Zopiclone is an effective medication used to treat insomnia. It works by increasing the function of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, allowing you to sleep more easily.
It is recommended that a lower dose of this drug be taken by seniors as it may cause excessive drowsiness or reduced alertness during the day. This can increase the risk of falls and other accidents.
What is Zopiclone?
Zopiclone is used to treat certain sleep problems (insomnia). It may help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and reduce the number of times you wake up during the night. It works by affecting chemicals in your brain to produce a calming effect. Zopiclone belongs to a class of medications called sedatives/hypnotics. It is usually limited to short-term treatment periods of 7 to 10 days or less.
This medication is not for use in children. It may cause serious side effects in them. Your doctor should talk to you about the risks and benefits of using this medication. It is also important to tell your doctor if you have any other health conditions, especially:
Elderly patients over 65 years old may be more likely to experience dose-related side effects of zopiclone like drowsiness and impaired coordination. Lower doses are recommended for them to reduce this risk.
Zopiclone should not be taken with other sedatives or alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase drowsiness and affect your coordination and judgment leading to accidents. It is also advised not to take zopiclone if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It can harm your unborn baby. You should talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent pregnancy. You should also avoid breastfeeding while taking zopiclone. It can pass into breast milk and harm your infant.
How Does Zopiclone Work?
Zopiclone works on the chemicals in your brain to help you sleep. It helps you fall asleep faster and keeps you from waking up during the night. This medicine can be used with other non-drug treatments for insomnia, such as improving sleep hygiene, addressing underlying health issues and psychological stress, and adjusting lifestyle factors.
Zopiclone is in a class of medications called non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. These drugs are safer than benzodiazepines, but they still can cause dependence and withdrawal. It is important to use this medication only as prescribed by your doctor. Zopiclone should not be taken for more than a few weeks at a time, and you should not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.
This medication can make you feel sleepy during the daytime and may affect your coordination and judgment. It is important not to drive a car, ride a bike or operate machinery if this effect happens. It can also affect your memory. Some people have done things like sleepwalking or made food while sleeping after taking zopiclone, and they do not remember it when they wake up.
You should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter, vitamins and herbal supplements. This medicine can interact with certain ones, causing side effects like a metallic taste in the mouth or dry mouth. It can also change the results of a blood test for liver function.
How Long Does Zopiclone Last?
Zopiclone has a relatively short half-life, which means that it’s eliminated from the body very quickly. This is one of the reasons why it’s often prescribed for short-term use. However, for those who use this medication to manage their insomnia long-term, they can become dependent on the drug.
Zopidine is in a class of drugs called nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics, which are used as safer alternatives to benzodiazepines to treat insomnia. It is very effective for most people but it can have some side effects. It is important to talk with your doctor before you start taking it. Then, be sure to follow your doctor’s advice for the best results.
According to a study, chronic zopiclone users reported worse functioning during the day than drug-free insomniacs. This was due to an increased wake time and shorter sleep duration during the night. They also had higher levels of depression and anxiety on the Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Index than the drug-free insomniacs. In addition, they had less slow wave sleep (SWS) and lower overall sleep efficiency than the good sleepers. This suggests that long-term zopiclone use can negatively affect your quality of life. For this reason, it is recommended that you only take it for as long as needed. In addition, you should avoid recreational drugs that can interfere with the effectiveness of zopiclone.
Dosage of Zopiclone
Zopiclone is a sedative drug used to treat short-term sleep problems or insomnia. It works by increasing the normal transmission of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, similar to what benzodiazepine drugs do. It is usually prescribed for no more than four weeks at a time, because it can become habit-forming.
Long-term use of zopiclone can increase the frequency and severity of episodes of sleep apnea. It can also affect the quality of your sleep. The zopiclone group in one study spent more time awake, had longer sleep latencies and reduced sleep efficiency compared to the good sleepers group. In addition, the zopiclone group had lower amounts of slow-wave sleep and higher levels of anxiety, depression, restlessness and daytime dissatisfaction.
Side effects of zopiclone include a metallic taste in your mouth and dry mouth. It can also cause drowsiness, so it is important not to drive or operate machinery after taking this medication. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking zopiclone, because this can make it more difficult to wake up.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It can cause a cleft lip and palate in newborn babies. It may also cause a reduction in fetal movement and a decrease in heart rate variability. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor.
