December 19, 2004

Regulators in the US have approved a new drug to treat insomnia. The US Food and Drug Administration approved the New Drug Application for Lunesta, a new non-narcotic sleeping medication for the treatment of chronic insomnia.

Unlike current prescription sleeping medications, Lunesta, brand eszopiclone, by Sepracor pharmaceutical, is not limited to short-term use. Lunesta can be taken for as long as needed, under the supervision of a physician. Current sleep prescriptions are limited to 7 to 10 days of use.

The FDA approved Lunesta after analyzing safety and efficacy data from a six-month trial that included 788 patients. The product will be available in the US sometime in mid-January.

Insomnia can include difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep. Chronic insomnia is defined as a person that suffers from insomnia at least 3 nights a week for a period of 1 month or longer. Chronic insomnia can be caused by stress, pain or discomfort at night.