Zopiclone(ZOP-i-klone) belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). This medicine is used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). Zopiclone helps you get to sleep faster and sleep through the night. In general, when sleep medicines are used every night for a long time, they may lose their effectiveness. In most cases, sleep medicines should be used only for short periods of time, such as 1 or 2 days, and generally for no longer than 1 or 2 weeks. This medicine is available only with your doctors prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Why is this medication
prescribed ?
Zopiclone(ZOP-i-klone) belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). This medicine is used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). Zopiclone helps you get to sleep faster and sleep through the night. In general, when sleep medicines are used every night for a long time, they may lose their effectiveness. In most cases, sleep medicines should be used only for short periods of time, such as 1 or 2 days, and generally for no longer than 1 or 2 weeks. This medicine is available only with your doctors prescription, in the following dosage forms:
How should this medicine
be used ?
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence). Do not take this medicine when your schedule does not permit you to get a full nights sleep (7 to 8 hours) . If you must wake up before this, you may continue to feel drowsy and may experience memory problems, because the effects of the medicine have not had time to wear off.
What special precautions
i should follow ?
Sleep medicines may cause a special type of memory loss or ``amnesia. When this occurs, a person does not remember what has happened during the several hours between use of the medicine and the time when its effects wear off. This is usually not a problem since most people fall asleep after taking the medicine. In most instances, memory problems can be avoided by taking zopiclone only when you are able to get a full nights sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are having memory problems. In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For zopiclone, the following should be considered:
What side effects can
this medicine cause ?
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: More common confusion?more common in older adults; clumsiness or unsteadiness?more common in older adults; daytime anxiety and/or restlessness; difficulty with coordination?more common in older adults; mood or mental changes Less common Drowsiness (severe); shortness of breath; difficult or labored breathing; tightness in chest; wheezing; skin rash; aggressiveness; behavior changes Rare Memory problems?more common in older patients; behavior or mental changes Symptoms of overdose Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur Clumsiness; unsteadiness; mental or mood changes; drowsiness (severe); unusual tiredness or weakness; sluggishness; reduced physical activity; unusual sleepiness; loss of consciousness Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome. More common Dizziness; Dryness of mouth; heartburn; impaired vision; increased appetite; indigestion; loss of appetite?more common in older adults; stomach upset; difficulty speaking; constipation; decreased muscle tone; weight loss Less common Agitation?more common in older adults; chills; fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat?more common in older adults; feeling of heaviness of arms and legs; increase in the amount of saliva?more common in older adults; increased sweating?more common in older adults; tingling, burning or prickly sensation; trembling and shaking of fingers, hands, arms, feet, or legs?more common in older adults; vomiting?more common in older adults After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this time check with your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects: Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain; nausea; vomiting; more difficulty in sleeping than before treatment; muscle cramps or discomfort; anxiety; nervousness; irritability; restlessness; increased sweating; tremors; seizures Zopiclone may cause you to have a coated tongue, bad breath, or a bitter taste. These effects are to be expected when you are taking this medicine. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
What storage conditions
are needed for this medication ?
To store this medicine: Keep out of the reach of children. Store away from heat and direct light. Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
What other information
should i know ?
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of zopiclone. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Alcohol abuse (or history of) or Drug abuse (or history of)?Dependence on zopiclone may develop Emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, or other chronic lung disease or Mental depression or Myasthenia gravis or Sleep apnea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep)?Zopiclone may make these conditions worse Kidney disease or Liver disease (severe)?Higher blood levels of zopiclone may result, increasing the chance of side effects
What should i do if i
forget a dose ?
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
