Description

Zopiclone 7.5mg – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Safety Information

Zopiclone 7.5mg is a prescription medicine used for the short term treatment of insomnia in adults. It is one of a group of drugs called hypnotics or “Z-drugs.” Doctors may recommend it if someone has difficulty falling asleep, wakes frequently during the nite or too early and the sleep problem is significantly affecting daily life.

Drowsiness and dependence may occur with Zopiclone 7.5mg, and should only be used as prescribed by a qualified health care professional. Therefore patients should carefully follow the instructions on their prescription and medicine leaflet.

What Is Zopiclone 7.5mg?

Zopiclone 7.5mg Tablets Each tablet contains 7.5mg of zopiclone. It acts on the brain to give a calming effect that can help to promote sleep. It is a medication for adults and is usually prescribed for short-term use rather than as a long-term insomnia remedy.

In addition, UK product information states that treatment should be given at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. The adult dose for the specific product of 7.5 mg is one 7.5mg tablet shortly before bedtime but the individual dose decision is up to the prescriber.

What is Zopiclone 7.5mg for?

The primary indication for Zopiclone 7.5mg is the short term treatment of insomnia. Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can be characterised by difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the nite, or waking up too early in the morning.

But sleeping tablets don’t solve all the causes of bad sleep. Things that can cause insomnia are stress, changes in your sleep habits, other medications, medical conditions, caffeine, alcohol, and an uncomfortable sleeping environment. Therefore, a healthcare professional may also recommend changing sleep habits in addition to or instead of medication.

What is the mechanism of action of Zopiclone 7.5mg?

Zopiclone 7.5mg works on the brain activity to produce a calming and sedating effect. This can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep longer.

The NHS says zopiclone usually starts to work within half an hour to an hour. That is why it is taken usually just before going to bed, exactly as prescribed by a prescriber.

How long do you typically need treatment?

Zopiclone 7.5mg is for short term use only. Treatment usually lasts for a few days to a few weeks and is not usually prescribed for longer than four weeks as tolerance can develop, according to NHS guidance. The UK product information also says that a single course should not be continued for more than four weeks including tapering unless the patient is reassessed.

Hence patients should not prolong treatment on their own. But they should consult their doctor or chemist for chronic insomnia.

Common Side Effects of Zopiclone 7.5mg

Like other medicines, Zopiclone 7.5mg may cause side effects. Typical effects may include:

• A metallic or bitter taste
• Xerostomia
• Daytime sleepiness or tiredness
• Feeling less alert or stunned

Zopiclone may also cause drowsiness and impaired coordination. The NHS says you shouldn’t drive, cycle or operate machinery for 12 hours after taking zopiclone and longer if you feel drowsy or less alert.

Important Safety Information

One important point about Zopiclone 7.5mg is the possibility of tolerance, physical dependence and addiction. The risks may increase with higher doses and longer treatment. Thus, patients should not increase the dose without a doctor’s advice.

Also, do not suddenly stop your regular treatment without talking to your prescriber first. If you stop taking this medication all at once, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, irritability, sweating, sleep problems, or other withdrawal symptoms. A health care professional can determine whether a slow taper is appropriate.

Can You Take Alcohol With Zopiclone 7.5mg?

No Alcohol should be avoided by patients while on Zopiclone 7.5mg. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of zopiclone and increase the risk of breathing problems or difficulty waking up.

Also when zopiclone is taken with other medicines which cause sedation the degree of impairment may be increased. Particularly, caution should be exercised with opioid pain medicines as the combination may increase the risk of severe sedation and respiratory depression.

Who needs to be extra careful?

Zopiclone 7.5mg is not for everyone. Prior to treatment, inform your doctor if you have breathing problems, sleep apnoea, liver or kidney problems, myasthenia gravis, a history of substance dependence or a history of unusual sleep behaviours.

The quoted UK product information does not recommend the use of the medicine in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Older adults might need a lower dose to start. People with certain liver, kidney or respiratory problems may also need dose adjustments.

Questions About Zopiclone 7.5mg

What is Zopiclone 7.5mg used for?

Yes. It is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults, including difficulty falling asleep, awakenings during the nite, and awakenings in the early morning.

How fast does Zopiclone 7.5mg work?

Zopiclone usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to work. Therefore, it is usually recommended to be taken shortly before bedtime.

Can Zopiclone 7.5mg be addictive?

Yes. Zopiclone can lead to tolerance, physical dependence and addiction. The risk may be higher if you take the medicine for a long time, in high doses, or if you have certain risk factors.

Can I drive after taking Zopiclone 7.5 mg?

Zopiclone may reduce alertness and may impair the ability to drive. The NHS recommends not driving, cycling or using machinery for 12 hours after taking it, and longer if the symptoms continue.

Can I take Zopiclone 7.5mg with other medication?

Zopiclone can react with some medicines. These include: Other sedatives Opioids Some antidepressants Antipsychotic medicines Sedating antihistamines Some antibiotics Some antifungal medicines Tell your doctor and chemist about all the medicines, supplements and herbal products you take.

Final thought

Zopiclone 7.5mg can be prescribed for short term insomnia where a healthcare professional deems a hypnotic appropriate. However, it should be used with care as it can cause next day drowsiness, interactions, tolerance, dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Do not drink alcohol; follow the directions given; consult a professional before changing or stopping treatment. Seek urgent medical attention for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, serious allergic reactions or abnormal sleep behaviours.”