Zopiclone
About Zopiclone
Zopiclone is an oral prescription medicine used for the short-term treatment of sleep difficulties, commonly known as insomnia. It is clinically prescribed to help individuals who experience severe sleep disturbances, including trouble falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, or waking up too early. This medicine provides temporary relief to help restore a regular sleep pattern.
To get the best results, you should take this medicine consistently exactly as directed by your doctor, usually for a short period of a few days to two weeks. It is best taken on an empty stomach immediately before going to bed. Alongside taking Zopiclone, implementing healthy lifestyle habits such as limiting screen time before bed, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and keeping a regular sleep schedule can significantly support your progress.
While taking Zopiclone, some people may experience mild side effects, such as a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth, or mild daytime sleepiness. Most of these effects are temporary, but you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms like memory loss, confusion, or unusual sleep behaviours.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medicine if you have any existing health conditions. Do not take this if you have severe lung disease, sleep apnoea, severe liver damage, or a muscle weakness condition known as myasthenia gravis. It is also not suitable for children or individuals with a history of substance abuse.
This medicine can interact with other substances, especially alcohol and other central nervous system depressants, which can lead to dangerous levels of drowsiness and slowed breathing. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly individual, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Zopiclone as you may require special precautions or a lower dose.
Uses of Zopiclone
Medicinal Benefits
Zopiclone offers several short-term sleep benefits that help improve overall rest and recovery:
- Faster Sleep Onset: Zopiclone helps you fall asleep more quickly after going to bed, reducing the frustration of lying awake for long periods.
- Improved Sleep Continuity: It reduces nighttime awakenings, helping you stay asleep for longer stretches and maintain a more stable sleep cycle.
- Better Morning Refreshment: By improving overall sleep quality, it helps you wake up feeling more refreshed, alert, and physically recovered.
Directions for Use
- Zopiclone should be taken on an empty stomach, for effective results.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations on the dosage and timing of this medication to achieve optimal results.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Zopiclone
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- A bitter or metallic taste in the mouth
- Dry mouth
- Daytime drowsiness or lightheadedness
- Feeling physically tired or weak
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, hives, or severe difficulty breathing
- Complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, driving, or preparing food while not fully awake, with no memory of the event
- Memory loss (amnesia) of events that occur after taking the medicine
- New or worsening feelings of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Take Only When Ready for Sleep: Only take Zopiclone when you are fully prepared to go to sleep immediately; taking it while walking around can increase your risk of falls or injury.
- Next-Day Alertness: Do not drive, ride a bicycle, or operate heavy machinery the morning after taking this medicine until you are completely sure you do not feel drowsy or slow to react.
- Alcohol Warning: Never drink alcohol while taking Zopiclone, as it drastically increases the sedative effects of the medicine, which can cause dangerous, slow breathing.
- Do Not Stop Suddenly: Do not stop taking Zopiclone suddenly if you have been using it for more than a few days. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about gradually reducing dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms or return of insomnia.
- Monitor Sleep Behaviours: Keep a close watch on your behaviour. If you, a partner, or a family member notices you sleepwalking or performing other activities while asleep, stop taking the medicine immediately and call your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Here are the medicines that may interact with Zopiclone and increase sedation or reduce safety:
- Central nervous system depressants: Combining Zopiclone with opioid pain relievers, other sleeping aids, muscle relaxants, or sedating allergy medicines can cause severe drowsiness, slowed breathing, and dangerous sedation.
- Enzyme inhibitors: Medications like ketoconazole (an antifungal) or erythromycin (an antibiotic) can slow down the removal of Zopiclone from your system, increasing the risk of side effects.
- Enzyme inducers: Medicines like carbamazepine or rifampicin can speed up how your body processes Zopiclone, making it less effective.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption with Zopiclone as it may increase the risk of dependence, psychomotor impairment (slowdown of thought process, and reduced physical movements), sleepwalking, or sleep-driving.
Pregnancy
unsafeZopiclone is a Category C pregnancy drug and is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may cause adverse effects in the baby after birth.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Zopiclone as it may be excreted in breast milk.
Driving
unsafeYou may experience dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, decreased alertness, blurred, or double vision, especially the day after taking Zopiclone. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy or dizzy after taking Zopiclone.
Liver
cautionTake Zopiclone with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Zopiclone is not recommended for severe liver disease patients.
Kidney
cautionTake Zopiclone with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeZopiclone is not recommended for children below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
To maximise the benefits of Zopiclone and establish healthier, long-term sleep patterns, consider incorporating these evidence-based habits:
- Maintain a sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the exact same time every day, even on weekends, to help regulate your body's internal clock.
- Optimise your bedroom: Ensure your sleeping environment is dark, quiet, and cool. Use blackout curtains or earplugs if necessary.
- Avoid late stimulants: Do not consume caffeine, chocolate, or energy drinks for at least 6 hours before bedtime, as they interfere with your ability to fall asleep.
- Limit heavy evening meals: Avoid eating large, heavy, or spicy meals close to bedtime, which can cause physical discomfort and disrupt sleep.
- Create a wind-down routine: Replace screen time (phones, tablets, TV) with relaxing activities like reading a book or listening to calming music for at least 30 to 60 minutes before bed.
