Zopiclone - oral

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.

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.

Take this medicine just before you go to bed. You may take it with or without food.

Take this medicine only when you need to. Try not to make a habit of relying on this medicine to help you sleep.

If you are taking Zopiclone over a long period of time, do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise as stopping it suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as cramps, anxiety and irritability. 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:

• sleep apnoea (pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep)
• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
• severe liver disease
• stroke
• respiratory failure (a condition wherein your lungs cannot release enough oxygen into your blood or cannot remove carbon dioxide from your blood)

as Zopiclone may not be suitable for you.

Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• sleepwalking disorder or other condition that affects sleep
• mild to moderate liver disease
• kidney disease
• mild to moderate, long-term lung disease
• history of drug or alcohol abuse
• depression or history of depression
• risk of falling over or losing your balance

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Practice 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 drink 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 and dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Zopiclone may cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. You may not feel drowsy before you fall asleep.

Other side effects include any of the following: a slight bitter or metallic taste in your mouth, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, tiredness and some memory loss.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• confusion
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)

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 or using any of these medicines:

• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
• medicine to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
• medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
• certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
• medicine for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir
• medicines to treat depression e.g. venlafaxine
• medicines to block pain and sensation e.g. bupivacaine
• 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 medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.