What is Zopiclone?
Zopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic in the pyrazolopyrimidine class that is used to treat insomnia for a brief period of time. The medication has a hypnotic and anxiolytic property that works by regulating the GABA receptor and relaxes the nerves and brain. Zopiclone comes in the form of tablets and liquids for people who find it very hard to swallow the tablets but both forms have the same chemical formulation.
Zopiclone Uses
Zopiclone is a type of medication known as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Mainly, the medication is used for the treatment of insomnia. Zopiclone makes you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep all night. When sleep drugs are used every night for a prolonged period of time, they can lose their effectiveness. In most cases, sleep drugs can only be used for a brief period of time, such as one or two days, and no more than one or two weeks.
Zopiclone Side effects:
The most common side effects of Zopiclone are:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Bitter or metallic taste
Some of the serious side effects of Zopiclone are:
- Amnesia
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Depressions
- Bipolar disorder
- Epilepsy
The common side effects don’t need any medical attention and will disappear as your body gets adjusted to the dosage. But if you are facing any kind of serious or rare side effects then immediately seek medical attention.
Precautions
Before taking Zopiclone talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients that can lead to adverse effects. If you have kidney failure, liver disease, respiratory disorders, myasthenia gravis, a history of opioid addiction, depression, epilepsy, or allergies talk with your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor if you're taking some over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as antidepressants, epilepsy medications, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives. Do not begin or quit taking any medication without first consulting your doctor.
How to use Zopiclone?
Zopiclone does not have to be taken at night. Do not crush or chew the tablet; instead, swallow it whole. The drugs may be taken with or without food. It starts to function almost immediately after you take it. Sometimes the medications can make you tired, and the sleepiness can last for a long time. This is why you can take the drug just before going to bed, or if you've already gone to bed but are having trouble sleeping.
Dosages and Strength
Zopiclone comes in the form of tablet and liquids. It has two different strengths: 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg. The normal dose should be taken is 7.5 mg just before going to bed. This can take around 1 hour to start working. The lower dose of 3.75 mg can be recommended to elderly people who are above 65 years of age and have kidney or liver problems. Taking a lower dose in these cases will help to reduce the risk of any excessive sleepiness and other adverse effects. It is very important to take the medications exactly as is directed by the doctor.
Missed dose
If you are missing a dose of Zopiclone skip the missed dose and get back to your regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking 2 doses at the same time and don’t take any extra dose to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Feeling drowsy, confused, sleeping deeply, and probably falling into a coma are all signs of an overdose of medication. It may also cause muscle weakness (hypotonia), dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness. Some signs and symptoms include dizziness, loss of balance, and breathing problems.
Warnings
Pregnancy
If you're pregnant, avoid taking zopiclone because it could harm your unborn child. It may also have negative consequences in newborns. There's some proof that taking zopiclone increases the chances of having a baby who is born prematurely (before 37 weeks) and has a low birth weight. Taking zopiclone right up until labour may increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms in the infant.
Breastfeeding
Zopiclone can transfer into breast milk. If you are taking the medications talk with your doctor before breastfeeding.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Zopiclone vs Diazepam
Zopiclone |
Diazepam |
|---|---|
| Zopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic in the pyrazolopyrimidine class that is used to treat insomnia for a brief period of time. | Diazepam oral tablet is a controlled drug that is available as a brand name drug called Valium. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. |
| Zopiclone is a type of medication known as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Mainly, the medication is used for the treatment of insomnia. | Diazepam is used for the treatment of disorders with anxiety. The medication is also used for the treatment of agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures and hallucinations |
The most common side effects of Zopiclone are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Diazepam are:
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