Description
Zopiclone is used for short-term treatment of insomnia. It reduces sleep onset time and frequent awakening at night. This medicine improves sleep maintenance and therefore ensures sound sleep.
Zopiclone is never used for long-term treatment of insomnia, because of its high habit-forming potential. It should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably just before going to bed. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it is habit-forming. Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms.
Some common side effects of this medicine include mild bitter or metallic taste in your mouth, dry mouth, and feeling drowsy or sleepy. These are usually temporary and resolve on their own after some time. Consult your doctor if these bother you or do not away. They may be able to suggest ways to reduce or prevent the side effects.
Zopiclone can dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you and do not take alcohol with it as it may worsen the dizziness. Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts while taking this medicine.
Before taking Zopiclone, inform your doctor about all other medicines that you are taking, so that your doctor can advise if taking this medicine is right for you. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are suffering from any liver or kidney problems. You should avoid smoking and alcohol while using this medicine. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not use this medicine. However, if the need arises, please consult your doctor before using it.
USES OF ZOPICLONE
Treatment of Insomnia
Insomnia is having problems with falling asleep or staying asleep. It is a common complaint occurring in almost one-tenth of the adults. Children also suffer from insomnia.
BENEFITS OF ZOPICLONE
In Treatment of Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in which there is difficulty in falling or staying asleep at night. Zopiclone helps treat insomnia as well as improves the quality of sleep. Zopiclone works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep. This helps you relax and feel more energetic. It also helps you concentrate better and improves your quality of life.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ZOPICLONE
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Zopiclone
- Metallic taste
- Bitter taste
- Drowsiness
- Dryness in mouth
HOW TO USE ZOPICLONE
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Zopiclone is to be taken empty stomach.
HOW ZOPICLONE WORKS
Zopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic. It has hypnotic and anxiolytic properties. It works by regulating the GABA receptor, thus relaxes the nerves and brain. This is how it helps you to fall asleep.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Zopiclone is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breastfeeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Zopiclone is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Zopiclone may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Zopiclone should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of it be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Zopiclone should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of it may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Zopiclone is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
