Zopiclone

Generic name: zopiclone
Brand names: Imovane, Zimovane, Zimovane LS, Imoclone, Imrest, Lyzop, Ziclone, Zolinox, Zolium, Zopicon, Zopitran etc.etc.
Dosage form: oral tablet, oral solution

Oral tablets, 3.75 mg or 7.5mg (UK), 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg (JP)

What is zopiclone?

Zopiclone is a medication used to treat a sleeping problem called insomina Zopiclone is a sleeping pill that belongs to a group of drugs called non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. It has a different structure to benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics, such as Halcion (triazolam), but has similar benefits and side effects.

Zopiclone helps to reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep , increase the amount of time you sleep for, and decrease the number of times you wake up at night . Zopiclone starts to work quickly, taking about an hour to work.

Zopiclone is used for the short-term (7-14 days) treatment of insomnia in adults. It is used to treat adults who have sleep problems such as:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking in the middle of the night
• Waking too early
• Severe or upsetting sleep problems that are caused by mood or mental health problems.

Zopiclone may cause serious side effects.

• Use of this medication may lead to the development of abuse and/or physical and psychological dependence. The risk of dependence increases with dose and duration of treatment and is greater when this medication is used for more than 4 weeks, and in patients with a history of mental disorders and/or alcohol, illicit substance or drug abuse.
• Drowsiness, difficulties breathing, coma and death may occur if zopiclone is taken together with opioids. Zopiclone and opioids should only be used at the same time, when other treatment options are inadequate. Please tell your doctor about all opioid medicines you are taking and follow your doctor’s dosage recommendations closely.
• Some studies have shown an increased risk of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and suicide in patients taking certain sedatives and hypnotics, including this medicine. However, it has not been established whether this is caused by the medicine or if there may be other reasons. If you have suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor as soon as possible for further medical advice.
• Before taking zopiclone, it is important to make sure that you can have at least 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to help reduce the risk of some side effects.
• Zopiclone may cause sleepwalking or other unusual behavior (such as driving, eating, making a phone call, or having sex etc.) while not being fully awake. The next morning, you may not remember that you did anything during the night. These activities may occur whether or not you drink alcohol or take other medicines that make you drowsy with zopiclone. If you experience any of the above, stop the treatment with this medication immediately and contact your doctor or healthcare provider.

Do not take zopiclone if:

• You are allergic (hypersensitive) to zopiclone or any of the other ingredients in your medicaton.
  Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.
• You have a problem that causes severe muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis).
• Your lungs do not work properly (respiratory failure).
• You have a problem where you stop breathing for short periods at night (sleep apnoea)
• You have severe liver problems.
• You are under the age of 18. The safety and efficacy of zopiclone in children and adolescents aged less than 18 years have not been established.
• You have ever experienced sleepwalking or other unusual behavior (such as driving, eating, making a phone call or having sex etc.) while not being fully awake after taking zopiclone.

Dosing information

• Adults. The recommended dose in adults is one zopiclone 7.5mg tablet just before bedtime.
• Elderly – aged over 65 years old. The usual starting dose in elderly patients is one zopiclone low-strength (LS) tablet (3.75 mg) or half a full-strength (7.5 mg) tablet just before bedtime. Your doctor may decide to increase your dose to one 7.5 mg tablet if needed.
• People with liver or kidney problems. The recommended dose for people with liver and kidney problems is one zopiclone low-strength (LS) tablet (3.75 mg) or half a full-strength (7.5 mg) tablet just before bedtime.
• Children and adolescents. Zopiclone should not be used in children and adolescents less than 18 years. The safety and efficacy of this medication children and adolescents aged less than 18 years have not been established.