Ashwin Lewis
Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine sleeping pill used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. It is a safer alternative to benzodiazepines, which can be highly addictive and lead to dependence. While zopiclone can be effective in improving sleep, it does not address the underlying causes of insomnia. Prolonged use of zopiclone can lead to dependence, and withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia may occur when discontinuing the medication. It is important to take zopiclone as prescribed and not to exceed the recommended dosage, as it can have dangerous side effects, including drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty breathing. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), meditation, and lifestyle changes are alternative approaches to improving sleep without the use of medication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Addiction | Zopiclone is not addictive if taken for up to 4 weeks. However, it may become habit-forming if taken for longer than 4 weeks. |
| Withdrawal | Stopping Zopiclone suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, vertigo, headaches, agitation, and confusion. |
| Dosage | The recommended dose for adults is one 7.5mg tablet before bedtime. For elderly patients or those with liver or kidney problems, a lower dose of 3.75mg may be recommended. |
| Side Effects | The most common side effect is a bitter or metallic taste. Other side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, and impaired coordination. |
| Interactions | Alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, and other recreational drugs can interact with Zopiclone and enhance its sedative effects. It may also interact with other medications that cause drowsiness. |
| Alternatives | Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), meditation, and other lifestyle changes are recommended as long-term treatments for insomnia. |
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What You'll Learn
Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine sleeping pill
Zopiclone is often called a short-acting hypnotic because of how quickly it is eliminated from the body. It has a 'half-life' of about 5 hours (ranging from 3.5 to 6.5 hours), referring to the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in the body to be reduced by half. Zopiclone is recommended to be taken at the lowest effective dose for a duration of 2 to 3 weeks for short-term insomnia. It is not recommended for long-term use as tolerance, dependence, and addiction can occur.
Zopiclone is one of the "Z-drugs", which also include zolpidem and zaleplon, and was introduced in the 1980s as a safer alternative to benzodiazepines, which can be highly addictive and lead to dependence. Zopiclone has a different chemical structure to benzodiazepines but binds to the same cell receptors. While zopiclone can be effective in helping people fall asleep, it does not address the root causes of insomnia. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBTi) has been found to be superior to zopiclone in treating insomnia and improving sleep quality over the long term.
Side effects of zopiclone include a bitter or metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, amnesia, confusion, depression, hallucinations, nightmares, and incoordination. Zopiclone may also cause sleepwalking or other unusual behaviour, such as driving, eating, or making phone calls while not being fully awake. It is important to avoid caffeine, cigarettes, vaping, alcohol, heavy meals, and exercise a few hours before taking zopiclone, as these can interfere with its effectiveness. Additionally, zopiclone should not be taken with other medicines or substances that have sedative effects, as this can increase the risk of adverse reactions and impair activities such as driving.
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It is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults
Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine sleeping pill used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. It is typically prescribed for a period of 2 to 4 weeks, as the body can build up a tolerance to it over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Zopiclone works by boosting the effectiveness of GABA, which improves sleep. It takes around 1 hour for the drug to take effect, and it has a half-life of about 5 hours, although this can be slightly longer in elderly patients.
While zopiclone can be effective in aiding sleep, it does not address the underlying causes of insomnia. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is recommended as a more effective long-term treatment option. CBTi helps individuals identify and correct the behaviours and thoughts that lead to insomnia. Other alternatives to prescription medications include over-the-counter sleeping tablets, although these can have unwanted side effects and should not be taken for more than 1 to 2 weeks.
It is important to take zopiclone exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Taking more than the prescribed dose can be dangerous and may lead to symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, deep sleep, and even coma. Zopiclone may also interact with other substances, including alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, and certain medications, leading to enhanced sedative effects and potential breathing difficulties. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking zopiclone in conjunction with any other substances.
Additionally, zopiclone can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. These symptoms may include anxiety, restlessness, mood changes, increased sensitivity to light and noise, and a rebound effect on sleep. To minimise withdrawal effects, it is recommended to gradually reduce the dosage under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
In summary, zopiclone is a short-term treatment option for insomnia in adults. While it can aid sleep, it does not address the underlying causes of insomnia, and there are alternative treatments, such as CBTi, that may be more effective in the long term. It is important to take zopiclone as directed by a doctor and be mindful of potential interactions with other substances. Furthermore, due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms, it is advisable to gradually taper off zopiclone under medical supervision.
