Eszopiclone Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia

Initial dose: 2 mg orally immediately before bedtime

The dose may be initiated at or raised to 3 mg if clinically indicated, since 3 mg is more effective for sleep maintenance.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Insomnia

For elderly patients whose primary complaint is difficulty falling asleep:
Initial dose: 1 mg orally immediately before bedtime.
The dose may be increased to 2 mg if clinically indicated.

For elderly patients whose primary complaint is difficulty staying asleep:
Initial dose: 2 mg orally immediately before bedtime.

Renal Dose Adjustments

No dosage adjustment is necessary.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Systemic exposure has been reported to be doubled in patients with severe liver disease. In patients with severe liver disease, the dose should be 1 mg immediately before bedtime.

No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild or moderate liver disease. If a patient has mild to moderate liver disease, following the standard dosage regimen is recommended.

Dose Adjustments

Impaired motor and/or cognitive performance after repeated exposure or unusual sensitivity to sedative/hypnotic drugs is a concern in the treatment of debilitated patients. If this patient is debilitated, then the recommended initial dose of eszopiclone is 1 mg immediately before bedtime.

Precautions

Eszopiclone should be taken immediately before bedtime. Taking a sedative/hypnotic while still up and about may result in short-term memory impairment, hallucinations, impaired coordination, dizziness, and lightheadedness.

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients (less than 18 years of age).

Dialysis

No dosage adjustment is necessary.

Other Comments

The effects of eszopiclone on sleep onset may be reduced if it is taken with or immediately after a high-fat/heavy meal.

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