Special Advise
You are advised to take Zopiclone on an empty stomach as taking Zopiclone with food may reduce the effect of Zopiclone.
If you are depressed or have depression in the past, please inform your doctor before taking Zopiclone to increase self-harming or suicidal thoughts.
If you notice any behavioural side effects such as delusions (false belief), nightmares, irritability, restlessness, aggressiveness, or hallucinations (hear, feel or see things that are actually not present), please contact your doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Insomnia: It is a disorder of sleep associated with problems in falling asleep or staying asleep. It may be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) in nature. Acute insomnia may last from one night to a few weeks and occurs due to stress or life changes. Chronic insomnia may last from more than 3 nights per week to more than 3 months. Insomnia is mostly caused due to depression, stress, anxiety, jet lag, shift work, uncomfortable beds, chronic illness, caffeine, nicotine or alcohol intake, or due to certain medicines. It may be treated using sleeping pills, behaviour therapy, sleep habits changes, and identifying and treating chronic conditions.
FAQs
Zopiclone is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep).
A night of good relaxing sleep helps strengthen the immune system, improves heart health, repairs tissues, and muscles. Good refreshing sleep keeps a person acting for the next day, improves mental ability, learning, and reduces stress in their body.
Some of the common causes of sleeplessness (insomnia) include stress, poor sleeping habits, mental health issues, physical medical conditions, and pain related to them, and the usage of certain medicines.
For adult persons, good quality sleep means to fall asleep within half an hour of lying awake. It means a sound sleep without frequent waking during the night, if you wakeup then lifts to sleep within some time of waking up.
It is suggested to stick to a sleeping schedule, and take about 8 hours of sleep during the night. Eat light foods at night and limit alcohol consumption, caffeine, tea, smoking, or any product that affects sleep. Take less stress and make your environment restful before sleeping.
Lying in bed with closed eyes does not mean you are sleeping; it simply means your body is resting but not your brain.
You are recommended to take Zopiclone just before bedtime as it helps to sleep quickly and improve sleep quality. If you forget to take Zopiclone at night, do not take it in the daytime as it may cause drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness.
Bitter or metallic taste in the mouth is a side effect of Zopiclone. However, not every person faces it. If this bothers you, then it is advised to sip water and keep some water near the bed at night. You may also use some mouth wash before going to bed as it may also reduce the chance of dry mouth.
You are advised not to drink cold drink, coffee or energy drinks as it may affect the action of Zopiclone. Even try to avoid heavy foods at dinner, prefer light meals like soup.
Yes, Zopiclone may cause addiction if used for longer durations as it has habit forming tendencies. Therefore, take Zopiclone only for the duration prescribed by the doctor.
Yes, Zopiclone have the potential to abuse. So, take Zopiclone only according to the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor.
Overdose symptoms of Zopiclone may include feeling drowsy, feeling confused, difficulty in breathing, floppy muscles, losing your balance, and feeling dizzy. If you experience any of these symptoms consult your doctor immediately.
Take Zopiclone for as long as it has been prescribed by your doctor. However, Zopiclone is typically prescribed for 2 to 4 weeks. Consult your doctor if you have concerns regarding it.
Avoid alcohol consumption with Zopiclone as it may increase the risk of dependence, psychomotor impairment (slowdown of thought process, and reduced physical movements), sleepwalking, or sleep-driving.
Zopiclone is safe when used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. However,it may cause side effects like dizziness, diarrhoea, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, nose or throat infections, tiredness, stomach pain, double vision, and back pain.
Rarely, Zopiclone may cause a poor memory (amnesia) in some people. If you suspect memory problems while using Zopiclone consult your doctor immediately.
You may experience dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, decreased alertness, blurred, or double vision, especially the day after taking Zopiclone. Therefore, avoid driving after taking Zopiclone.
The common side effects of Zopiclone may include dizziness, diarrhoea, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, nose or throat infections, tiredness, stomach pain, double vision, and back pain. Most of these side effects of Zopiclone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
No, Zopiclone is strictly intended for short-term use, usually from a few days up to two weeks. Taking it every night for longer periods can make it less effective as your body builds a tolerance, and it also increases the risk of physical dependency. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you wake up, do not take another tablet. Taking an extra dose in the middle of the night can lead to severe drowsiness, confusion, and coordination issues the next morning. If your sleep issues continue to disrupt your night, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Some people may feel slightly groggy or sleepy the next morning. This is more likely to happen if you do not get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep after taking the tablet. If this grogginess interferes with your daily activities, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have been taking this medicine for more than a few days, stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sweating, shaking, or a temporary return of worse insomnia. Your doctor will help you by gradually reducing dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Zopiclone is generally not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and affect the baby, causing drowsiness or breathing issues. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Yes, but you should avoid consuming caffeine-rich drinks like coffee, tea, or energy drinks in the afternoon or evening. Caffeine is a stimulant that can stay in your system for hours and directly counteract the sleep-promoting effects of your medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Complex sleep behaviours involve performing activities while sleepwalking, such as sleep-driving, making phone calls, or cooking, with no memory of the event afterward. If you or your family members notice any of these behaviours, stop taking the medicine immediately and talk to your doctor.
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