Zopiclone (Systemic)
Brand Names : Imovane
Before Using This MedicineSleep medicines
may cause a special type of memory loss or ``amnesia''. When this occurs,
a person does not remember what has happened during the several hours between
use of the medicine and the time when its effects wear off. This is usually
not a problem since most people fall asleep after taking the medicine. In
most instances, memory problems can be avoided by taking zopiclone only when
you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to
be active again. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are having
memory problems.
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be
weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor
will make. For zopiclone, the following should be considered:
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 central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that cause
drowsiness) or
-
Tricyclic antidepressants (medicines for depression) - The CNS
depressant effects of either these medicines or zopiclone may be increased,
possibly leading to unwanted effects
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
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