Zopiclone

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Adco-Zopimed, Alchera, Imovane, Zopigen, Zopivane

Drug group:

Sleeping drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

• Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug used for the short-term treatment of insomnia
• Suitable for cases where insomnia is not accompanied by anxiety eg. international travel - unlike benzodiazepines, zopiclone does not have any anti-anxiety properties

How should it be used?

• Non-drug measures should be tried before using sleeping tablets – eg. avoidance of caffeine
• To avoid zopiclone dependence/addiction, only use the drug occasionally
• Tablets should be swallowed whole, without sucking or chewing

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

Use only when required, 3.75–7.5mg once daily at bedtime

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 30 minutes      
                   

How long will the effects last?

4–6 hours                    
              

When should I stop using it?

Can be safely stopped as soon as no longer needed, but if you have been taking the drug continuously for more than 1 week, you may need to stop gradually.

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Intended for occasional use only, continuous use for as little as 1-2 weeks may cause dependence. Withdrawal symptoms (including insomnia, anxiety, tremor, confusion, panic attacks) may occur when the drug is stopped, but these symptoms are less likely when used for less than 4 weeks.                                                                       

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: bitter/metallic taste in the mouth, headaches, daytime drowsiness (usually only for the first few days of treatment, persistent morning drowsiness or impaired coordination are signs of excessive dose)
• Less common: dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: amnesia, confusion, rash

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: history of alcohol or drug misuse/abuse, myasthenia gravis, severe respiratory disease, liver/kidney problems
• Other medicines: other sleeping and anti-anxiety drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, opioid analgesics, antipsychotics, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, St John’s wort
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Not recommended
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary, increased risk of side effects
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug can cause drowsiness, reduced alertness, and slowed reactions
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced sedative effects