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It can be addictive and cause dependence with prolonged use
Zopiclone is a prescription drug used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is recommended to be taken at the lowest effective dose for 2–3 weeks. It is not advised to take zopiclone daily or continuously for longer than 4 weeks, as it can be addictive and cause dependence with prolonged use.
Zopiclone was initially introduced as a safer alternative to benzodiazepines, which can be highly addictive and lead to dependence. However, zopiclone has since been found to have addictive properties similar to benzodiazepines, and cases of addiction and habituation have been reported. Those with a history of substance misuse or mental health disorders may be at an increased risk of high-dose zopiclone misuse.
Long-term use of zopiclone is not recommended due to the risk of tolerance, dependence, and addiction. If you take zopiclone for longer than the recommended duration, you may become dependent on it and require higher doses to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal symptoms can occur even after a gradual reduction in dosage, and may include anxiety, vertigo, headaches, and agitation.
To avoid dependence and withdrawal symptoms, it is important to slowly reduce the amount of zopiclone you are taking over time, rather than stopping abruptly. If you have been taking zopiclone for an extended period, it is recommended to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about safely discontinuing the medication. They can help you gradually reduce your dosage to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
There are alternative treatments for insomnia that do not rely on medication, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi). This technique helps you identify and correct the behaviors and thoughts that lead to insomnia, and it has been found to be highly effective in treating insomnia long-term.
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Side effects include a bitter taste, dizziness, and impaired coordination
Zopiclone is a medication used to treat insomnia, a sleep problem characterised by difficulty falling or staying asleep. It is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic that works by enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger that promotes a calming effect in the brain. While zopiclone can be effective in improving sleep, it is generally recommended for short-term use due to the risk of dependence with prolonged use.
One of the most commonly reported side effects of zopiclone is a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, occurring in about 10% of people. This side effect can be managed by staying hydrated, using mouthwash before bed, and keeping water by your bedside. Another frequent side effect is dry mouth, which can be alleviated by drinking water regularly or using a humidifier while sleeping.
Zopiclone may also cause dizziness and impaired coordination. It is important to note that if you experience dizziness or impaired coordination, you should refrain from driving, cycling, or operating machinery until you feel fully alert. Additionally, it is advised not to consume alcohol while taking zopiclone as it can enhance the sedative effects, leading to deeper sleep and potential breathing difficulties.
Other less common side effects of zopiclone include headaches, nausea, daytime drowsiness, and vivid dreams or nightmares. In rare cases, serious side effects such as allergic reactions, memory problems, and confusion may occur, requiring immediate medical attention. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any side effects or have concerns about taking zopiclone.
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Withdrawal symptoms can occur, but these are rare
Zopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine medication used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. It is typically prescribed for seven to ten days, as the body quickly builds a tolerance to it. Zopiclone withdrawal can lead to a cycle of dependency and habit-forming behaviour.
While withdrawal symptoms can occur, they are not common. A review of studies investigating the discontinuation of zopiclone found few withdrawal effects, such as anxiety and vertigo. Another study found that withdrawal reactions like headache, anxiety, or agitation occurred in only 0.05% of individuals.
However, when withdrawal symptoms do occur, they can range in severity. Some of the most common symptoms include rebound insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, tremors, palpitations, and tachycardia. These symptoms can be minimised by gradually reducing the dosage of zopiclone, rather than abruptly stopping the medication. This allows the body to go through homeostasis and begin to normalise without the drug.
It is important to seek medical advice when considering stopping zopiclone. A doctor or pharmacist can provide guidance on safely tapering off the medication to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine sleeping pill used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults.
The most frequently reported side effect of zopiclone, reported in about 10% of people, is a bitter or metallic taste. Other side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
If you take zopiclone for up to 4 weeks, you are unlikely to become addicted. However, if you take it for longer than 4 weeks, you may become dependent on it.
Do not stop taking zopiclone suddenly without speaking to your doctor. They may suggest reducing your dose slowly over time to prevent withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, vertigo, and headaches.
Yes, there are alternatives to zopiclone, including sleeping tablets available over the counter and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
