Zopiclone

What is Zopiclone for?

Zopiclone is used for short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty sleeping). It helps you fall asleep faster and sleep through the night.

How should I take or use Zopiclone?

• Follow the instructions on your medication label and take this medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• This medication may be taken with or without food.
• This medication should be taken just before going to bed when you are ready to sleep.
• You should obtain this medication from the same doctor or clinic whenever possible.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Zopiclone?

• If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your usual timing. This medication is usually taken on an as needed basis to help you sleep.
• For example, for a medication to be taken at 10pm and you missed your dose, take it before the next time you are going to sleep if needed. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Zopiclone?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, your doctor would have discussed the potential benefits and side-effects with you and should you have further questions or concerns, do consult your doctor.
• You are taking any other medications (including those that can be bought without a prescription), supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. Some of them may affect how this medication works or cause serious drug interactions.
• You have or have ever had:
  • Other drug allergies or lactose intolerance conditions (congenital galactosaemia, glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome or lactase deficiency)
  • Other mental health conditions such as depression
  • Medical conditions such as:
    • Lung, liver or kidney disease
    • Drug or alcohol abuse
    • Myasthenia Gravis (an autoimmune condition that affects the nerves and muscles) or
    • Sleep apnea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep) or
    • Complex sleep behaviours (such as sleep walking, sleep driving and engaging in other activities while not fully awake) after taking Zopiclone

This medication may be habit-forming when taken excessively or for a prolonged duration (especially at high doses). This may result in:

• Unintentional, regular use of the medication
• Dependence or over-reliance on the medication
• Decreased effectiveness of the medication

This can be prevented by taking the medication:

• On a short-term basis (2 - 4 weeks)
• At the lowest effective dose
• Intermittently (for example, taking it once every 2 or 3 nights for relieving sleep difficulty)

If you have been taking the medication on a long-term basis or at high doses, do not stop taking it abruptly as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as increased sweating, increased heart rate, tremors, trouble sleeping, increased agitation, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that do not exist), increased anxiety, nausea or vomiting, and in severe cases, medical emergencies such as fits.

If you wish to cut down, discuss with your doctor to come up with a plan to help you on this. It is often best to reduce the dose gradually over a few weeks.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Zopiclone?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zopiclone as it can cause excessive sleepiness.

What are some common side effects of Zopiclone?

• Nausea or vomiting
  • Take this medication with or after food
  • Take simple meals and avoid fatty or spicy food
• Dizziness
  • Get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position
• Drowsiness or feeling tired
  • Avoid driving or taking part in activities that require concentration
  • Discuss with your doctor if you can take your medication at a different time of the day
• Dry mouth or bitter taste
  • Sip water regularly if possible
  • Suck on ice chips or sugarless candy
• Feeling clumsy or unsteady
• Headache

Most of the side effects listed here will improve with time. Speak with your doctor if any of them continues, worsens or affects your daily life.

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Rarely this medication may cause:

• Memory loss (amnesia)
• Changes in mood or behaviour
• Hearing or seeing things that do not exist (hallucinations)
• Unusual excitement, irritability, agitation or over-talkativeness (disinhibition)
• Unusual sleep-related activities such as walking, eating or cooking
• Confusion
• Muscle weakness or tremors

If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop your medication and inform your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Zopiclone?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Zopiclone safely?

Pack this medication into a trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.