Eszop 3 mg

Description

Overview

Eszop 3 mg Tablet is a high-potency prescription medication specifically formulated for the management of severe and treatment-resistant insomnia. As a member of the non-benzodiazepine hypnotic class, it offers a targeted therapeutic action by modulating specific receptors in the brain (GABA receptors). This action effectively calms hyperactive brain activity, quiets racing thoughts, and facilitates a rapid transition to sleep. The 3 mg strength is reserved for patients who have not achieved adequate therapeutic benefit from lower doses (1 mg or 2 mg) of eszopiclone.

Key Features and Benefits

• High-Strength Efficacy: Designed for severe, chronic, or lower-dose resistant insomnia, providing a more potent sedative-hypnotic effect.
• Rapid Sleep Onset: Significantly reduces the time taken to fall asleep, often within 20-30 minutes of ingestion.
• Sustained Sleep Maintenance: Promotes a consolidated sleep architecture, ensuring 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted rest and significantly reducing instances of nighttime awakenings.
• Anxiolytic Effect for Sleep: Particularly effective for individuals whose insomnia is driven or worsened by anxiety and stress, as it helps to quieten the mind.
• Improved Daytime Function: By enhancing the quality and duration of nighttime sleep, it contributes to improved alertness, concentration, and overall well-being the following day.

Indications and Usage

Eszop 3 mg is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by:

• Severe difficulty in falling asleep
• Frequent awakenings throughout the night
• Waking too early and being unable to return to sleep

Dosage and Administration

• Route of Administration: Oral
• Recommended Dose: One 3 mg tablet, taken immediately before bedtime.
• Instructions: Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablet.
• Timing: Only take Eszop 3 mg when you are able to dedicate a full 7-8 hours to uninterrupted sleep.
• Important: This medication must be used exactly as prescribed by a physician. Do not increase the dose or duration of use without medical consultation.

Contraindications

Eszop 3 mg should not be used by patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to eszopiclone or any other ingredients in the tablet.
• Severe hepatic impairment (severe liver disease).

Warnings and Precautions

• Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression: Eszop causes drowsiness and sedation. It can be potentiated by other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, antipsychotics, sedative antihistamines, other sleep aids), increasing the risk of severe sedation, respiratory depression, and coma. Avoid concurrent use.
• Next-Day Impairment: Patients may experience residual drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired coordination the morning after use. Exercise extreme caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing activities requiring mental alertness.
• Abnormal Behaviors: Complex sleep-related behaviors such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, preparing and eating food, making phone calls, or having sex while not fully awake have been reported. Discontinue use immediately if such episodes occur.
• Memory Impairment: May cause anterograde amnesia (memory loss for events occurring hours after taking the drug), especially if sleep is not uninterrupted.
• Tolerance and Dependence: There is a risk of developing dependence, especially with prolonged use. Abrupt discontinuation may lead to withdrawal symptoms (rebound insomnia, anxiety, nausea). Therapy should be tapered under medical supervision.
• Special Populations: Use with extreme caution in patients with respiratory depression, depression, a history of drug abuse, and in the elderly or debilitated patients (due to increased sensitivity).

Adverse Effects (Side Effects)

Very Common (>10%):

• Unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth (dysgeusia)
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness, dizziness

Common (1-10%):

• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Rash
• Viral infections
• Chest pain
• Somnolence (daytime sleepiness)

Less Common: Vivid or abnormal dreams, confusion, decreased libido, hallucinations (rare).

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially:

• CNS Depressants: Opioids, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, barbiturates, alcohol.
• Enzyme Inhibitors: Drugs like ketoconazole, itraconazole, and clarithromycin may increase eszopiclone levels.
• Enzyme Inducers: Drugs like rifampicin, carbamazepine, and St. John’s Wort may decrease eszopiclone levels, reducing its efficacy.

FAQs

Q1: How is Eszop 3 mg different from the 1 mg and 2 mg doses?

A: The 3 mg dose provides a stronger and longer-lasting sedative effect. It is specifically intended for patients with severe insomnia who do not experience sufficient symptom relief from the lower, standard doses.

Q2: How long does it take to work, and how long will I sleep?

A: It typically induces sleep within 30 minutes. Its effects are designed to last for 6-8 hours, supporting a full night’s rest.

Q3: Can I become addicted to Eszop 3 mg?

A: When used exactly as prescribed for short-term treatment, the risk of dependence is low. However, the potential for psychological or physical dependence increases with the duration of use, dosage, and a history of substance abuse. Never use this medication without strict medical supervision.

Q4: Is it safe for elderly patients?

A: Elderly patients are more susceptible to the side effects of Eszop, particularly dizziness, confusion, and impaired coordination, which increase the risk of falls. A lower starting dose is almost always recommended for this population. The 3 mg strength is rarely a starting point for geriatric patients.

Q5: Can I take it if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: Eszopiclone should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the potential benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks to the fetus or infant. Consult your doctor for a thorough risk-benefit analysis.