Zop 7.5 mg x 20 tablets

Description

Zopiclone helps to reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep (sleep latency), increase the amount of time you sleep for (sleep duration), and decrease the number of times you wake up at night (nocturnal awakenings). Zopiclone starts to work quickly, taking about an hour to work.

Zopiclone works by binding to a receptor in your brain called the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor and enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger that has a calming effect.

Zopiclone became available in the 1980s and is approved for use in many parts of the world. However, it is not available in the US where it is a schedule IV controlled substance. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved eszopiclone (Lunesta). Eszopiclone is a stereoisomer of zopiclone, which means it is made up of the same parts connected in the same sequences, but its 3D structure is different.

Zopiclone usually comes as a tablet. In some countries, your doctor may be able to order you an oral solution containing this medication if you have trouble swallowing. Branded and generic versions of zopiclone are available.

What is zopiclone used for?

Zopiclone is used for the short-term (7-14 days) treatment of insomnia in adults. It is used to treat adults who have sleep problems such as:

Difficulty falling asleep

Waking in the middle of the night

Waking too early

Severe or upsetting sleep problems that are caused by mood or mental health problems

Zopiclone is not recommended for long-term use (more than 4 weeks) for chronic insomnia because it may cause tolerance and dependence, leading to withdrawal and rebound insomnia if this medication is stopped suddenly. Long-term use is usually considered an “off-label” or unapproved use of the drug.

What are the side effects of zopiclone?

Serious side effects of zopiclone include:

Allergic reactions. The signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• a rash
• swallowing or breathing problems
• swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue
• Stop taking this medication and see a doctor or go to the emergency room straight away if you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following side effects, which are rare or of unknown frequency:

• Poor memory (amnesia) since starting this medication. This problem is less likely to occur if you have 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep after taking this medication.

• Seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)

• Falling, especially in the elderly

• Thinking things that are not true (delusions)

• Feeling low or sad (depressed mood)