Zopiclone

Description

Zopiclone is a prescription medicine that helps adults manage short-term sleeping problems like insomnia. It works as a sedative, calming brain activity and making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.

Doctors might prescribe zopiclone when lifestyle changes or talking therapies haven’t worked well enough. They usually consider it after other sleep strategies have failed.

While zopiclone can help some people, it’s important to know about its risks and side effects. You can develop dependence if you use it too long, and some folks feel groggy the next day.

What Is Zopiclone?

Zopiclone treats short-term insomnia in adults. It’s part of a group called “Z-drugs” and goes by brand names like Imovane.

This medicine helps people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It’s not a magic fix, but it can make a difference for those struggling with sleep.

Mechanism of Action

Zopiclone acts on the central nervous system. It binds to a specific spot on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain.

GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms things down. By boosting GABA’s effects, zopiclone slows brain activity, so you can relax and drift off.

Zopiclone doesn’t fix the root causes of insomnia, just the symptoms. Its calming effects usually kick in within an hour and last for about 3.5 to 6.5 hours.

The drug can make you drowsy, so only take it when you have enough time for a full night’s sleep.

Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotic Classification

Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic. It sits in the Z-drugs group, alongside zolpidem and zaleplon.

These medicines help with sleep but aren’t chemically related to benzodiazepines. Still, both types act on GABA receptors in similar ways.

Zopiclone is meant for short-term use, usually from a few days up to four weeks. Its non-benzodiazepine structure was designed to lower the risk of dependence and withdrawal, but the risk isn’t gone entirely. Doctors need to keep an eye on things.

Clinical Uses and Indications

Zopiclone is mainly prescribed to help with sleep problems. It’s used when people need quick relief and have trouble falling or staying asleep.

Treatment of Insomnia

Zopiclone is mainly for short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. It helps people who can’t fall asleep, wake up often, or wake up too early.

Doctors prescribe it when insomnia is severe, disabling, or causing a lot of distress. The drug makes users sleepy and can help them stay asleep through the night.

Zopiclone isn’t for long-term use because of risks like dependence and tolerance. The usual starting dose is 7.5 mg right before bed.

Older adults or people with liver or kidney problems might get a lower dose. Kids and teens shouldn’t take zopiclone.

Sleep Problems and Short-Term Use

Zopiclone is for short-term use, usually two to four weeks or less. Using it longer raises the risk of addiction and side effects.

Doctors recommend zopiclone only when sleep hygiene or behavioral therapy hasn’t worked. Some people notice side effects like a metallic taste, dry mouth, or feeling groggy the next day.

Alcohol should be avoided with zopiclone, as it can make drowsiness worse and lead to dangerous side effects. Taking it longer than advised increases the risk of dependence and withdrawal.

Comparison to Other Hypnotics

Zopiclone is part of the Z-drugs group, which includes zolpidem and zaleplon. Compared to older drugs like benzodiazepines, Z-drugs have a lower risk of hangover effects and might be less likely to cause dependence if used short term.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Medicine	Onset of action	Duration of effect	Common side effects
Zopiclone	Fast	6-8 hours	Bitter taste, drowsiness
Zolpidem	Fast	6-8 hours	Headache, dizziness
Zaleplon	Very fast	4 hours	Dizziness, stomach pain

Zopiclone works better for people who wake up during the night, while zaleplon might suit those who mainly struggle to fall asleep. All Z-drugs are meant for short-term use to keep dependence risks low.

Dosage, Administration, and Safety

Zopiclone helps with sleep issues like insomnia. Getting the dose right and knowing the side effects matter for safe use.

Recommended Dosage

Most adults start with 7.5 mg once daily, just before bedtime. It’s meant for short-term use—usually a few days to a maximum of four weeks.

Older adults or those with liver or kidney problems often start at 3.75 mg to avoid too much drowsiness. Swallow tablets whole with water; don’t chew or crush them.

Steer clear of alcohol, since it can boost the sedative effects. Kids and teens under 18 shouldn’t take zopiclone. Anyone with severe liver issues or certain anesthetics shouldn’t use it either.

