Side Effects of eszopiclone: A Synthesis of Findings from 22 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Eszopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic that has been shown to be effective in treating insomnia. 15 , 7 , 9 , 4 , 12 These studies have shown that eszopiclone improves sleep onset time and sleep quality. 17 Furthermore, eszopiclone is considered to have a lower risk of dependence and tolerance compared to benzodiazepines. 17 However, like other sleeping pills, eszopiclone has a risk of side effects. 4

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of eszopiclone are thought to be caused by the drug's action on GABA receptors in the brain. 21 GABA receptors are receptors that regulate the function of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain. 21 GABA plays a role in inhibiting neural activity in the brain. 21 When eszopiclone acts on GABA receptors, it inhibits neural activity in the brain, inducing sleep. 21 However, it is thought that other neural activities may also be inhibited unintentionally by acting on GABA receptors, resulting in side effects. 21

Common Side Effects

Unpleasant Taste

There have been reports of people experiencing an unpleasant taste after taking eszopiclone. 7 , 9 , 4

Headache

There have been reports of people experiencing headaches after taking eszopiclone. 7 , 9

Dizziness

There have been reports of people experiencing dizziness after taking eszopiclone. 7 , 9 , 4

Sleepiness

You may feel sleepy after taking eszopiclone. 4 Sleepiness can be more severe in the elderly. 4

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

You may experience gastrointestinal symptoms after taking eszopiclone. 9 Specifically, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea have been reported. 9

Other

You may experience symptoms such as memory impairment, hallucinations, difficulty walking, and anxiety after taking eszopiclone. 9

Measures for Side Effects

Unpleasant Taste

If you experience an unpleasant taste after taking eszopiclone, taking it with water or juice may help to reduce it. 7

Headache

If you experience a headache after taking eszopiclone, taking an over-the-counter painkiller may help to reduce it. 7

Dizziness

If you experience dizziness after taking eszopiclone, be sure to stand up slowly. 7 If dizziness is severe, consult a doctor. 7

Sleepiness

You may feel sleepy after taking eszopiclone. 4 Avoid driving or operating machinery that requires concentration. 4 If you experience severe sleepiness, consult a doctor. 4

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

If you experience gastrointestinal symptoms after taking eszopiclone, dietary therapy and lifestyle changes may help reduce them. 9 Consult a doctor if the symptoms are severe. 9

Other

If you experience symptoms such as memory impairment, hallucinations, difficulty walking, and anxiety after taking eszopiclone, consult a doctor immediately. 9

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities Among Studies

Many studies have shown that eszopiclone is effective in treating insomnia. 15 , 7 , 9 , 4 , 12 It is also considered to have a lower risk of dependence and tolerance compared to benzodiazepines. 17

Differences Between Studies

The frequency and types of eszopiclone side effects may vary depending on the study. 7 , 9 , 4 This is thought to be due to differences in the age and health status of the study participants, as well as the dosage of eszopiclone. 7 , 9 , 4

Considerations for Real-Life Application

Eszopiclone is an effective medication for treating insomnia, but it also carries a risk of side effects. 4 Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take the correct dosage when taking eszopiclone. 4 Especially, avoid driving or operating machinery that requires concentration. 4 Also, consult a doctor before taking eszopiclone if you are elderly or have liver disease. 4

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the side effects of eszopiclone is still not comprehensive. 9 In particular, long-term side effects are not yet well understood. 9 Further research is also needed on effective measures for eszopiclone side effects. 9

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed on the long-term side effects of eszopiclone and effective measures for side effects. 9 Also, since eszopiclone side effects may vary from person to person, research tailored to the individual's constitution and symptoms is needed. 9

Conclusion

Eszopiclone is an effective medication for treating insomnia, but it also carries a risk of side effects. 4 It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take the correct dosage when taking eszopiclone. 4 Consult a doctor if you are concerned about side effects. 4

Literature analysis of 22 papers
Positive Content
17
Neutral Content
2
Negative Content
3
Article Type
4
0
0
8
22
1.

A comparison of the gastrointestinal side effects of two forms of erythromycin.

Author: AnastasioG D, RobinsonM D, LittleJ M, LeitchB B, PetticeY L, NortonH J

Gastrointestinal side effects

There is no evidence to suggest that erythromycin PCE (particles-in-tablet) is better tolerated than erythromycin E.E.S. (erythromycin ethylsuccinate) in terms of gastrointestinal side effects. Further research is needed to determine if there are differences in tolerance between the two formulations.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

2.

