This article describes possible interactions with eszopiclone oral tablet. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Boxed warning: Risk of unusual sleep behaviors
Eszopiclone has a boxed warning for the risk of unusual sleep behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Other drugs and eszopiclone
The drugs in the list below may interact with eszopiclone oral tablet. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with eszopiclone.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with eszopiclone oral tablet include:
- antidepressants:
- drug example: amitriptyline (Elavil)
- what might happen: can slow brain function and increase the risk of psychomotor impairment (disruption between the connections between your muscle and nerves, which can cause movement and speech problems)
- antipsychotics:
- drug example: olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- what might happen: can slow brain function and increase the risk of psychomotor impairment
- benzodiazepines:
- drug examples: diazepam (valium), alprazolam (Xanax)
- what might happen: can slow brain function and increase the risk of psychomotor impairment
- muscle relaxants:
- drug examples: baclofen (Lioresal), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
- what might happen: can slow brain function and increase the risk of psychomotor impairment
- opioids:
- drug examples: oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- what might happen: can slow brain function and increase the risk of psychomotor impairment
- certain antibiotics:
- certain antifungals:
- drug example: ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of eszopiclone
- certain antivirals:
- drug example: ritonavir (Norvir)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of eszopiclone
- anticonvulsants:
- drug example: phenytoin (Dilantin)
- what might happen: can make eszopiclone less effective
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane):
- what might happen: can make eszopiclone less effective
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Health factors and eszopiclone
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with eszopiclone oral tablet. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking eszopiclone, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll discuss any warnings with you and determine whether eszopiclone is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with eszopiclone oral tablet:
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
When to avoid eszopiclone
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with eszopiclone oral tablet. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe eszopiclone in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for eszopiclone oral tablet:
- Unusual sleep behaviors: If you’ve ever had unusual sleep behaviors in the past, taking eszopiclone oral tablet may cause them again. Eszopiclone has a boxed warning for the risk of unusual sleep behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more details, see the “Boxed warning for eszopiclone” section below.
- Past allergic reaction to eszopiclone: If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to eszopiclone oral tablet, taking it again may cause a life threatening allergic reaction.
Before you start taking eszopiclone, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should take the drug.
Alcohol and eszopiclone
Eszopiclone oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol.
Taking eszopiclone oral tablet and drinking alcohol may cause:
- confusion
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- slowed brain function
- behavior changes*
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it while taking eszopiclone oral tablet.
* Eszopiclone has a boxed warning for the risk of unusual sleep behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more details, see the “Boxed warning for eszopiclone” section below.
Other interactions and eszopiclone
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether eszopiclone oral tablet has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with eszopiclone.
Eszopiclone and supplements
Before taking eszopiclone oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Eszopiclone interactions and herbs
Eszopiclone oral tablet may interact with guarana and other caffeine-containing herbs. This herb is often used for energy and focus.
Taking eszopiclone and guarana or other caffeine-containing herbs may lead to worsening sleep problems.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking eszopiclone oral tablet.
Eszopiclone interactions and vitamins
Eszopiclone oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking eszopiclone oral tablet.
Eszopiclone and food
It’s important that you do not eat food with eszopiclone oral tablet or right after taking a dose. If you take eszopiclone with food, an interaction could occur that lowers the level of the drug in your body. This may make eszopiclone less effective for your condition.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the best time to eat while taking eszopiclone oral tablet. They can also discuss the best time to take the drug.
Eszopiclone and vaccines
Eszopiclone oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking eszopiclone oral tablet.
Eszopiclone and lab tests
Eszopiclone oral tablet isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking eszopiclone oral tablet.
Eszopiclone and cannabis or CBD
Reports have shown cannabis (commonly called marijuana) and cannabis products may interact with eszopiclone. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an example of a cannabis product.
Taking eszopiclone and CBD may lead to slowed brain function and increased risk of side effects, such as confusion or drowsiness.
Before you take eszopiclone, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. Doing so may help prevent possible interactions.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Preventing eszopiclone interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with eszopiclone oral tablet. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking eszopiclone oral tablet.
Taking eszopiclone exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about eszopiclone and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Does my risk of interactions depend on my dosage of eszopiclone?
- Do other drugs that could treat my condition have the same interactions as eszopiclone?
- Should I tell you if I start taking another medication or supplement during my eszopiclone treatment?
Boxed warning for eszopiclone
Eszopiclone has a boxed warning for the risk of unusual sleep behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Unusual sleep behaviors, also called complex sleep behaviors, can happen while taking eszopiclone oral tablet. This includes doing things while you’re still asleep and not remembering them the next day.
Reported behaviors include:
- having sex
- making and eating food
- making phone calls
- sleep driving
- sleepwalking
Some of these behaviors can lead to injuries or even death in rare cases. If you experience any of the behaviors above, let your doctor know. They’ll likely have you stop taking eszopiclone.
To learn more about this boxed warning, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
