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Imovane

(zopiclone)

In this factsheet:
• How does Imovane work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Imovane?
• What form(s) does Imovane come in?
• Who should NOT take Imovane?
• What side effects are possible with Imovane?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Imovane?
• What other drugs could interact with Imovane?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Imovane work? What will it do for me?

Zopiclone belongs to the class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It is used for the short-term and symptomatic relief of sleep disturbances. Zopiclone can help with difficulty falling asleep, frequent wake-ups 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 problems functioning during the day.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. 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.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Imovane?

The recommended adult dose of zopiclone ranges from 5 mg to 7.5 mg taken just before bedtime when required to help with sleep disturbances. This medication may be habit-forming and should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You should not typically use zopiclone for more than 7 to 10 consecutive days.

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 a 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 listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication when a full night's sleep is not possible or before you would need to be active and functional. Impaired judgement and memory lapses may occur in such situations. Your body needs time to eliminate the medication from your system.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Imovane come in?

5 mg
Each round, white tablet, marked "IMOVANE 5" on one side and the logo "rPr" on the other, contains zopiclone 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, dicalcium phosphate, lactose, magnesium stearate, and sodium carboxymethyl starch; coating: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and titanium dioxide.

7.5 mg
Each oval, scored, blue tablet, marked "IMOVANE" on one side and the logo "rPr" on each side of the score on the other side, contains zopiclone 7.5 mg. The 7.5 mg tablet can be broken into two equal parts of 3.75 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium phosphate dihydrate dibasic, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: carnauba wax, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, opadry II White 2, and polyethylene glycol.

Who should NOT take Imovane?

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to zopiclone or any ingredients of this medication
• are allergic to any benzodiazepine medications
• have myasthenia gravis
• have severe breathing difficulties
• have severe liver disease
• have sleep apnea

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