Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Menu

Zopiclone

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Imovane

Zopiclone - What is it for

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

Zopiclone - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Zopiclone cause?

The mentioned side effects generally affect up to 10% of patients.

  • Nausea or vomiting
    • Take this medication with or after food
    • Take simple meals and avoid rich or spicy foods
  • Dizziness (especially during a sudden change in posture)
    • Get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position
  • Feeling tired or drowsy
    • Avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring concentration for 12 hours after taking this medication
  • Dry mouth; bitter taste
    • Sip water regularly if possible
    • Suck on ice chips or sugarless candy
  • Feeling clumsy or unsteady
    • Speak to your doctor if it becomes bothersome
  • Headache
    • Speak to your doctor if it becomes bothersome

Most of the side effects listed here will improve with time. Speak to your doctor if they continue, get worse or are affecting your daily life.

Rare but serious side effects include:

  • Memory loss (amnesia)
  • Abnormal thinking or changes in behaviour
  • Unusual excitement, irritability, agitation or over-talkativeness (disinhibition)
  • Unusual sleep-related activities such as walking, eating or cooking
  • Confusion
  • Fast, strong or irregular heartbeat
  • Muscle weakness or tremors

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

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

Please also take note that not all possible side effects are listed above. If you have any concerns about your medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Before taking Zopiclone , what precautions must I follow?

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. If you have further questions or concerns, do consult your doctor.
  • You are taking other medications including over-the-counter medications, supplements, traditional Chinese medicine and herbal remedies. Some of them may affect how this medication works or have serious interactions with this medication.
  • You have or have ever had:
    • Other drug allergies or lactose intolerance (congenital galactosaemia, glucose 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)

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, 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 discontinuation plan. It is often best to reduce the dose gradually over a few weeks.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Zopiclone ?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication as it can cause excessive drowsiness.

Zopiclone - Dosage and How to Use

How should Zopiclone be used?

  • 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 miss a dose?

If you are directed by your doctor to take the medication regularly and forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, before going to sleep. Or you may wait until it is time to take your next dose, then go on as before. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Zopiclone - Handling

How should I handle Zopiclone safely?

Zopiclone - Storage

How should I store Zopiclone ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Zopiclone safely?

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

Zopiclone - Additional Information

  • Updated on 10/31/2021 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

Find Your Medicines