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EszopicloneWarningRarely, after taking this drug, people have gotten out of bed and driven vehicles while not fully awake ("sleep-driving"). People have also sleepwalked, prepared/eaten food, made phone calls, or had sex while not fully awake. Often, these people do not remember these events. This problem can be dangerous (possibly fatal) to you or to others. If you find out that you have done any of these activities after taking this medication, tell your doctor right away. You should not take this medication or similar medications (such as zaleplon, zolpidem) if you have this reaction to the medication. PrecautionsSee also Warning section. Before taking eszopiclone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to zopiclone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, lung/breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, sleep apnea), mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), personal or family history of sleepwalking, a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). The effects of this drug can last even after you wake up the next day. If you did not get 7 to 8 hours of sleep or took other medications that made you sleepy or are more sensitive to this drug, you may feel alert but not think clearly enough to drive. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can also make you more sleepy. Wait at least 8 hours after taking this drug before driving, and do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). If you take the 3 milligram dosage of eszopiclone, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness the next day. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, confusion, unsteadiness, and excessive drowsiness. These side effects can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Infants born to mothers who take this medication near the time of delivery may have undesirable effects such as excessive sleepiness. Tell your doctor if you notice such effects in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Side EffectsSee also Warning section. Dizziness, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, or difficulty with coordination may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness or falling, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. This medication may make you sleepy during the day. Tell your doctor if you have daytime drowsiness. Your dose may need to be adjusted. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: memory loss, mental/mood/behavior changes (such as new/worsening depression, abnormal thoughts, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, aggressive behavior, anxiety). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. |