Zopiclone is a sleeping pill. It helps you fall asleep if you have problem sleeping (also known as insomnia).
Take Zopiclone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine just before you go to bed. Take it only when you can get a full night's sleep (7-8 hours) before being active again.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Do not take Zopiclone for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor. Inform your doctor if this medicine does not seem to help you.
If you are taking this medicine over a certain period of time, do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Zopiclone is used to help you sleep. You may not need to take it every day. Take it only when you need it. If you miss a dose, take it at your next scheduled dose.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- severe sleep apnoea syndrome (sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep)
- respiratory failure (a serious condition wherein the lungs cannot get enough oxygen into the blood or when there is too much carbon dioxide in the blood)
- history of unusual sleep behaviours, such as sleepwalking and sleep-driving, after taking Zopiclone
- severe liver disease
as Zopiclone may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of mental illness
- long-term breathing problems
- personal or family history of sleepwalking or other disorders that affect sleep e.g. restless leg syndrome (nerve disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs due to an uncomfortable sensation)
- depression
- current or history of drug or alcohol abuse
- kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Zopiclone to the elderly or debilitated individual (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). Elderly people and debilitated individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Practise good sleeping habits to reduce reliance on sleeping pills. These are some good sleeping habits which you should follow:
- Try to relax before bedtime. Do not engage in strenuous activities.
- Try to go to bed at about the same time every night.
- Have a light dinner. A heavy dinner may disturb your sleep.
- Avoid caffeine in the evening. Caffeine-containing food and drinks include coffee, tea, certain soft drinks and even chocolate.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and airy.
- Avoid taking naps, especially in the late afternoon.
Zopiclone may cause drowsiness or slow brain function. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, changes in taste, diarrhoea, constipation, bad breath, dizziness, headache, double vision, and changes in libido.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- abnormal activities during sleep e.g. driving, cooking, eating and walking while you are still asleep
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- having thoughts of self-harm
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- strong painkillers
- medicines for mood disorders
- medicines for cold and allergy that cause drowsiness
- medicines used to block pain and sensation
- medicines to treat depression
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- certain medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin
- ritonavir (medicine for HIV infection)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Zopiclone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the drowsiness caused by Zopiclone.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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