evening hours, as caffeine can cause trouble with falling asleep. Talk to your care team if you still have trouble sleeping. You may do unusual sleep behaviors or activities you do not remember the day after taking this medication. Activities include driving, making or eating food, talking on the phone, sexual activity, or sleep walking. Stop taking this medication and call your care team right away if you find out you have done activities like this. Plan to go to bed and stay in bed for a full night (7 to 8 hours) after you take this medication. You may still be drowsy the morning after taking this medication. This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, such as new or worsening depression, thoughts of harming yourself, anxiety, other unusual or disturbing thoughts, or memory loss, call your care team right away. After you stop taking this medication, you may have trouble falling asleep. This is called rebound insomnia. This problem usually goes away on its own after 1 or 2 nights.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

This medicine may cause you to do activities while you are not fully awake. You may not remember doing these activities the next morning. Activities such as driving a car, eating, talking on the phone, sexual activity, or sleep-walking can happen. Rarely, serious injuries or death have occurred. Stop taking the medicine and call your healthcare professional right away if you have any of these effects.