Zopiclone

What is Zopiclone?

This medication's roots go all the way back to the 1980s. During this time, there were only heavy sedatives available, which commonly caused next-day drowsiness. A French pharmaceutical company called Rhône-Poulenc S.A. set out to create a sleep aid that had a much shorter half-life, and had far fewer side effects.

This is when Zopiclone was first created, and it was introduced to the market under the brand name Imovane. This medication grew in popularity in the 1990s, and was then medically approved for sale in multiple countries worldwide soon after.

Even with today's wide selection of treatment options, zopiclone remains one of the most commonly prescribed medications for insomnia. It is sold under additional brand names like Zimovane, as well as generic alternatives that share the same active ingredient.

Zopiclone Mechanism of Action

Zopiclone 7.5mg is considered a sedative hypnotic drug that is mainly used for the treatment of short-term insomnia. After this medication is absorbed into the bloodstream, it acts on the central nervous system (CNS). But how does it work?

In the brain, neurons communicate with each other through chemicals called neurotransmitters. One of the most important inhibitory neurotransmitters is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and its job is to slow down brain activity.

This chemical attaches to specific GABA-A receptors, and when this happens, chloride ions flow into the next neuron, which leads to the calming effect. Zopiclone does not replace this chemical, but rather it latches onto another part of the receptors to make them more sensitive to GABA. This means that the body's natural sedation is enhanced, which helps people wind down, and eventually fall asleep.

What Are Z Drugs?

Z-drugs, or otherwise known as non-benzodiazepines, are a group of medications that are specifically designed for sleeping conditions. These medications act on the GABA-A receptors, which benzodiazepines do as well, but they focus more on the subtypes that are linked to sleep.

Zopiclone and zolpidem are some of the most popular choices for insomnia patients. These reliable choices act very similarly to one another, with only slight differences in onset and duration. Higher doses may sometimes be prescribed by a healthcare professional in specific cases when the standard 7.5mg dose is ineffective.

Why do insomnia patients prefer Z-drugs like zopiclone? Regular benzodiazepines do offer sedative effects, but there are other subunits that they target as well, which can cause lingering effects the next day and carry a greater risk of side effects. Z-drugs are designed to provide targeted sleep-inducing effects with reduced next-day sedation compared with traditional benzodiazepines.

Clinical Uses of Zopiclone

As highlighted throughout this article, in the UK, zopiclone is licensed for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia. This treatment makes it easier for people to fall asleep, while also reducing night-time awakenings.

Zopiclone may sometimes be prescribed for insomnia associated with anxiety or stress, but it does not treat the underlying mental health condition. The mental relaxation that this medication offers can help people calm their racing thoughts before bedtime. This medication is also a great option for people who need to reset their internal clock. People who will benefit from these include travellers with jet lag, and those who work irregular hours.

Although it is much less common, zopiclone can also be used off-label to treat restless leg syndrome (RLS). This route would only be considered if RLS affects sleeping patterns, and if other medications have been exhausted first.

Comparing Sleeping Pills

How does Zopiclone 7.5mg compare to other sleep aids? Zopiclone is often the preferred choice because it has a balanced half-life. This means that this medication helps patients with both sleep onset, as well as maintenance.

Zolpidem, which is sold under the name Ambien, has a shorter half-life, which makes it great for falling asleep, but since the effects wear off quicker, some patients may wake up during the night. Patients also have herbal options available, like Valerian, but this often produces mixed results, and only some people report better sleep from taking it.

Below is a concise table for people to understand the benefits and duration of each of these sleeping pills:

Drug	Onset of Action	Duration	Common Uses	Notes
Zopiclone	30-60 minutes	7-8 hours	Insomnia	Well-rounded, reliable sleep aid
Zolpidem	30 minutes	6 - 8 hours	Insomnia (mainly sleep onset)	Faster onset, weaker for staying asleep
Valerian	1-3 hours	Variable results	Occasional sleeping problems	Natural alternative, effects are inconsistent

Dosage and Usage

The zopiclone dosage instructions should be carefully followed by all patients so that they can get a full night's rest every time. Timing is important. Patients should swallow the tablet whole with water right before bedtime, as taking it earlier can cause the effects to wear off faster.

