Eszopiclone and alcohol

Taking eszopiclone with a high-fat or heavy meal may delay the onset of sleep. For faster sleep onset, eszopiclone should not be administered with or immediately after a high-fat or heavy meal. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with eszopiclone. Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of eszopiclone such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of zopiclone and eszopiclone. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration of eszopiclone (the S-enantiomer of zopiclone) with or immediately after a high-fat/heavy meal may delay the onset of hypnotic effects. In healthy adults, administration of a 3 mg dose of eszopiclone after a high-fat meal decreased the mean peak plasma drug concentration (Cmax) by 21% and delayed the time to reach peak plasma drug concentration (Tmax) by approximately 1 hour. Theoretically, this interaction should also affect racemic zopiclone.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving zopiclone or eszopiclone should be advised to avoid consumption of alcohol. For faster sleep onset, eszopiclone and zopiclone should not be administered with or immediately after a high-fat/heavy meal.