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It is a type of sleeping pill used to treat episodes of insomnia.
It helps to get to sleep faster and also helps to prevent the person from waking up during the night.
Zopiclone comes in tablets. It also comes as a liquid for people who find it difficult to swallow pills, but your doctor must order this especially.
This medicine is only available by prescription.
Zopiclone is usually prescribed for only 2 to 4 weeks. This is because your body gets used to it quickly, and after this time, it is unlikely to have the same effect. Your body can also become dependent on it.
The common side effects are a metallic taste in the mouth, a dry mouth, and daytime drowsiness. Do not drink alcohol while using Zopiclone. Eating them together can make you enter a deep sleep where it is difficult for you to wake up.
Zopiclone is also called the Zimovane brand.
Who can take Zopiclone?
It can be taken by adults older than 18 years. It is not suitable for some people.
To make sure that Zopiclone is safe for you, tell your doctor if:
- You have had an allergic reaction to Zopiclone or any other medication in the past.
- Have liver or kidney problems.
- Myasthenia gravis a disease that causes severe muscle wasting.
- You have trouble breathing or sleep apnea (where you stop breathing for short attacks while you sleep).
- He has had mental health problems.
- He has had issues with alcoholism or drug abuse.
- They are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Administration
Zopiclone tablets come in 2 different potencies: 3.5 mg and 7.5 mg. The usual dose is to take a 7.5 mg tablet just before bedtime. It takes about 1 hour to take effect.
A lower dose of 3.5 mg is recommended for starters if you are over 65 or have kidney or liver problems. In these cases, taking a lower amount reduces the risk of excessive sleepiness and other side effects.
Swallow the whole tablet and do not crush or chew it. You can take the medication with or without food. It is essential to take it exactly as your doctor has told you. You may be asked to take a tablet only 2 or 3 nights each week instead of every night.
What happens if I forget to take it?
If you forget to take it before bed, start the next night again. Never take two doses at the same time. Never take an extra amount to make up for a forgotten dose.
Overdose
If you take too much Zopiclone by accident, call emergency immediately, even if you do not feel different. If you need to go to the hospital, take the Zopiclone package or leaflet with you, plus any other medications you have.
It is good to ask a friend or family member to accompany you to the hospital if you fall asleep on the road. Do not drive yourself.
Side effects
Not everyone will have side effects with Zopiclone. These common side effects occur in more than 1 in 100 people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:
- A bitter or metallic taste in the mouth or a dry mouth.
- Daytime sleepiness
Serious side effects:
Serious side effects are rare, but you should inform your doctor as soon as possible if:
- You lose your memory; this is called amnesia.
- See or hear things that are not real; these are called hallucinations.
- Falling, especially if you are older.
- Thinking about things that are not true is called illusions.
- Feeling sad could be a sign of depression.
- Serious allergic reaction.
It is possible to have a severe allergic reaction to the medication in rare cases.
A severe allergic reaction is an emergency. Contact a doctor immediately if you think you or someone around you has a severe allergic reaction.
The warning signs of a severe allergic reaction are:
- Contract a skin rash that may include itching, redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling skin.
- Wheezing
- Oppression in the chest or throat.
- Have trouble breathing or talking.
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
These are not all the side effects of Zopiclone. For a complete list, see the booklet inside your medication package.
Pregnancy
Do not take Zopiclone if you are pregnant, as it can harm the developing baby. It can also cause side effects in newborn babies.
There is some evidence that taking Zopiclone can increase the risk of having a baby born prematurely (before 37 weeks) and that the baby has a lower birth weight. Taking Zopiclone until delivery can increase the baby’s likelihood of having withdrawal symptoms at birth.
Lactation:
The drug passes into breast milk in small amounts. If you have to take Zopiclone, talk to your doctor or midwife about your feeding options. Tell your doctor if you are trying to get pregnant, if you are already pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
Interactions
Some medications can interfere and increase the chances of side effects.
The following medications may increase the sedating effects of Zopiclone:
- Medications to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- Medications to treat depression.
- Medications for epilepsy.
- Medicines used in surgery (anesthetics).
- Drugs to calm or reduce anxiety or sleep problems.
- Medications for hay fever, rashes, or other allergies can make you sleepy (sedating antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine or promethazine).
- Strong analgesics (codeine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, pethidine, or tramadol).
- Erythromycin or clarithromycin (antibiotics used to treat infections).
- Some medications are used to treat fungal infections (such as ketoconazole and itraconazole ).
- Ritonavir (a medicine used to treat HIV infections ).
- Zopiclone mixture with herbal remedies and supplements.
