Let's take a minute to talk about this medication.

This is eszopiclone. You may hear it called by its brand name, Lunesta. It is used to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and lessen how often you wake up during the night. 

It is often taken one time each day, right before you get into bed. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. This medicine works best if taken on an empty stomach. You must only take this medicine if you plan on getting a full night's sleep, or at least 7 hours. 

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include a dry mouth, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, headaches, and cold-like symptoms. It may also make you feel drowsy or dizzy. You should wait until you know how it affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects could occur. With eszopiclone, this includes doing things at night that you may not remember the next day. For example, you could sleepwalk or drive a car, eat food, have sex, or talk on the phone and not remember it. It can also cause you to feel sleepy or drowsy the next day. You should read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report changes. 

Eszopiclone can have serious interactions with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines. Also, do not drink alcohol.

Women should check with their doctors before becoming pregnant and before breastfeeding. 

This medicine is controlled by federal law. It can put you at risk for addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death. It can be dangerous to others, so store it in a safe place. After you stop taking it you should dispose of it properly. Ask your pharmacist about proper disposal options in your area or go to the FDA.gov website for more information.

For best results with eszopiclone, take this medication as directed and follow good sleep hygiene. Call your doctor if your sleep does not improve or gets worse in 7-10 days.