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Zopiclone

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Zopiclone is to help with sleeping problems.
Important: zopiclone can cause drowsiness the following day.
Avoid alcohol while taking zopiclone

About zopiclone

Type of medicine	Hypnotic
Used for	Short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
Also called	Zimovane®, Zimovane® LS
Available as	Tablets

Insomnia, or poor sleep, is very common. There may be difficulty in falling asleep, waking during the night, or waking early in a morning.

Zopiclone works by decreasing the time it takes to fall asleep and increasing the length of time spent sleeping.

Before taking zopiclone

Before taking zopiclone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
If you suffer from respiratory (breathing) problems.
If you suffer from sleep apnoea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep).
If you suffer from kidney or liver problems.
If you have any mental health problems.
If you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol.
If you are elderly.
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

Zopiclone is not to be taken by under 18 year olds.

How to take zopiclone

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take zopiclone exactly as directed by your doctor.
Take your dose just before going to bed. Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water - do not chew or suck it.
If you forget to take a dose at bedtime, do not take it at any other time and do not take a double dose the next evening to make up.
Zopiclone is only recommended for short term use as the body gets used to this medicine quickly. It is intended to be used for a maximum period of 4 weeks, but is often prescribed for much shorter periods. Do not take zopiclone for longer than your doctor tells you as your body could become dependent on it.

Getting the most from your treatment

Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness you experience with zopiclone. You should avoid drinking alcohol.
When you stop taking this medicine, your doctor may advise you to reduce the dose slowly. Follow any directions you are given. If you develop headaches, muscle pain, anxiety, tension, restlessness, confusion or irritability when you stop taking zopiclone, let your doctor know.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with zopiclone.

Can zopiclone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness and light-headedness which can continue into the next day	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Do not drink alcohol
Changes in taste (a bitter or metallic taste), dry mouth	Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice
Feeling or being sick	Eat little and often, and stick to simple foods
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer

Important: If you experience sleep walking or do other things in your sleep that you don't remember the next day, speak with your doctor.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store zopiclone

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Zimovane®, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised May 2008, accessed 3 July 2008.
British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
3516

DocRef:
dils2861

Last Updated:
20 Oct 2008

Date of Next Review:
20 Oct 2010

Version:
22

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