How Zoplicone Works.

Zopiclone belongs to the class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It is used for the short-term and symptomatic relief of sleep disturbances. Zopiclone can help with difficulty falling asleep, frequent wake-ups during the night, or early morning awakenings.

Zopiclone is a sedative. It works by causing a depression or tranquilization of the central nervous system. After prolonged use, the body can become accustomed to the effects of zopiclone. When the dose is then reduced or the drug is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms may result. These can include a range of symptoms similar to those of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Although withdrawal symptoms from therapeutic doses of zopiclone are therefore not considered life-threatening, patients may experience such significant agitation or anxiety that they seek emergency medical attention.

Who may not be able to take zopiclone

Zopiclone is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to zopiclone or any other medicine
• have liver or kidney problems
• have myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes muscle weakness
• have breathing problems or sleep apnoea, where you stop breathing for short bouts while sleeping
• have ever had mental health problems
• have had issues with alcohol or drug abuse
• are trying to get pregnant, already pregnant, or breastfeeding

Serious side effects

It happens rarely, but some people have serious side effects when taking zopiclone.

Call 999 or 112:

• get a poor memory (amnesia)
• see or hear things that are not real (hallucinations)
• fall over, especially if you’re over 65 years of age
• think things that are not true (delusions)
• feel low or sad (have depression)

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to zopiclone.

Anaphylaxis usually develops suddenly and gets worse very quickly.

The symptoms include:

• feeling lightheaded or faint
• breathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathing
• wheezing
• a fast heartbeat
• clammy skin
• confusion and anxiety
• collapsing or losing consciousness.