Zopiclone

Zopiclone is a widely prescribed, short-acting hypnotic agent used for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia, helping individuals to fall asleep faster, reduce night-time awakenings, and increase total sleep time.

Zopiclone belongs to the class of medications called 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. It should be used only by people for whom disturbed sleep results in functioning problems during the day.

HOW TO TAKE

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it when a full night's sleep is not possible before you would again need to be active and functional. Memory lapses may occur in such situations. Your body needs time to eliminate the medication from your system.

 WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS

Zopiclone should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to Zopiclone or any of the medications belonging to the benzodiazepine class, or to any of the ingredients of the medication; has myasthenia gravis; has severe breathing difficulties; has severe liver disease; has sleep apnea.

SIDE EFFECTS

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: aggressiveness, behaviour changes, clumsiness or unsteadiness (more common for seniors), confusion (more common for seniors), daytime anxiety or restlessness, difficult or laboured breathing, difficulty with coordination (more common for seniors), drowsiness (severe), memory problems (more common for seniors), mood or mental changes, shortness of breath, skin rash, tightness in chest, wheezing.

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

OVERDOSE

Seek medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

STORAGE

Zopiclone should be kept away from heat, direct light, water, moisture at a room temperature (approximately 23 degrees C). The medicine should be kept in a place unreachable for children.