Zopiclone (ZOP-i-klone) belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). This medicine is used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). Zopiclone helps you get to sleep faster and sleep through the night.

Zopiclone is available without a prescription and is also known as: Limovan, Imovane, Amoban, Zimovane and Ximovan.

Special precautions

Allergies - tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to zopiclone. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy - Zopiclone has not been studied in pregnant women. In studies of pregnant animals that received doses of zopiclone many times the human dose, fewer offspring survived. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding - Zopiclone passes into breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies. It may be necessary for you to take another medicine or to stop breast-feeding during treatment. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of the medicine with your doctor.

Children - Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of zopiclone in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults - Confusion, lack of coordination, and falling are more likely to occur in the elderly, who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of zopiclone.

Other medicines - although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking zopiclone, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

Other medical problems - the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of zopiclone. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Alcohol abuse (or history of) or
• Drug abuse (or history of) - Dependence on zopiclone may develop
• Emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, or other chronic lung disease or
• Mental depression or
• Myasthenia gravis or
• Sleep apnea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep) - Zopiclone may make these conditions worse
• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease (severe) - Higher blood levels of zopiclone may result, increasing the chance of side effects

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctorDo not take this medicine when your schedule does not permit you to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours).

Side Effects

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• More common
• confusion - more common in older adults;  clumsiness or unsteadiness—more common in older adults;  daytime anxiety and/or restlessness;  difficulty with coordination - more common in older adults;  mood or mental changes 
• Less common
• Drowsiness (severe);  shortness of breath ;  difficult or labored breathing;  tightness in chest;  wheezing;  skin rash;  aggressiveness;  behavior changes 
• Rare
• Memory problems - more common in older patients;  behavior or mental changes 
• Symptoms of overdose

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur

• Clumsiness;  unsteadiness;  mental or mood changes;  drowsiness (severe) ;  unusual tiredness or weakness;  sluggishness;  reduced physical activity;  unusual sleepiness;  loss of consciousness  

Zopiclone may cause you to have a coated tongue, bad breath, or a bitter taste. These effects are to be expected when you are taking this medicine.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your drugs.