Citation

Pennington JG, Guina J. Innov. Clin. Neurosci. 2016; 13(9-10): 44-48.

Affiliation

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, Dayton, Ohio.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Matrix Medical Communications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

27974999

PMCID

PMC5141595

Abstract

Eszopiclone is a benzodiazepine-like hypnotic that is commonly prescribed to treat insomnia. However, eszopiclone's efficacy has been questionable in several clinical trials, and its pharmacologic profile makes its effects on sleep and behavior difficult to predict. We report a case demonstrating an instance of eszopiclone-induced parasomnia involving paranoia and a suicide attempt in a patient taking eszopiclone. We explore possible biochemical explanations examining the pharmacologic profile of eszopiclone and its potential for drug-drug interactions, especially with concomitant administration of monoaminergic medications such as antidepressants. Caution should be exercised when prescribing these medications, and evidence-based treatments for insomnia (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, sedating antidepressants) should be considered prior to sedative-hypnotic administration.

Language: en