Does patient education cause side effects? A controlled trial.

Author: HowlandJ S, BakerM G, PoeT

No side effects

Informing patients about the side effects of erythromycin did not have any negative effects on compliance or treatment outcomes.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

3.

Prospective comparison of patient tolerance to enteric-coated vs nonenteric-coated erythromycin.

Author: EllsworthA J, ChristensenD B, Volpone-McMahonM T

Gastrointestinal side effects

Two common erythromycin base formulations, Erythromycin Base Filmtab and Eryc, were compared in 368 adults. Minimal differences were found between the two formulations in terms of gastrointestinal side effects. However, patients receiving erythromycin at the 2-g/d dosage level reported higher incidence rates for each of the target symptoms than did those patients treated at the 1-g/d dosage level.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

4.

Management of insomnia in elderly patients using eszopiclone.

Author: KirkwoodCynthia, BredenEricka

Insomnia treatment
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Somnolence
Unpleasant taste

Insomnia is common in older adults. This study found eszopiclone, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic, to be safe and effective in treating chronic insomnia in older adults.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

5.

Adverse Events Due to Insomnia Drugs Reported in a Regulatory Database and Online Patient Reviews: Comparative Study.

Author: BorchertJill S, WangBo, RamzanaliMuzaina, SteinAmy B, MalaiyandiLatha M, DineleyKirk E

Patient information
Postmarketing safety data
Reliability concerns

This abstract discusses the potential of online drug reviews as a source of postmarketing safety data but questions their reliability due to lack of professional review and verification.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

6.

Review of Safety and Efficacy of Sleep Medicines in Older Adults.

Author: SchroeckJennifer L, FordJames, ConwayErin L, KurtzhaltsKari E, GeeMegan E, VollmerKrista A, MergenhagenKari A

Improved sleep latency
Increased total sleep time
Dementia
Fractures
Residual daytime sedation
Serious injury
Somnolence

This review focuses on the safety and efficacy of medications used to treat insomnia in older adults. Cognitive behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene are considered initial therapy for insomnia. Benzodiazepines are discouraged in the geriatric population, especially for long-term use.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

7.

Eszopiclone (Lunesta): a new nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic agent.

Author: BrielmaierBenjamin D

Insomnia treatment

This study explores the efficacy and safety of eszopiclone, a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic, for the treatment of insomnia.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

8.

Treatment of sleep dysfunction and psychiatric disorders.

Author: BeckerPhilip M

Benzodiazepines for insomnia
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
Eszopiclone for insomnia
Lifestyle changes for insomnia
Mirtazapine for insomnia
Nefazodone for insomnia
Olanzapine for insomnia
Quetiapine for insomnia
Trazodone for insomnia
Tricyclic antidepressants for insomnia
Zaleplon for insomnia
Zolpidem for insomnia
Agitation
Side effects of antidepressants

Sleep dysfunction is common in patients with neurologic disorders and psychiatric disorders, particularly insomnia. Insomnia is often a prominent symptom in anxiety disorders and major depression. Treatment for chronic insomnia should consider underlying psychiatric conditions. For patients with mild to moderate depression and insomnia, sedating antidepressants like mirtazapine, nefazodone, or tricyclic antidepressants can be beneficial, although side effects may limit their use. Cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes show long-term efficacy in treating chronic insomnia. Sedative hypnotic agents, such as benzodiazepines and zolpidem, are commonly used, but their long-term use should be carefully monitored. Trazodone is frequently prescribed to treat insomnia during antidepressant therapy, but research on its effectiveness in psychiatric patients is limited. Atypical antipsychotic agents like quetiapine or olanzapine may be used to address severe insomnia and agitation. It is essential to rule out underlying sleep disorders if insomnia or hypersomnia persists even after improvement in mood, anxiety, or thought disorders.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

9.

Eszopiclone: its use in the treatment of insomnia.

Author: MontiJaime M, Pandi-PerumalS R

Insomnia treatment
Euphoria effects
Withdrawal symptoms

Eszopiclone is a sleep medication that works by binding to the GABA(A) receptor. It has been shown to be effective and safe for treating chronic insomnia in both young and elderly adults.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

11.

Orexin receptor antagonists differ from standard sleep drugs by promoting sleep at doses that do not disrupt cognition.

