FAQs
Is Zopiclone addictive?
Yes, Zopiclone can be addictive. Although, this is more common in patients with pre-existing addiction or chemical abuse, or those having underlying psychiatric disorders.
How long does it take for Zopiclone to work?
Zopiclone starts working shortly after you take it. The maximum levels of Zopiclone are reached within an hour of taking it. Taking Zopiclone may make you feel sleepy and sleepiness may persist for some time. This is the reason that you should prefer taking Zopiclone immediately before you go to bed, or after you have gone to bed but could not fall asleep. Moreover, take Zopiclone only if you know that you will be able to stay in bed for at least 7 to 8 hours after taking the medication.
Does Zopiclone have abuse potential?
Yes, Zopiclone does have abuse potential. The risk of abuse increases with the dose and duration of treatment and concomitant use of other psychoactive drugs. The risk is also greater for patients who have a history of alcohol or drug abuse or history of psychiatric disorders.
What are the symptoms of overdose of Zopiclone?
An overdose of medicine can lead to the following symptoms of feeling drowsy, confused, sleeping deeply and possibly falling into a coma. It may also reduce muscle strength (hypotonia), feeling dizzy, light headed, or faintness. Other symptoms could be falling over or losing balance or difficulty in breathing. The underlying reason could be low blood pressure.
How long should I take Zopiclone?
Treatment should be as short as possible and should not exceed four weeks which includes the period of slowly decreasing the dose. For transient sleeplessness, the recommended duration is 2-5 days and for short lived sleeplessness duration should be 2-3 weeks.
Can I drink alcohol with Zopiclone?
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Zopiclone. Alcohol can increase the effects of Zopiclone and make you sleep very deeply so that you do not breathe properly or have difficulty waking.
Is Zopiclone safe to take?
Yes, Zopiclone is safe to take if taken at the prescribed dose and for a short duration (less than 4 weeks). If the dose and duration is increased then risk of abuse and dependence on the medicine is more likely to occur.
Does Zopiclone affect memory?
Memory impairment is rare, but may occur, especially when sleep is interrupted or there is a delay in going to bed after taking the tablet. Therefore to reduce such possibility of memory impairment, patients should ensure that they are taking when they are able to have a full night's sleep (uninterrupted sleep of about 7 to 8 hours).
Can I drive after taking Zopiclone?
Zopiclone can cause slowing of your normal brain function (central nervous system depression) which may adversely affect the ability to drive or to use machines. It can be very unsafe if a patient drives within 12 hours of taking Zopiclone.