Zopiclone

“All 3 registered zopiclone products carry Forensicclassification 'Prescription Only' — SIN05047P IMOVANE TABLET 7.5 mg · SIN09355P APO-ZOPICLONE TABLET 7.5 mg · SIN11416P ZOPICLONE TABLET 7.5 mg (ATC N05CF01)”

“Forensic Classification PRESCRIPTION ONLY MEDICINES … IMOVANE is intended for treatment of short-term treatment of insomnia in adults (including difficulties with falling asleep, nocturnal awakening, and early wakening).”

“Adults: the recommended dose is one 7.5 mg IMOVANE tablet by oral route. This dose should not be exceeded … should be taken in a single intake and not be re-administered during the same night.”

“Treatment should be as short as possible and should not exceed four weeks including the period of tapering off … In elderly and in patients with impaired liver function or chronic respiratory insufficiency: a starting dose of 3.75 mg”

“IMOVANE is contraindicated in patients: With myasthenia gravis … With respiratory failure … With severe sleep apnea syndrome … With severe hepatic insufficiency … Who have previously experienced complex sleep behaviors after taking IMOVANE”

“Zopiclone is used as a short-term treatment for sleeping problems (insomnia) … It's a type of sleeping pill that's sometimes known as a Z-drug. These are a kind of medicine called a hypnotic”

“Zopiclone comes as tablets you swallow once a day, before you go to bed. It takes around 30 to 60 minutes to start working … Treatment with zopiclone usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks.”

“Common side effects of zopiclone include: dry mouth … a bitter or metallic taste … feeling tired, sleepy, dazed or less alert the next day. Do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery for 12 hours after taking zopiclone.”

“Possible serious side effects of zopiclone include: difficulty breathing … sleepwalking, or doing things while not fully awake, like eating, talking on the phone or driving … hallucinations … thoughts of suicide or harming yourself”

“it may not be suitable if: … you have sleep apnoea or breathing problems … you have liver problems … you've been addicted to alcohol, drugs or prescription medicine before, especially opioids”

“These include some: other medicines for sleep or anxiety problems … opioid painkillers like codeine, morphine or oxycodone … antipsychotics … antidepressants … sedating antihistamines … antibiotics, such as clarithromycin or erythromycin”

“Do not drink alcohol while taking zopiclone. Alcohol can increase the effects of the medicine, which can cause breathing problems and make it very difficult to wake up.”

“This medication may be taken with or without food. This medication should be taken just before going to bed when you are ready to sleep. You should obtain this medication from the same doctor or clinic whenever possible.”

“This medication may be habit-forming when taken excessively or for a prolonged duration … do not stop taking it abruptly as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as increased sweating, increased heart rate, tremors”

“Most of the side effects listed here will improve with time. Speak with your doctor if any of them continues, worsens or affects your daily life.”

“Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zopiclone as it can cause excessive sleepiness.”