How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Zopiclone belongs to the class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It is used for the short-term and symptomatic relief of sleep disturbances. Zopiclone can help with difficulty falling asleep, frequent wake-ups during the night, or early morning awakenings. Zopiclone should usually not be taken for more than 7 to 10 consecutive days. It should be used only by people for whom disturbed sleep results in problems functioning during the day.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
5mg
Each round, white, biconvex, film-coated tablet, engraved "ZOP" over "5" on one side and "APO" on the other, contains 5mg of zopiclone. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.
7.5mg
Each oval, blue, film-coated tablet, scored and engraved "APO7.5" on one side, contains 7.5mg of zopiclone. Nonmedicinal ingredients: brilliant blue FCF Aluminum Lake, carnauba wax, D&C Yellow No.10 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.
How should I use this medication?
The usual starting dose is 3.75 mg taken just before bedtime when required to help with difficulty sleeping. The recommended adult dose of zopiclone ranges from 3.75mg to 7.5mg. The maximum daily dose is 5 mg for seniors, people with reduced liver or kidney function, and people taking certain medications. This medication may be habit-forming and should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You should not typically use zopiclone for more than 7 to 10 days in a row.
If you have been taking this medication regularly for an extended period of time, do not stop taking it suddenly without talking with your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication when a full night's sleep is not possible or before you would need to be active and functional. Impaired judgment and memory lapses may occur in such situations. Your body needs time to eliminate the medication from your system. Wait at least 12 hours after taking this medication before driving or engaging in other activities that require mental alertness.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to zopiclone or any ingredients of this medication
- have myasthenia gravis
- have severe breathing difficulties
- have severe liver disease
- have sleep apnea
- have previously experienced complex sleep behaviours such as sleep walking, talking, eating, or driving while taking zopiclone or other medications for sleep
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- agitation (more common for seniors)
- bitter taste in mouth
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- lightheadedness
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- aggressiveness
- behaviour changes (e.g., excitement, hyperactivity, violent behavior)
- clumsiness or unsteadiness (more common for seniors)
- confusion (more common for seniors)
- daytime anxiety or restlessness
- difficult or laboured breathing
- difficulty with coordination (more common for seniors)
- drowsiness (severe)
- hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there)
- memory problems (more common for seniors)
- shortness of breath
- signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
- sleepwalking
- withdrawal effects (e.g., abdominal cramps, vomiting, sweating, tremor, seizures)
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- complex sleep behaviours (e.g., driving, eating, making phone calls, or sexual activity while sleeping)
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
- thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness:People taking this medication should not combine it with alcohol and avoid combining it with other medications, such as narcotic pain relievers or other sedatives that cause drowsiness. Doing so can cause additional drowsiness and reduced breathing as well as other side effects, which can be dangerous and possibly life-threatening.
Anxiety or restlessness: An increase in daytime anxiety or restlessness has been observed during treatment with zopiclone.
Bad taste in mouth: Zopiclone may cause you to have a coated tongue, bad breath, or a bitter taste in your mouth. These effects often occur when this medication is being used.
Behaviour changes: This medication may worsen symptoms of depression, including thoughts of suicide or wanting to harm others. It may also cause agitated or aggressive behaviour. If you experience these symptoms or any other behaviour change while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Family members or caregivers of people who are taking this medication should contact the person's doctor immediately if they notice unusual behaviour changes.
Breathing: Sedatives can suppress breathing. If you have asthma, or other lung disease that increases your risk for breathing difficulties, such as sleep apnea, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Confusion: This medication affects mental efficiency (e.g., concentration, attention, and vigilance). The risk of confusion is greater for seniors and those with brain damage.
Dependence: Dependence and abuse have occurred with the use of zopiclone. The risk of developing dependence increases with higher doses and the longer that zopiclone is used. People with a history of past or current substance use problems may be at greater risk of developing abuse or addiction while taking this medication. If this medication is stopped suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, diarrhea, and hallucinations. If you have been taking this medication for a while, it should be stopped gradually as directed by your doctor.
Depression: Sedative medications have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression or suicidal thoughts, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Zopiclone can cause excessive drowsiness and decreased mental alertness. Do not operate heavy machinery or drive after taking this medication. Wait at least 12 hours after taking this medication before driving or engaging in other activities that require mental alertness.
