Download Zopiclone - Mersey Care

Information on ZOPICLONE for Service
Users and their Families
This leaflet provides general information about your medication.
Manufacturer patient information leaflets are also provided with all
medicines. If you require further information, speak to your doctor,
pharmacist or nurse.
Zopiclone is also known as Zimovane®. It is available as:

tablets called Zimovane ® tablets, Zimovane ® LS tablets or
just zopiclone tablets
Zopiclone is pronounced
Zo - pee - clone
Reviewed by:
DTC
On:
January 2014
Next Review:
January 2017
The Mersey Care Medicines Information Service1 regularly updates
this information sheet.
1
Medicines Information, Pharmacy, Mossley Hill Hospital, Park Avenue, Liverpool L18 8BU
What is Zopiclone for?
Zopiclone is part of a group of medications called hypnotics
(sleeping tablets) which are used to treat people with severe
difficulty sleeping (insomnia) that is causing severe distress.
Hypnotics may be helpful for people who have difficulty going to
sleep, who sleep for short periods or who awaken very early or
many times during the night.
How should I take Zopiclone?
Before taking zopiclone, tell your doctor if:
 you are allergic to zopiclone of any of its ingredients
 you suffer from any other conditions especially kidney or liver
disease, breathing problems like severe sleep apnoea, a
condition called myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness) or history
of drug and alcohol misuse
 you take any other medication including any medicines or
supplements or herbal remedies that you bought yourself
 you are pregnant (or planning pregnancy) or breastfeeding
Your doctor will decide how much zopiclone is right for you to take.
Zopiclone tablets are normally prescribed for short periods only.
Others methods of dealing with insomnia should also be tried.
Swallow your tablets whole, with a small glass of water, at bedtime.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you accidentally take
more than the prescribed dose or an overdose of zopiclone, contact
your doctor or your local hospital. Ask your pharmacist or nurse if
you are not sure of anything.
Can I stop taking Zopiclone if I feel better?
Zopiclone is usually used for a short time only, usually four weeks
or less. However, it is best to discuss with your doctor how long you
will need to be on this medication. If you want to stop zopiclone, it is
better to do this in discussion with your doctor. You may have to
stop slowly to prevent any unpleasant withdrawal effects.
What if I forget a dose of Zopiclone?
If you forget to take a dose of zopiclone, take your next dose at the
usual time. Do not try to make up for the missed dose. Remember,
if you take zopiclone too late at night you may feel more drowsy the
next morning.
When will Zopiclone start to work?
Zopiclone should start to work about half an hour to an hour after
you take them.
Are there any side effects?
Zopiclone can cause side effects in some people, but these may
vary from person to person. Many side effects wear off over time.
Known side effects include:
 bitter taste in the mouth
 forgetfulness
 feeling or being sick
 drowsiness
 dry mouth
 confusion
 nausea
 headache
 lightheadedness
 stomach problems
 dizziness
 feeling irritable or restless
Some people can get tolerant to zopiclone and may feel that its
benefits have reduced over time. If you feel you are beginning to
depend on your medication, speak to your doctor.
Occasionally, more serious side effects can occur. These include:
 allergic reaction: skin rash, swelling or difficulty breathing
 low mood, changes in behaviour
 numbness or tingling of hands and feet
 fast or uneven heartbeat
 coordination problems
 breathing difficulties
 nightmares, sleep walking or sleep driving
 loss of memory
 seeing or hearing things that are not real
 falls (mainly in older adults)
If you suffer these or any other side effects, talk to your doctor,
pharmacist or nurse.
If you think a medicine has caused you an unwanted side effect,
please report the problem either on a Yellow Card form available
from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist OR online at this website
http://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/.
Can I take other medicines?
Zopiclone may interact with other medicines causing unwanted side
effects. Medicines you can buy over the counter without a
prescription may interact with prescribed medicines.
Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other
medicines.
Can I drive?
Zopiclone can make you feel very sleepy, dizzy and less alert. You
may also feel drowsy the next day. If you are affected in this way,
do not drive or work with machinery.
Can I drink alcohol?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking zopiclone. The combination of
alcohol and zopiclone can make you feel more sleepy than usual
and even affect your breathing.
Can I get pregnant or breast feed?
Medicines can have harmful effects at any time during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, or are planning to get pregnant, you should
seek advice from your doctor. You and your doctor or specialist will
decide if the potential benefits of treatment outweigh the potential
risks to the baby.
Zopiclone passes into breast milk. If you are breast feeding, you
should get your doctor’s advice.
What alternative treatments are there?
Other medications that can be used for sleeping problems include
zolpidem and benzodiazepines prescribed for short periods. Your
doctor or pharmacist will be able to provide you with further
information about these medications. Ways of treating insomnia
that do not involve the use of medicines to help with sleep should
always be tried first.
IMPORTANT
Remember to keep medicines where children cannot see or reach
them. Never share medicines with others even if their symptoms
appear the same as yours.
NEVER EXCEED THE STATED DOSE OF YOUR MEDICINE