Imovane

Common Name: zopiclone

How does Imovane work?

Zopiclone belongs to the class of medications called hypnotics. It is used for the short-term and symptomatic relief of sleep disturbances. Zopiclone can help with difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, or early morning awakenings. Zopiclone should usually not be taken for more than 7 to 10 consecutive days. It should be used only by people for whom disturbed sleep results in functioning problems during the day. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Imovane?

The recommended adult dose of zopiclone ranges from 5 mg to 7.5 mg taken just before bedtime. Do not exceed this dose. This medication may be habit-forming and should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you have been taking this medication regularly for an extended period of time, do not stop taking it suddenly without talking with your doctor. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication when a full night's sleep is not possible before you would again need to be active and functional. Memory lapses may occur in such situations. Your body needs time to eliminate the medication from your system.

What form(s) does Imovane come in?

Imovane® is available in strengths of 5 mg and 7.5 mg. 5 mg: Each round, white tablet, marked with "IMOVANE 5" on one side and a logo on the other, contains zopiclone 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, dibasic calcium phosphate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycolate (starch carboxymethyl ether, sodium salt), and titanium dioxide. 7.5 mg: Each oval, scored blue tablet, marked "IMOVANE" on one side and a logo on the other, contains zopiclone 7.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, dicalcium phosphate, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, magnesium stearate, Opadry II white, and polyethylene glycol.

What should I NOT take with Imovane?

Zopiclone should not be taken by anyone who: is allergic to zopiclone or any of the medications belonging to the benzodiazepine class or any of the ingredients of the medication has severe breathing difficulties has sleep apnea

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Imovane?

Anxiety or restlessness: An increase in daytime anxiety or restlessness has been observed during treatment with zopiclone. Bad taste in mouth: Zopiclone may cause you to have a coated tongue, bad breath, or a bitter taste in your mouth. These effects often occur when this medication is being used. Confusion: This medication affects mental efficiency (e.g., concentration, attention, and vigilance). The risk of confusion is greater for seniors and those with brain damage. Dose: Seniors should use the smallest possible effective dose, as they are at a greater risk of experiencing side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired coordination. Using doses that are too high may result in accidents such as falls. Medical conditions: People with myasthenia gravis, depression, or severe liver impairment use this medication with caution. Memory disturbance: Amnesia of varying severity has been reported following normal doses of medications like zopiclone. This effect is rare with zopiclone. Withdrawal: Zopiclone can become habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms similar to those occurring with related drugs, including alcohol, have been observed after stopping the medication suddenly (after having taken it regularly over a period of time). These symptoms include: irritability nervousness sleep problems agitation tremors diarrhea abdominal cramps vomiting memory impairment headache muscle pain extreme anxiety tension restlessness confusion Pregnancy: The safety of using this medication during pregnancy has not been established and so the use of zopiclone by pregnant women is not recommended. Breast-feeding: Zopiclone passes into breast milk. It should not be taken by nursing mothers. Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of zopiclone have not been established for use by children and adolescents below the age of 18 years.