Eszopiclone (Lunesta)

What the word means

Eszopiclone is the drug. Lunesta is the brand.

It’s a Z-drug, and what sets it apart from zolpidem is that it lasts longer, which is why it’s aimed at staying asleep rather than only at falling asleep. The trade-off is a greater chance of feeling something the next morning.

It has one famously odd side effect: a bitter, metallic taste that lingers, which sounds trivial until it’s the reason someone stops taking it. Like the rest of the class, it’s a controlled substance, it carries the boxed warning for complex sleep behaviors, and it’s meant for short-term use.

Where to read the full guide

Shrinktionary defines the word.

Read the full eszopiclone guide at PsychiatryRx, which covers dosing, side effects, and how it compares with zolpidem.

Related terms you’ll see next

• Z-drug
• Zolpidem
• Insomnia
• Physical dependence

When to seek professional care

Take it only when you can give yourself a full night of sleep, and never with alcohol. Tell your prescriber right away if you learn you’ve done anything while asleep that you don’t remember. If you’ve been on a sleeping pill nightly for months, ask about CBT for insomnia, which guidelines put first for chronic insomnia. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away by calling 911, or call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Eszopiclone (Lunesta):</strong> Eszopiclone is a Z-drug, sold as Lunesta, that helps with both falling asleep and staying asleep. It's known for leaving a distinctive bitter taste in the mouth.</p>
  <p>&mdash; <a href="https://shrinktionary.com/terms/eszopiclone/">Shrinktionary</a>, a plain-English mental health dictionary, medically reviewed by a board certified psychiatrist.</p>
</blockquote>