Potential Side Effects

Zopiclone can make you drowsy the next day, which could affect driving or using machinery. Other common side effects: dry mouth, a bitter or metallic taste, headaches, and nausea.

Less commonly, people might feel confused, dizzy, or low in mood. Rarely, allergic reactions like swelling, rash, or trouble breathing can happen—these need urgent care.

Some people get dependent on zopiclone, especially if they use it too long. Mixing zopiclone with alcohol or other sedatives can make side effects much worse.

If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor right away.

Dependence, Risks, and Precautions

Zopiclone comes with some important safety concerns, especially around dependence and misuse. Certain health conditions mean you need to be extra careful.

Risk of Dependence and Misuse

Zopiclone can cause dependence if you take it for more than four weeks or at higher doses than prescribed. Dependence means your body starts to need the drug, making it hard to stop.

This risk is higher if you have a history of anxiety, drug abuse, alcoholism, or personality disorders.

Signs of Dependence Include:

• Needing more of the drug for the same effect
• Strong urges to take the medicine
• Difficulty sleeping without it

Stopping zopiclone suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, confusion, or even seizures. It’s similar to benzodiazepines in this way.

Misusing or overusing zopiclone can bring on physical and mental health problems. That’s why short-term use is safest. Using it for more than four weeks isn’t advised, and your doctor should review your treatment regularly.

Precautions and Contraindications

Zopiclone isn’t safe for everyone. People with severe liver disease, serious breathing problems, or myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder) shouldn’t use it.

Older adults face a higher risk of confusion or falls. If you’ve had mental illness, depression, or a tendency to misuse alcohol or drugs, be extra cautious.

Mixing zopiclone with alcohol, opioids, cannabis, or other sedatives can cause deep sleep, breathing problems, or trouble waking up. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid zopiclone since its safety isn’t clear for them.

Always check with your doctor before starting or stopping zopiclone, especially if you take other medicines or have other health issues.

Zopiclone Price

The cost of zopiclone depends on the strength, pack size, and which pharmacy you use. Online pharmacies often have lower prices than high street shops because of fewer overhead costs.

Common options include 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg tablets. The 7.5 mg dose is the one most adults with insomnia get.

Here’s a look at typical price ranges in the UK:

Pack Size (Tablets)	Strength	Price Range (GBP)
14	7.5 mg	£12 – £20
28	7.5 mg	£19 – £35
30	3.75 mg	£10 – £18

Prices can vary between online pharmacies and might not include delivery fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have questions about side effects, dosing, how zopiclone works, and the risks involved. Here’s a quick rundown on what to expect and what to watch out for.

What are the common side effects associated with taking Zopiclone?

The most common side effects are a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth and feeling drowsy or sleepy the next day. Some folks get dry mouth or headaches. Less often, you might feel confused, dizzy, or have stomach issues.

What is the recommended dosage for Zopiclone for adults?

For adults, the usual dose is 7.5 mg just before bedtime. Older adults or people with liver or kidney problems usually start with 3.75 mg. Use it for the shortest time you can.

How does Zopiclone work in the body?

Zopiclone is part of the Z-drugs group. It acts on brain chemicals to calm things down, helping you fall asleep faster and wake up less at night. This can help improve sleep quality for those with insomnia.

Is there a risk of overdose with Zopiclone, and what are the signs?

Yes, overdose can happen. Signs include extreme sleepiness, confusion, slow breathing, and trouble waking up. In bad cases, someone could fall unconscious. If you suspect an overdose, get medical help right away.

How many 7.5 mg tablets of Zopiclone are considered safe to take at once?

Only one 7.5 mg tablet should be taken at a time for adults, unless your doctor says otherwise. Taking more than the recommended amount raises the risk of serious side effects, overdose, and dependence.

Can long-term use of Zopiclone lead to dependency or withdrawal symptoms?

Yes, using Zopiclone for a long time can cause dependency. Some folks struggle to stop taking it without help.

If you suddenly stop after regular use, you might notice withdrawal symptoms. These can include anxiety, trouble sleeping, irritability, or even shaking.

Doctors usually suggest lowering the dose slowly and doing it with medical guidance. It’s just safer that way.