Eszopiclone (Lunesta) is a prescription sleep medication for insomnia. Learn about its uses, dosage, cost, side effects, and what you need to know in 2026.
Eszopiclone is a prescription sleep medication used to treat insomnia in adults — it helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Sold under the brand name Lunesta and also available as a generic, Eszopiclone belongs to a class of drugs called non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, often referred to as "Z-drugs." It's manufactured by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals (brand) and several generic manufacturers. Eszopiclone was FDA-approved in 2004 and is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has a recognized medical use but carries some risk of dependence.
Chemically, Eszopiclone is the S-isomer of Zopiclone, a sleep medication widely used outside the United States. It works by enhancing the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that calms brain activity. For a plain-English explanation of how it works, see our article on Eszopiclone's mechanism of action.
Eszopiclone is FDA-approved for the treatment of insomnia, including both:
Unlike some other sleep medications that are only approved for short-term use, Eszopiclone was studied in clinical trials lasting up to 6 months, making it one of the few sleep medications with longer-term efficacy data.
Doctors sometimes prescribe Eszopiclone off-label for:
Eszopiclone comes as an oral tablet in three strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg.
Eszopiclone is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take Eszopiclone if you:
Use caution and talk to your doctor if you have:
Eszopiclone is not recommended during pregnancy. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss alternatives with your doctor.
For a complete list of medications that interact with Eszopiclone, see our drug interactions guide.
The most common side effects include:
Serious side effects include complex sleep behaviors (covered by an FDA boxed warning), severe allergic reactions, next-day impairment, worsening depression, and dependence. Read our detailed guide on Eszopiclone side effects for the full breakdown.
The cost of Eszopiclone varies widely:
Generic Eszopiclone is covered by most commercial and Medicare Part D plans, typically on Tier 2 or Tier 3. Brand Lunesta may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying the generic first). Some plans may require documentation that non-drug therapies were tried before approving coverage.
For a complete savings breakdown, see our guide on how to save money on Eszopiclone.
Eszopiclone is a well-established treatment for insomnia that helps millions of people get better sleep. It's available as an affordable generic, covered by most insurance plans, and can be prescribed by primary care doctors, psychiatrists, and sleep specialists.
If you've been prescribed Eszopiclone and need to fill your prescription, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy with it in stock near you. And if you're still deciding whether it's right for you, check out our guides on alternatives to Eszopiclone and finding a doctor who prescribes it.
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