Zopiclone

About zopiclone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as hypnotics.

Zopiclone is used to treat insomnia (difficulty sleeping).

Zopiclone decreases the time taken to fall asleep and increases the length of time spent sleeping.

Zopiclone is available in tablet form as 3.75mg and 7.5mg strengths.

It is also sometimes known as: Zileze; Zimovane; Zimovane LS. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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 issues
• if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take zopiclone

• Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take zopiclone exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Zopiclone is usually taken just before bedtime.
• Swallow tablet(s) with a glass of water.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of zopiclone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any ‘over-the-counter’ medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside zopiclone.
• Zopiclone can cause drowsiness 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.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. You should avoid alcohol while taking zopiclone.
• Zopiclone can occasionally cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If a dry mouth becomes a problem speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not stop taking zopiclone suddenly.
• 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.

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:

A bitter or metallic after-taste in the mouth (frequent side effect).

Diarrhoea, constipation, tummy ache, feeling or being sick, dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, dizziness (less common).

Irritability, confusion, hallucinations and nightmares.

Light-headedness and lack of co-ordination (rare).

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

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.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely, out of the reach of children, or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS 2006   Updated: 31/01/2006