Zopicare 7.5 Mg

• Helps adults fall asleep sooner

• Reduces repeated night-time waking

• Supports more continuous sleep

• Helps manage short-term severe insomnia

• Works from a single bedtime dose

• Reduces disruption caused by temporary sleep difficulties

• Can improve daytime functioning when insomnia is controlled

The medicine should be used alongside healthy sleep habits. Taking a larger dose or continuing treatment for longer does not produce safer sleep and increases the risk of dependence and next-day impairment.

Zopicare increases the calming effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger found naturally in the brain. GABA slows excessive communication between nerve cells.

Zopiclone attaches to specific GABA-A receptors and strengthens this calming signal. Brain activity slows, drowsiness develops and falling asleep becomes easier. The medicine can also reduce repeated waking, helping sleep continue for longer.

Its sedative effect can continue into the following morning. This is why the tablet should only be taken when enough time is available for a full night’s sleep.

The usual adult dose of zopiclone is 7.5 mg taken once immediately before bedtime. This is the maximum recommended dose in 24 hours. The tablet should be swallowed with water and must not be followed by another dose during the same night.

A lower dose of 3.75 mg is normally used initially for older adults and people with reduced liver, kidney or breathing function. Zopicare 7.5 mg may therefore be unsuitable for these patients unless the full strength has been specifically approved by the prescriber.

Treatment should be as short as possible and normally lasts from a few days to two or three weeks. The entire course, including gradual dose reduction when required, should not usually exceed four weeks. 

Take the tablet only when seven to eight hours are available for uninterrupted sleep. Never take more than the prescribed dose, and do not take an additional tablet after waking during the night.

Common Side Effects

Common effects include a bitter or metallic taste, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, tiredness and drowsiness the following morning. Zopicare can also reduce concentration, balance and coordination, especially when there has not been enough time to sleep. 

Serious Side Effects

Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical advice for slow or difficult breathing, severe confusion, fainting, facial or throat swelling, extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness. Sleepwalking, sleep-driving, preparing food or performing other activities while not fully awake also require immediate medical attention. Hallucinations, aggressive behaviour,

Zopicare 7.5 mg should not be taken when any of the following applies:

• Zopiclone allergy

• Severe sleep apnea

• Respiratory failure

• Severe liver disease

• Myasthenia gravis

• Previous sleep-driving

• Previous complex sleep behaviour

• Children under 18

• Current alcohol misuse

The official contraindications include severe sleep apnea, respiratory failure, severe liver impairment, myasthenia gravis and previous complex sleep behaviour caused by zopiclone.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, supplements and herbal products being used.

Important interactions include:

• Alcohol

• Opioid painkillers

• Other sleeping tablets

• Anxiety medicines

• Antidepressants

• Antipsychotic medicines

• Epilepsy medicines

• Macrolide antibiotics

• St John’s wort

Alcohol, opioids and other sedatives can greatly increase drowsiness and slow breathing. Clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole and ritonavir can increase zopiclone levels, while rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and St John’s wort can reduce its effect. 

Do not combine Zopicare with another sleeping tablet or sedative unless the combination has been specifically prescribed.

• Keep at room temperature.

• Protect from heat and moisture.

• Keep away from direct sunlight.

• Keep out of reach of children.

• Do not share the tablets with anyone.

• Do not use after the expiry date.

• Return unwanted tablets to a pharmacy where possible.