Zopitin
Zopitin is a sleeping medication that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep for a short period, typically for short-term insomnia.
How to Use
Dosage
The usual dose for adults is one 7.5 mg tablet at bedtime. A lower dose of 3.75 mg (half a tablet) may be recommended for elderly, frail patients, or those with liver, kidney, or breathing problems.
Method
Take the tablet with plenty of water (at least 2 dl). You can take it with or without food.
Do not take more than one 7.5 mg tablet in 24 hours. The treatment should not last longer than 4 weeks.
Possible Side Effects
- •Bitter or metallic taste in the mouth
- •Dry mouth
- •Tiredness the next morning
- •Nightmares
- •Restlessness or agitation
- •Headache
- •Dizziness
- •Vomiting
- •Nausea
- •Stomach upset or digestive problems
- •Fatigue or exhaustion
- •Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching)
- •Memory loss
- •Hallucinations
- •Irritability or aggressiveness
- •Confusion
- •Depression
- •Reduced sex drive
- •Worsened insomnia
- •Falls (especially in the elderly)
- •Severe allergic reactions with swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue (angioedema)
- •Slight or moderate increase in liver enzymes
- •Delusions
- •Anger
- •Behavior changes (which may involve memory loss, sleepwalking)
- •Dependence or addiction
- •Withdrawal syndrome
- •Clumsiness
- •Double vision
- •Muscle weakness
Important Warnings
- Do not use Zopitin if you are allergic to zopiclone or any other ingredient in the medicine.
- Do not use if you have severe muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), severe sleep apnea, severe breathing problems, or severe liver problems.
- This medicine can lead to dependence and lose its effect with long-term use. It should only be used for a short time, usually for a few days and not more than 4 weeks.
- Do not stop taking Zopitin suddenly after long-term use, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, headache, and anxiety. Talk to your doctor about gradually reducing the dose.
- Zopitin can cause memory loss. To reduce this risk, make sure you take the tablet just before bed and get at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Show 6 more warnings
- The effect of Zopitin can be stronger in some people, especially the elderly or those with liver, kidney, or breathing problems.
- This medicine is not recommended for children or adolescents under 18 years.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking Zopitin, as alcohol increases the medicine's calming and performance-impairing effects.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery for at least 8 hours after taking Zopitin, as it can affect your ability to react and concentrate.
- Do not use Zopitin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Taking Zopitin with opioids (strong pain relievers, certain cough medicines) can increase the risk of severe drowsiness, breathing problems, and coma, which can be life-threatening. Inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, especially opioids.
Use in Elderly Patients
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Sedative. For short-term use only. Increases the risk of drug addiction, cognitive disorder and traffic accidents. Increases risk of falls. Paradoxically, may increase anxiety, restlessness and aggression. (updated 12.2.2024)