Brand name: Zopiclone Brand Name: Imovane
Description
This medicine is a hypnotic agent used to treat sleep disorders.
Pharmacology
The pharmacological profile of zopiclone is similar to that of the benzodiazepines.
In sleep laboratory studies of 1 to 21-day duration in man, zopiclone reduced sleep latency, increased the duration of sleep and decreased the number of nocturnal awakenings. Zopiclone delayed the onset of REM sleep but did not reduce consistently the total duration of REM periods. The duration of stage 1 sleep was shortened, and the time spent in stage 2 sleep increased. In most studies, stage 3 and 4 sleep tended to be increased, but no change and actual decreases have also been observed. The effect of zopiclone on stage 3 and 4 sleep differs from that of the benzodiazepines which suppress slow wave sleep. The clinical significance of this finding is not known.
Some manifestations of rebound insomnia have been reported both in sleep laboratory and clinical studies following the withdrawal of zopiclone.
At the clinically recommended dose of 7.5 mg, peak plasma concentration of 60 ng/mL is achieved within 90 minutes.
Indications and Usage
The short-term management of insomnia characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings and/or early morning awakening.
Contraindications Zopiclone - free Rx meds with/out a Rx - prescriptions.
Patients with known hypersensitivity to Zopiclone.
Patients with myasthenia gravis; severe impairment of respiratory function; stroke.
Warnings Zopiclone
DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than 4 weeks without checking with your doctor.
Dependency and Withdrawl: Exceeding the recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming.Addiction-prone individuals, such as drug addicts and alcoholics, should be under careful surveillance when receiving zopiclone because of the predisposition of such patients to habituation and dependence.Suicide: Caution should be exercised if zopiclone is prescribed to depressed patients, including those with latent depression, particularly when suicidal tendencies may be present and protective measures may be required.Amnesia: Anterograde amnesia of varying severity may occur in rare instances following therapeutic doses of zopiclone. Also prior to falling asleep or during interim periods of wakefulness, memory may be impaired.
Precautions
Elderly or debilitated patients: In elderly and/or debilitated patients, zopiclone should be initiated at a low dose to reduce the possibility of oversedation, dizziness or impaired coordination. The dose should be increased only if necessary
Usage in Children:: The safety and effectiveness of zopiclone in children below the age of 18 have not been established.
advertisement Pregnancy and Withdrawl: The safety of zopiclone in pregnant women has not been established. Therefore, the drug is not recommended during pregnancy. Zopiclone is secreted in human milk, and its concentration may reach 50% of the plasma levels. Therefore, the administration of zopiclone to nursing mothers is not recommended.
Interference with Cognitive or Motor Performance: Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
Drug Interactions.
Patients should be cautioned against the simultaneous ingestion of zopiclone and alcohol or other CNS depressant drugs because of possible additive effects.
BEFORE USING Zopiclone: INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Adverse Reactions
Side Effects, that may go away during treatment, include bitter taste in mouth, drowsiness, or decreased coordination.
Other sides effects Zopiclone include: amnesia or memory impairment, euphoria, nightmares, agitation, hostility, decreased libido, coordination abnormality, tremor, muscle spasms, speech disorder, heart palpitations, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, anorexia or increased appetite.
Elderly: Geriatric patients tended to have a higher incidence of palpitations, vomiting, anorexia, sialorrhea, confusion, agitation, anxiety, tremor and sweating than younger patients.