Author: UslanerJason M, TyeSpencer J, EddinsDonnie M, WangXiaohai, FoxSteven V, SavitzAlan T, BinnsJacquelyn, CannonChristopher E, GarsonSusan L, YaoLihang, HodgsonRobert, StevensJoanne, BowlbyMark R, TannenbaumPamela L, BrunnerJoseph, McdonaldTerrence P, GotterAnthony L, KudukScott D, ColemanPaul J, WinrowChristopher J, RengerJohn J

Improved sleep
Reduced cognitive impairment

This study compared the effects of eszopiclone, zolpidem, diazepam, and DORA-22 on sleep and cognitive function in rats and monkeys. DORA-22, a dual orexin receptor antagonist, showed a wider therapeutic margin for sleep versus cognitive impairment compared to the other compounds tested, suggesting it may be a better tolerated treatment for insomnia.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

12.

Zolpidem: Efficacy and Side Effects for Insomnia.

Author: EdinoffAmber N, WuNatalie, GhaffarYahya T, PrejeanRosemary, GremillionRachel, CogburnMark, ChamiAzem A, KayeAdam M, KayeAlan D

Insomnia treatment
Side effects

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or nonrestorative sleep. The most effective treatments involve cognitive behavioral therapy in conjunction with pharmacotherapy. Zolpidem is one of the most used hypnotics for insomnia, but it has a wide variety of adverse effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

13.

Which medications are safe and effective for improving sleep at high altitude?

Author: LuksAndrew M

Sleep improvement
Hypoventilation

This review article examined various medications studied for improving sleep at high altitude, focusing on their efficacy and safety.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

15.

Insomnia.

Author: HolzingerErik

Daytime well being improvement
Insomnia treatment

The availability of new hypnotics like eszopiclone offers safer and more effective treatment for chronic insomnia, but challenges remain in addressing the underlying causes of insomnia.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

16.

Efficacy and safety of nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics for chronic insomnia in patients with bipolar disorder.

Author: SchafferCharles B, SchafferLinda C, MillerAmber R, HangEvelyn, NordahlThomas E

Insomnia treatment

Insomnia is a common problem in patients with bipolar disorder. Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (NBZHs) are often used to treat insomnia in these patients, but there is no specific FDA indication for their use.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

17.

Pharmacological advances in the treatment of insomnia.

Author: RicheySarah M, KrystalAndrew D

Anxiety improvement
Insomnia treatment
Mood improvement
Limited data
Side effect profile

New pharmacological treatments for insomnia are being actively sought.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

18.

Reintroduction of quazepam: an update on comparative hypnotic and adverse effects.

Author: MoniriNader H

Insomnia treatment
Drowsiness
Rebound insomnia
Tolerance

This review provides an update on quazepam, a benzodiazepine recently reintroduced for insomnia treatment. Quazepam's unique pharmacological characteristics, including selectivity for sleep-promoting GABA-A receptors, suggest a decreased rate of adverse events compared to other benzodiazepines.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

19.

Emerging role of orexin antagonists in insomnia therapeutics: An update on SORAs and DORAs.

Author: KumarAnil, ChananaPriyanka, ChoudharySupriti

Anxiety
Cognitive dysfunction
Dependence
Hangover
Muscular atonia
Rebound insomnia
Respiratory inhibition
Tolerance

Orexin neuropeptides are regulators of transition between wakefulness and sleep. Orexin receptor antagonists are being developed as novel strategies for the treatment of sleep disorders.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

20.

Effects of a short course of eszopiclone on continuous positive airway pressure adherence: a randomized trial.

Author: LettieriChristopher J, ShahAnita A, HolleyAaron B, KellyWilliam F, ChangAudrey S, RoopStuart A,

CPAP adherence

A short course of eszopiclone during the first 2 weeks of CPAP improved adherence and led to fewer patients discontinuing therapy compared to placebo.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

21.

Potentiating effect of eszopiclone on GABA(A) receptor-mediated responses in pedunculopontine neurons.

Author: YeMeijun, Garcia-RillEdgar

Hypnotic effect
Less side effects

This study investigated the effects of eszopiclone (ESZ), a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic agent, on GABA(A) receptors in the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) of rat brainstem slices. ESZ potentiated GABA(A) inhibition in the PPN via pre- and post-synaptic modulation, suggesting a mechanism for its hypnotic effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

22.

Novel pharmacological treatments for generalized anxiety disorder: Pediatric considerations.

Author: SonmezA Irem, AlmorsyAmmar, RamseyLaura B, StrawnJeffrey R, CroarkinPaul E

GAD undertreatment
Pediatric anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common, impairing, and often undertreated condition in children. This review discusses the potential of targeting GABA and glutamate neurotransmitter systems for the development of new treatments for pediatric GAD.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

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