Precautions

The sedative/hypnotic action of Zopiclone Australia may be used for the short-term treatment and symptomatic relief of insomnia due to difficulty falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings or early morning wakening (see INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE). It is important that you have a good night’s sleep before taking this medicine. The usual dose is one tablet at bedtime (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Treatment should be short and not continue for more than 7-10 days. 

Inappropriate use of Zopiclone Australia for longer than this can cause a rebound phenomenon which is characterised by the patient having trouble falling asleep, being waken at unusual times or sleeping during the day, and may also cause confusion. This problem is less likely to occur if the dose is gradually reduced (see PRECAUTIONS).

You should not take more than one tablet in a single night. If you are over 65 years of age the recommended dose is half a tablet at bedtime.

It is important to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially if you are unwell or have a serious infection. Your doctor can then decide if it is safe to take Imovane.

Some people who take sedative/hypnotic medicines can develop a dependence and become addicted to them, particularly if they are taken regularly for long periods of time. This is more likely to happen if you have had alcohol or other drug addictions in the past or suffer from mental illness. It is also possible that this medicine can make you more likely to sleepwalk and perform dangerous behaviours while not fully awake. This can include driving, eating, making phone calls, or having sex, and some of these behaviours have been associated with severe injury and death. It is particularly likely to occur if you take a high dose of Zopiclone Australia or take it with alcohol and/or other sedative/hypnotic medicines.

The elderly are more likely to be affected by dose-related side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness or impaired coordination. They are also at increased risk of developing anterograde amnesia. If you have a history of these problems, you are more likely to need a lower dose of Imovane (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Do not drive or operate machinery after taking this medicine.

Overdose

Do not take more than the recommended dosage. Doing so may increase the chances of side effects or make them worse. If you have an allergic reaction, such as a rash or difficulty breathing, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. This medicine should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk or has any effect on your unborn baby. This medicine can cause drowsiness, so be careful when driving or operating machinery after taking it. It is not recommended for use in children and adolescents. 

It is important to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, including any that are not listed in this leaflet. Zopiclone Australia medicine should not be taken with other medicines unless your doctor has advised you to. This includes any medicines bought without a prescription at a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are taking ketoconazole or itraconazole (medicines used to treat fungal infections). Zopiclone 10 mg medicine can interact with these drugs and increase the risk of a serious allergic reaction.

Zopiclone Australia medicine helps you fall asleep and reduces the number of times you wake up during the night. It is only for short-term treatment and should not be used for more than 4 weeks.