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Non-benzodiazepine hypnotic (Z-drug; cyclopyrrolone S-isomer of zopiclone)

Eszopiclone

Brand names: Lunesta (US)

Eszopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine (Z-drug) hypnotic used for the short-term treatment of insomnia.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It acts at the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor to enhance GABA-mediated inhibition, producing sedative and hypnotic effects.

Prescribing in practice

  • Like other hypnotics, it carries a risk of dependence, tolerance and next-day impairment, so use should be limited to the shortest effective period.
  • Combination with alcohol, opioids or other CNS depressants increases sedation and respiratory depression risk.
  • Complex sleep behaviours such as sleep-walking and sleep-driving have been reported with Z-drugs and warrant discontinuation if they occur.

Monitoring

Monitor for next-day sedation, dependence and any complex sleep behaviours during treatment.

Counselling the patient

  • Take only when you can have a full night's sleep and avoid alcohol.
  • May impair driving the next morning.
  • Use for the shortest time possible and do not stop abruptly after prolonged use.

Evidence & guidelines

Z-drugs are recommended only for short-term insomnia, consistent with NICE guidance on hypnotic use.

Reference: NICE CKS Insomnia; DVLA guidance; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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