Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 16, 2014, at 16:54:16
In reply to Re: FDA cuts Starting Dose of Lunesta From 2 to 1 mg » Beckett, posted by Phillipa on May 15, 2014, at 20:15:01
Over here, we use zopiclone (Zimovane), not eszopiclone (Lunesta). The standard adult dose of zopiclone is 7.5mg, equivalent to 3.75mg of eszopiclone.... which is above the maximum recommended dose of Lunesta!
I think our regulatory authorities should consider making 3.75mg zopiclone the new starting dose (equivalent to 1.875mg of eszopiclone). We only have 3.75mg and 7.5mg zopiclone tablets, so there isn't as much room for titration as with Lunesta. The advantage of zopiclone is that it's dramatically less expensive. At the moment, 3.75mg is only used as a starting dose for older people or those who have previously shown sensitivity to sedative meds. It would be useful if a company would launch a lower strength of tablets. This would be helpful as a starting dose, for the 'med sensitive', for anyone requiring early morning alertness and for people tapering off the med to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:1065657
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140512/msgs/1065703.html