Kidney function: Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney problems, you may require lower doses of this medication.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, you may require lower doses of this medication.
Memory disturbance: Amnesia of varying severity has been reported following normal doses of medications like zopiclone. This effect is rare with zopiclone.
Performing activities while not fully awake: People taking zopiclone may perform activities such as sleepwalking, driving, preparing and eating food, and making phone calls while not fully awake and unaware of their actions. The next morning, they may not remember what happened. This may be more likely to occur if you also use alcohol or other sedative medications. If you discover this has happened to you, contact your doctor immediately.
Withdrawal: Zopiclone can become habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms similar to those occurring with related substances, including alcohol, have been observed after stopping the medication suddenly (after having taken it regularly over a period of time). These symptoms include:
- abdominal cramps
- agitation
- confusion
- diarrhea
- extreme anxiety
- headache
- irritability
- memory impairment
- muscle pain
- nervousness
- restlessness
- sleep problems such as rebound insomnia
- tension
- tremors
- vomiting
Pregnancy: The safety of using this medication during pregnancy has not been established. Zopiclone may cause harm to the developing baby if it is taken by the mother during pregnancy. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking zopiclone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of zopiclone have not been established for use by children and adolescents under 18 years old.
Seniors: People over 65 years old are more likely to experience dose-related side effects of zopiclone, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired coordination. Lower does should be used. Using doses that are too high may result in accidents such as falls. Talk to your doctor if you are a senior and are experiencing any of the above side effects.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between zopiclone and any of the following:
- alcohol
- anti-anxiety medications (e.g., alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam)
- anticonvulsants (medications used to prevent seizures; e.g., phenytoin, valproic acid, carbamazepine, gabapentin)
- antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine)
- antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
- apalutamide
- aprepitant
- azelastine
- "azole" antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole)
- barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital)
- bosentan
- brimonidine
- buprenorphine
- buspirone
- butorphanol
- cannabis
- chloral hydrate
- clonidine
- cobicistat
- conivaptan
- dapsone
- deferasirox
- diltiazem
- dronedarone
- entacapone
- enzalutamide
- flibanserin
- general anesthetics (medications used to put you to sleep for surgery)
- grapefruit juice
- HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs; e.g., efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine)
- HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., darunavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
- kava kava
- lithium
- lumacaftor and ivacaftor
- macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- melatonin
- methadone
- metoclopramide
- mifepristone
- mirtazapine
- mitotane
- modafinil
- muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine, tizanidine)
- nabilone
- narcotic or opioid medications (e.g., codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone)
- pramipexole
- rifabutin
- rifampin
- ropinirole
- rotigotine
- St. John's wort
- sarilumab
- scopolamine
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
- siltuximab
- tapentadol
- tetrabenazine
- thalidomide
- tocilizumab
- tramadol
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine)
- tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., dasatinib, imatinib, nilotinib, sunitinib)
- verapamil
- zolpidem
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Apo-Zopiclone
FAQs
What are the bad side effects of zopiclone? ›
- get a poor memory (amnesia)
- see or hear things that are not real (hallucinations)
- fall over, especially if you're over 65 years of age.
- think things that are not true (delusions)
- feel low or sad (have depression)
Dizziness, lightheadedness, bitter taste, dry mouth, or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication may make you sleepy during the day. Tell your doctor if you have daytime drowsiness.
What is Apo zopiclone used for? ›Zopiclone belongs to the class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It is used for the short-term and symptomatic relief of sleep disturbances. Zopiclone can help with difficulty falling asleep, frequent wake-ups during the night, or early morning awakenings.
What to avoid when taking zopiclone? ›Taking zopiclone with codeine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, pethidine, or tramadol may increase the risk of side effects. This can lead to dependency. It may also increase the risk of drowsiness and difficulties in breathing. This may lead to coma and could be life-threatening.
Why is zopiclone banned in us? ›On April 4, 2005, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration listed zopiclone under schedule IV, due to evidence that the drug has addictive properties similar to benzodiazepines. Zopiclone, as traditionally sold worldwide, is a racemic mixture of two stereoisomers, only one of which is active.
