Eszopiclone: Targeting chronic insomnia

As with other hypnotics, supplement eszopiclone with sleep hygiene education and relaxation techniques.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Eszopiclone has shown efficacy for >2 weeks in primary insomnia, suggesting the agent may help treat chronic insomnia.

As with other nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics, off-label use of eszopiclone with antidepressants may help treat insomnia secondary to depressive or anxiety disorders. Research is needed to gauge the drug’s effectiveness for this use.

Related resources

• American Academy of Sleep Medicine. www.aasmnet.org
• Lunesta Web site. www.lunesta.com

Drug brand names

• Eszopiclone • Lunesta
• Ketoconazole • Nizoral
• Lorazepam • Ativan
• Olanzapine • Zyprexa
• Paroxetine • Paxil
• Trimipramine • Surmontil
• Zaleplon • Sonata
• Zolpidem • Ambien

Disclosure

Dr. Krahn reports no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.