Brand Names: Imovane, Lunesta.
Generic Name: Zopiclone.
This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist
Common Uses
Zopiclone belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). This medicine is used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). Zopiclone helps you get to sleep faster and sleep through the night. In general, when sleep medicines are used every night for a long time, they may lose their effectiveness. In most cases, sleep medicines should be used only for short periods of time, such as 1 or 2 days, and generally for no longer than 1 or 2 weeks.
How to Take
Before start taking any new medicine please consult with a doctor. The usual starting dose is 10 or 20 mg taken once a day. If you have any problems with your kidneys or if you are also taking a diuretic, your starting dose may be lower. For adults over age 65, the usual starting dose is 10 mg. Depending on how your blood pressure responds, your doctor may increase your dose up to a total of 80 mg a day taken once a day or divided into two doses.
Warning and Precautions
Zopiclone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zopiclone with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Zopiclone; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
When you first start taking Zopiclone, it may have a "carryover" effect on you the next day. Use extreme care while doing anything that requires complete alertness (eg, driving a car).
Zopiclone may cause a special type of memory loss or "amnesia." To avoid memory problems, be sure to use Zopiclone only when you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again. Be sure to talk with your health care provider if you think you are having memory problems.
Some patients taking Zopiclone have performed certain activities while they were not fully awake. These have included sleep-driving, making and eating food, making phone calls, and having sex. Patients often do not remember these events after they happen. Such an event may be more likely to occur if you use a high dose of Zopiclone. It may also be more likely if you drink alcohol or take other medicines that may cause drowsiness while you use Zopiclone. Tell your doctor right away if such an event happens to you.
If your symptoms do not get better within 7 to 10 days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
When you stop taking Zopiclone, you may notice some trouble sleeping the first few nights after the medicine is stopped. This usually goes away after 1 or 2 nights.
If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior (eg, more outgoing or aggressive behavior than normal, confusion, strange behavior, agitation), or if you have any unusual or disturbing thoughts, contact your doctor immediately.
Important
Zopiclone may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zopiclone while you are pregnant. It is not known if Zopiclone is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Zopiclone, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Missed Dose
If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss dose and if you missed one take the missed dose as soon as you remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects.
Overdose
Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, severe drop in blood pressure.If you suspect an overdose contact your emergency room immediately.
Storage
Zopiclone should be stored at room temperature in a container it comes in. Protect from heat, sun light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from pets and children.
Possible Side Effects
Any of the medicine can cause side effects. If the side effects occur seek medical attention or consult with your doctor for more information. Anyway such common side effects may bother you: anxiety, decrease in sexual desire, difficulty with coordination, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, indigestion, lightheadedness, nausea, nervousness, unpleasant taste, vomiting. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects occur: chest pain, allergic reactions, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fainting, irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, unusual stomach pain.
More Information
The information given above is a summary. Your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about Zopiclone. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.
