Melatonin for Olanzapine Metabolic Effects

A study found that patients taking the recommended 3-mg dose of the sleep aid eszopiclone (Lunesta) at bedtime continued to have impaired driving skills, memory, and coordination for as long as 11 hours after ingestion. Patients were often unaware they remained impaired. As a result, the FDA has recommended decreasing the starting dosage of eszopiclone to 1 mg at bedtime. The change should result in lower blood levels the next day. The agency continues to evaluate the risk of impaired alertness with other sleep aids, including over-the-counter agents.