9 Eszopiclone (Lunesta) Side Effects You Should Know About

Eszopiclone (Lunesta) is a popular prescription sleep medication. It’s FDA approved for insomnia in adults, so it’s no surprise that eszopiclone makes you sleepy. But there are other side effects to know about, too. Here, we’ll take a look at eszopiclone side effects and what you can do to manage them.

Eszopiclone side effects at a glance

If you’ve been prescribed eszopiclone, some side effects are more likely to happen than others.

The most common eszopiclone side effects include:

• Taste changes

• Headache

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Dry mouth

• Upper respiratory infection

• Skin rash

• Anxiety

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Rare but potentially serious eszopiclone side effects include:

• Nightmares or abnormal dreams

• Complex sleep behaviors (such as sleepwalking)

• Mood or behavior changes

• Dependence and misuse

• Confusion

• Withdrawal after stopping the medication

• Allergic reactions

This medication also has a boxed warning about the possibility of sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake. This is the FDA’s strictest warning for medications. While rare, this side effect can be life-threatening.

Below, we’ll look at nine eszopiclone side effects in more detail. We’ll also answer some commonly asked questions about certain side effects associated with eszopiclone.

1. Taste changes

Some people experience a metallic or bitter taste the morning after taking eszopiclone. Eszopiclone can also cause dry mouth, which can contribute to or worsen taste changes. 

In most cases, the bad taste is temporary and will go away on its own. But drinking a glass of water or orange juice, sucking on a mint, or chewing sugarfree gum can help you get rid of the unpleasant taste and relieve dry mouth. Using a saliva substitute, such as Biotene or BioXtra, before bed may also help.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Lunesta interactions: Learn which medications can interact with Lunesta so you can avoid unwanted issues.

• What does insomnia feel like? Read first-hand accounts of people living with insomnia, including their tips for what helps them fall asleep. 

• Home remedies for insomnia: These treatment options can help improve insomnia symptoms without medication.

2. Headache

Headache is one of the most common eszopiclone side effects. In clinical studies, up to 1 in 5 people taking eszopiclone experienced headache. But this side effect was common in the placebo group (the group taking no medication), too. So it’s not clear exactly what role eszopiclone plays in causing headaches.

Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol and processed foods can help reduce the risk of headaches. In most cases, a headache will go away on its own. But an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help if the pain is bothersome. Just make sure it’s OK with your healthcare team first. 

If a headache worsens or doesn't go away, seek medical care. There could be something more serious going on.

3. Drowsiness

Eszopiclone is a sedative — it’s designed to cause drowsiness to help you fall asleep. This can be a good thing if you’re living with insomnia. But sometimes, drowsiness may continue into the next morning. And you may not always be able to tell that you’re not as alert as you should be. This can cause a problem when it comes to safely going about your daily activities.

Planning is key when it comes to drowsiness with eszopiclone. Only take eszopiclone right before bedtime, not in the middle of the night. And be sure you have at least 7 or 8 hours to dedicate to rest. Avoid combining eszopiclone with alcohol or other medications that make you drowsy, as they can worsen this side effect.

It’s a good idea to avoid driving or other activities that require alertness the next morning until you know how the medication affects you. If daytime drowsiness persists, let your prescriber know. They may want to lower your eszopiclone dosage or try a different sleep medication.

4. Dizziness

Dizziness is another possible eszopiclone side effect. Feeling dizzy can increase the risk of falls — especially for older adults.

Just as with drowsiness, taking eszopiclone right before bedtime can lessen the impact of this side effect while you’re awake. If you need to get up in the night, be sure to hold onto something for support and move slowly to avoid falls. If dizziness is an issue for you, talk to your prescriber about other options to prevent or manage it.

5. Upper respiratory infection

Eszopiclone is linked to a higher risk of upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold. In most cases, the infection is mild and gets better on its own.

Most upper respiratory infections are caused by a virus, which means antibiotics won’t help. You can usually manage them at home by drinking plenty of fluids, using a neti pot, and getting extra rest. OTC cold medications can also help if your healthcare team OKs them based on your medical history. If you develop a fever or your symptoms don’t improve, it’s a good idea to seek medical care to rule out a more serious infection.

6. Nightmares or abnormal dreams

Some people have reported abnormal dreams, including nightmares, while taking eszopiclone. While this can be disturbing, it’s typically not dangerous. But if your dreams are bothersome or interrupt your sleep, talk to your prescriber. A different dosage or medication may be a better option for you.

7. Sleepwalking

Engaging in activities while asleep is a rare but serious eszopiclone side effect. Some people sleepwalk. Others may drive, prepare and eat food, or even have sex while asleep. And in most cases, you won’t remember doing these things when you wake up the next day.

It can be upsetting to learn you’re performing actions you can’t remember. And engaging in activities like cooking or driving while asleep can also be dangerous, or even deadly. So if you experience any of these side effects, it’s best to stop taking eszopiclone and contact your prescriber.

8. Mood and behavior changes

Mood and behavior changes aren’t common while taking eszopiclone, but they can happen in some people. Symptoms may include:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Nervousness

• Aggression

• Agitation

• Confusion

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

This side effect may be more likely if you’re living with a mental health condition. So be sure to let your prescriber know if that’s the case before taking eszopiclone. If you or a loved one notice changes in your mood or behavior while taking eszopiclone, seek medical care right away.

For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. For immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text “HOME” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

9. Dependence and misuse

Eszopiclone is a controlled substance. This means it carries a risk of dependence and misuse. Eszopiclone may not be the best medication for you if you have a history of substance misuse.

You can reduce the risk of eszopiclone dependence by taking the lowest dose possible for the shortest period of time. If your current dosage isn’t working well for you, talk to your prescriber about your options. Don’t take more eszopiclone than recommended. 

If you have concerns about the risk of dependence and misuse with eszopiclone, talk to a healthcare professional.

If you or someone you know struggles with substance use, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to learn about resources in your area.

Does eszopiclone cause memory problems?

There is some concern about the effects of eszopiclone and other similar sleep medications on memory. Some large studies have shown an increased risk of dementia in people taking these sleep medications. But other studies found no connection between the two. And one study found that eszopiclone may actually improve cognitive function in older people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Despite the mixed study results, the risk of dementia seems more likely with higher doses and long-term use of eszopiclone. So taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary is the best way to reduce your risk. Talk to your prescriber if you’re concerned about eszopiclone’s possible effect on your memory.

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Written by:

Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA

Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA, has been a pharmacist for 12 years. His first job was floating in a community chain pharmacy.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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