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What Is Eszopiclone?

Eszopiclone is a prescription sedative-hypnotic used for insomnia. It reduces the time needed to fall asleep and improves sleep maintenance. Tablets come in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg strengths. Eszopiclone is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States.

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What Is Eszopiclone?

Eszopiclone is a prescription sedative-hypnotic used for insomnia. It reduces the time needed to fall asleep and improves sleep maintenance. Tablets come in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg strengths. Eszopiclone is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States.

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How Does Eszopiclone Affect Sleep?

The exact mechanism of eszopiclone is unknown. Its hypnotic effect is thought to involve interaction with GABA receptor complexes at binding domains close to benzodiazepine receptor sites. This activity increases inhibitory signaling in the central nervous system and promotes sleep.

Who Is Treated With Eszopiclone?

Eszopiclone is indicated for treatment of insomnia in adults. Clinical studies show reductions in sleep latency and improvement in sleep maintenance. Current labeling does not establish pediatric safety or efficacy, and lower maximum doses apply to older or debilitated adults.

How Is Eszopiclone Dosed?

The recommended adult starting dose is 1 mg once nightly immediately before bedtime, with at least seven to eight hours remaining before planned awakening. The dose can increase to 2 mg or 3 mg when clinically indicated. The maximum is 3 mg nightly, while older or debilitated adults have a 2 mg maximum.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Eszopiclone?

Eszopiclone carries a boxed warning for complex sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking, sleep driving, and other activities performed while not fully awake. Serious injury or death has occurred. Other concerns include next-day impairment, central nervous system depression, abnormal behavior, severe hypersensitivity, worsening depression or suicidal thinking, falls, and withdrawal symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eszopiclone

What condition does eszopiclone treat?

Eszopiclone treats insomnia and has been shown to reduce sleep latency and improve sleep maintenance.

What is the usual starting dose?

The recommended adult starting dose is 1 mg immediately before bedtime.

What is the maximum adult dose?

The maximum recommended adult dose is 3 mg once nightly.

Does eszopiclone have a boxed warning?

Yes. The boxed warning covers complex sleep behaviors that have caused serious injury or death.

References

DailyMed - ESZOPICLONE tablet, film coated. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=45558f0a-83f1-49b9-ab18-f436c0be9677. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Eszopiclone. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548047/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Eszopiclone. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605009.html. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Eszopiclone. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/969472. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

FDA Adds Boxed Warning for Risk of Serious Injuries Caused by Sleepwalking With Certain Prescription Insomnia Medicines. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/certain-prescription-insomnia-medicines-new-boxed-warning-due-risk-serious-injuries-caused. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.