Zimovane (zopiclone) is a type of medicine called a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic. It acts in the brain to aid sleep

Zopiclone works by acting on receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural 'nerve-calming' agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the brain in balance, and is involved in inducing sleepiness, reducing anxiety and relaxing muscles.

Zopiclone can be used as a short-term treatment for insomnia. This includes difficulty falling asleep, waking in the night, waking early in the morning, sleeping problems related to psychiatric disorders and sleeping problems that are causing severe distress.

Zopiclone decreases the time taken to fall asleep and night-time awakenings, as well as increasing the total amount of time spent sleeping. However, it is only suitable for short-term treatment of insomnia (up to four weeks), as when used for longer periods it has a potential for dependence and addiction.

The medicine should be taken shortly before going to bed for the night.

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you use this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines while using this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

The recommended dose for adults is 7.5mg. This dose should not be exceeded!

Treatment of the elderly and patients with impaired liver function or chronic respiratory insufficiency should be initiated on a dose of 3.75mg and if necessary increased to 7.5mg.
Although in case of renal insufficiency no accumulation of zopiclone or of its metabolites has been detected, it is recommended that patients with impaired renal function should start treatment with 3.75mg.

Bitter taste is the most common side effect observed with Zopiclone. Other side effects like drowsiness, confusion, fatigue, headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, ataxia or double vision may occurs at the start of the therapy and usually disappear with repeated administration.