Zopiclone

Zopiclone is a medication that can be used to treat insomnia and sleep problems. The brain naturally releases calming chemicals. One of these chemicals is called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA.) Zopiclone works by boosting the effects of GABA and this helps to calm the brain, enabling you to get to sleep.

Not everyone will experience side effects with zopiclone. If you are experiencing a problem that might be a side effect, but that is not listed here, please take a look at the patient information leaflet that was in the medicine packet or speak to your pharmacist or doctor. Some side effects that appear should get better after a few days. If you think you have a side effect that has not got better within a few days go back to your doctor. Regular blood tests are not needed while you are taking zopiclone. Very rarely zopiclone can affect your liver. If your liver is not working as well as usual, this would show up on a blood test as a change in your liver enzyme levels. You should tell your doctor that you are taking zopiclone if you are having a blood test.

Please do not worry about these side effects. Some people will not get any side effects at all. If you think you are getting side effects from taking zopiclone, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. If you do get a side effect, please think about reporting it via the 'Yellow Card' system.

If you have taken more zopiclone than the dosage recommended by the doctor who prescribed it to you, you must get medial help immediately - even if you do not feel any different.