Imovane is indicated for the short-term treatment and symptomatic relief of insomnia characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings and/or early morning awakenings.
Zopiclone, a cyclopyrrolone derivative, is a short-acting hypnotic agent. This is structurally unrelated to existing hypnotics. However, the pharmacological profile of Zopiclone is similar to that of the benzodiazepines. Zopiclone pharmacological properties are: hypnotic, sedative, anxiolytic, anti-convulsant, muscle-relaxant. These effects are related to a specific agonist action at central receptors belonging to the GABA A macromolecular complex, modulating the opening of the chloride ion channel.
The recommended initial dose is 3.75 mg (one-half of a 7.5 mg tablet). The dose can be increased to 5 mg and further to 7.5 mg if clinically indicated. In some patients, the higher doses result in zopiclone blood levels in the morning high enough to produce impairment of driving and other activities that require full alertness. The 7.5 mg dose should not be exceeded.
Common side effects are somnolence, dizziness, confusion, anterograde amnesia or memory impairment, feeling of drunkenness, euphoria, nightmares, agitation, anxiety or nervousness, hostility, depression, decreased libido, libido disorder, coordination abnormality, headache, hypotonia, tremor, muscle spasms, paresthesia, and speech disorder, palpitations, dysgeusia (bitter taste), dry mouth, coated tongue, bad breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, anorexia or increased appetite.
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
Zopiclone is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency, contraindicated in patients with severe impairment of respiratory function.
Imovane may produce more pronounced side effects when co- administered with: Alcohol Other tranquilizers or sleeping pills Sedative antihistamines Anticonvulsants (medicines used to control or prevent convulsions) Narcotic analgesics (opioids) Antipsychotics, antidepressants and other psychotropic medications (mood altering drugs) which themselves can make you sleepy.
Do not take more Imovane than prescribed. Do not use for longer than recommended by your physician. Treatment should be as short as possible, because the risk of dependence increases with the duration of treatment. Do not take Imovane if you drink alcohol. Talk to your doctor if you have had episodes of sleepwalking in the past, or if there is a history of sleepwalking in your family. Talk to your doctor if you have a condition that affects your sleep, such as Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (involuntary movement of limbs during sleep) or Restless Legs Syndrome (urge to move legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations, that begins or worsens during periods of inactivity, typically in the evening and night).