Who Cannot take zopiclone? ›have ever had an allergic reaction to zopiclone or any other medicine. have liver or kidney problems. have myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes muscle weakness. have breathing problems or sleep apnoea, where you stop breathing for short bouts while sleeping.
What is zopiclone called in the US? ›Commonly sold under the brand names Zimonvane, Imovane and Dopareel, zopiclone can be an effective, short-term solution for insomnia but also carries a serious risk of abuse and zopiclone addiction.
Is Ambien the same as zopiclone? ›Lunesta and Ambien are two commonly prescribed drugs for short-term use for insomnia. Lunesta is a brand name for eszopiclone. Ambien is a brand name for zolpidem. Both of these medications belong to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics.
Does zopiclone make you ill? ›Including the following uncommon side effects of zopiclone: Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) Feeling dizzy or sleepy. Headache.
Why would someone take zopiclone? ›Zopiclone is a type of sleeping pill that can be taken for short-term treatment of severe insomnia. It helps you fall asleep more quickly, and also helps stop you waking up during the night. It works by affecting a calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Zopiclone comes as tablets.
What sleeping pill is better than zopiclone? ›
Clonidine is better than zopiclone for insomnia treatment in chronic pain patients. Published Online:June 1, 2022https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.9930Cited by:3.
What kind of sleeping pills are zopiclone? ›Zopiclone is a benzodiazepine-related sleeping pill. It is also known by the trade name Zimovane. It is a class C controlled medicine.
What is the FDA warning for zopiclone? ›Health care professionals should not prescribe eszopiclone, zaleplon, or zolpidem to patients who have a history of complex sleep behavior after taking these insomnia medicines. Patients should be advised that rare, but serious injuries and death are possible.
How long does it take to get zopiclone out of your system? ›How long will it stay in my system? Zopiclone does not stay in your system for more than about 12 hours. But some people feel sleepy the next morning when they wake up. If this happens to you, do not do any activities that need you to be fully alert, such as driving, cycling, or using tools or machinery.
How long before bed should you take zopiclone? ›You should take zopiclone just before going to bed. If you can make sure that you get seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, you will probably experience fewer side effects the next day (such as poor memory). Zopiclone should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
What happens if you stay awake on zopiclone? ›Mental effects Zopiclone helps you sleep, though users who manage to stay awake on it can feel drowsy and calm.
Can I take melatonin instead of zopiclone? ›Melatonin may be preferable to zopiclone and benzo-diazepines for the short-term treatment of insomnia because it does not cause adverse effects such as excessive daytime sleepiness, vertigo and muscle weakness.
Is zopiclone hard on kidneys? ›Kidney function: Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney problems, you may require lower doses of this medication.
Is zopiclone linked to dementia? ›Long-term uses of BZDs may cause cognitive impairment and increase the risk for dementia in older patients. NBZD as an agonist of the GABAA receptor complex includes eszopiclone, zopiclone, zolpidem, and zaleplon, also collectively known as Z drugs.
Is zopiclone the same as lorazepam? ›Zopiclone is equally effective as lorazepam in the treatment of insomnia in stroke and brain-injured patients.
Which is stronger zolpidem or zopiclone? ›
In conclusion, zolpidem was at least as effective as zopiclone but showed significantly less rebound on withdrawal; overall it was better tolerated.
What is the closest sleeping pill to Ambien? ›Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata are three non-benzodiazepine medications used to help with sleep. The medications are similar in how well they work and their side effects. All three medications have a generic form available.
What is the safest prescription sleeping pill for the elderly? ›In the elderly, should prescription medication be necessary, the first-line treatment is nonbenzodiazepines (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and ramelteon) as they have been found to be safer and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines.
What is the generic brand zopiclone? ›Brand name: Zimovane.
Is zopiclone bad for your heart? ›Effects of Zopiclone
Users may use these drugs to help comedown from other substances like stimulants. Side Effects: Breathing & heart rate slow down, depressed respiratory function, high potential for abuse, dependence and tolerance.
Long term use of zopiclone may cause tolerance and dependence, leading to withdrawal and rebound insomnia if the medicine is stopped abruptly. A gradual reduction in dose and/or frequency of use can reduce the likelihood of withdrawal effects after long-term use1–3.
Is trazodone better than zopiclone? ›Trazodone has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 1387 ratings on Drugs.com. 53% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 31% reported a negative effect. Zopiclone has an average rating of 8.6 out of 10 from a total of 13 ratings on Drugs.com.
Is zopiclone strong? ›Zopiclone tablets come in 2 different strengths: 3.75mg and 7.5mg. The usual dose is one 7.5mg tablet, taken just before you go to bed. It takes around 1 hour to work. A lower dose of 3.75mg may be recommended to begin with if you're over 65 years old or have kidney or liver problems.
What is the strongest sleeping tablet in the world? ›1. Doxepin. Doxepin is a sleep aid with the brand name Silenor. Doctors may suggest people with insomnia use Silenor for up to 3 months.
What is best sleep aid for elderly? ›Studies have shown that melatonin level declines with age, which may increase conditions related to circadian rhythm, such as sleep disorders. Melatonin is often prescribed to treat insomnia in older patients.
What is the most popular sleeping pill over the counter? ›
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine. ...
- Doxylamine (Unisom). Doxylamine is also a sedating antihistamine. ...
- Melatonin. The hormone melatonin helps control your natural sleep-wake cycle. ...
- Valerian.
Benzodiazepines (such as Temazepam or Loprazolam) and the newer "Z medicines" (such as Zopiclone or Zolpidem) are the preferred drugs for insomnia. Both types of drugs work in a similar way. If one doesn't work, swapping to the other is unlikely to have a different effect.
Is zopiclone controlled drug? ›The sleeping pills zopiclone and zolpidem are also class C controlled drugs. The anti-anxiety drug pregabalin is a class C controlled drug. Barbiturates are a class B controlled drug. These are rarely prescribed nowadays as sedative medication.
How do you feel the day after zopiclone? ›The reported reactions include impaired concentration, somnolence (sleepiness), headache and hangover.
How much sleep do you get with zopiclone? ›The effects of zopiclone were found to persist for 8-9 hours, suggesting a possibility of a reduction in function after waking the morning after a night-time dose.
How do I get off zopiclone? ›Acute withdrawal can result in physiological and psychological effects, and a dose reduction strategy that aims to slowly wean patients off benzodiazepines and zopiclone is best practice. A gradual taper has been shown to improve the rate of successful discontinuation and avoid effects of withdrawal.
Is zopiclone high risk? ›Yes, zopiclone is an incredibly powerful sedative and misusing it can be incredibly dangerous. It can cause physical and psychological dependence and pose potentially fatal health risks.
Is zopiclone a safe sleeping pill? ›So while the zopiclone does have the potential to lead to addiction, when it's taken as a short-term treatment and at the recommended dose, it is considered quite safe.
Is zopiclone a good drug? ›Zopiclone boosts the effectiveness of a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA blocks transmission across nerves in the brain and has a calming effect. By boosting the effectiveness of GABA, zopiclone improves sleep.
What is the safest sleeping pill for the elderly? ›In the elderly, should prescription medication be necessary, the first-line treatment is nonbenzodiazepines (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and ramelteon) as they have been found to be safer and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines.
Has zopiclone been discontinued? ›
Mylan: Product being discontinued
Mylan told C+D yesterday (September 16) that its zopiclone 3.75mg tablets are "in the process of being discontinued, were last sold in June 2020 and are no longer available for purchase”.
Usually zopiclone is not taken for more than two to four weeks. Some people take zopiclone for a very short time (two to five days). People can become dependent on the effects of zopiclone if they take it for more than a month, and then when they stop, they are more likely to get withdrawal symptoms.
Is 7.5 mg of zopiclone strong? ›The recommended dose in adults is one zopiclone 7.5mg tablet just before bedtime. Elderly - aged over 65 years old. The usual starting dose in elderly patients is one zopiclone low-strength (LS) tablet (3.75 mg) or half a full-strength (7.5 mg) tablet just before bedtime.
What is the brand name of zopiclone? ›Brand name: Zimovane. Find out how zopiclone treats sleeping problems (insomnia) and how to take it.
Is melatonin safer than zopiclone? ›Melatonin may be preferable to zopiclone and benzo-diazepines for the short-term treatment of insomnia because it does not cause adverse effects such as excessive daytime sleepiness, vertigo and muscle weakness.