The standard dosage strength for most people is zopiclone 7.5mg. This strength can increase for severe cases of insomnia, but only with the doctor's approval. Elderly patients, or those with kidney or liver problems, will likely start on a lower dose and only raise it if it is necessary.

If patients miss their zopiclone dosage for whatever reason, they should skip it and not take it in the middle of the night. Patients should resume their normal schedule the following day, and not double up to make up for the missed dose.

Possible Zopiclone Side Effects

This medication, like many others, carries the risk of side effects. The most common reactions include a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. These side effects are generally mild and often improve after a few days of use.

Rarer, but more concerning side effects include allergic reactions, sleepwalking, and nightmares. If any of these symptoms appear, patients should visit their doctor for a dosage adjustment. However, the best way to reduce the likelihood of these symptoms manifesting is to drink plenty of water, never combine this treatment with other sleep aids, and avoid taking more than one dose a day.

Precautions and How to Avoid Dependency

Zopiclone tablets are effective for treating insomnia but may not be suitable for everyone. These patients include those who suffer from sleep apnoea, those who have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), and those who are allergic to this medication.

There are also precautions for patients to keep in mind when they start their new zopiclone treatment. Alcohol can increase the risk of adverse reactions, along with other opioids and sedatives. People should never combine these substances with this medication to ensure no further health complications arise.

Zopiclone is intended for short-term use only (usually 2–4 weeks) due to the risk of dependence. Taking this medication past this period increases the risk of dependence, tolerance, and worsening insomnia.

Cost of Zopiclone

This medication is widely accessible through a range of physical and online pharmacies. This medication is generally available as an affordable generic treatment. This means that not only is zopiclone more affordable, but the benefits it offers ensure that people get much more value for money.

The online pharmacy market is rising exponentially, and if people decide to go with this route, there is a high chance that they can save even more. However, it is important for people to choose reputable internet pharmacies to ensure that they receive high-quality zopiclone 7.5mg tablets.

This table highlights what people can expect to pay for their zopiclone treatment:

Pack Size (Tablets)	Strength	Price Range (GBP)
30	7.5 mg	£38 - £40
60	7.5 mg	£58 - £60
90	7.5 mg	£83 - £85
28	10 mg	£42 - £44
56	10 mg	£64- £66
84	10 mg	£89 - £92

Frequently Asked Questions

Does zopiclone take long to work?

No, this medication does not take long to work, especially if it is ingested on an empty stomach. Generally, the effects of this treatment take 30-60 minutes to kick in. Other Z-drugs have faster onset times, but this medication offers people much longer-lasting effects, without feeling groggy the next day.

Is it dangerous to take zopiclone and not sleep?

Taking zopiclone 10mg and avoiding sleep can lead to heavy drowsiness effects, slower reaction times, poor concentration, and memory mishaps. This is why it is particularly dangerous for people to drive or operate heavy machinery if they abstain from sleeping. This medication should only be used at night, right before bedtime, and when patients are planning to sleep.

Can I use zopiclone during the daytime to treat anxiety?

This medication is intended for sleeping problems, and should not be considered as a solution to manage anxiety during the day. This is because taking this treatment during waking hours can cause coordination problems, and reduce alertness, which can potentially be dangerous. People should consider benzodiazepines or other anxiety medications to manage their condition.

How long until zopiclone is out of my system?

The effects of zopiclone 7.5mg last anywhere from 7-8 hours in most patients, but those with slower metabolism might have a slightly longer duration. Zopiclone may be detectable in urine for approximately 24 hours after use, depending on metabolism, and it generally takes 1-2 days for this medication to be fully eliminated from the body.

Is addiction possible?

Yes, zopiclone can be addictive, but the risk of dependence is far less than that of benzodiazepines. However, if patients take their tablets for longer than 4 weeks, it can become habit-forming, which is why doctors do not recommend it for long-term use.

Will I get withdrawal symptoms and how to manage them?

Withdrawal symptoms are possible for people taking higher doses, those who use the medication for extended periods, and patients who stop zopiclone 10mg suddenly. This is why people should only take this medication for 2-4 weeks and include a tapering off period so that their bodies can slowly adjust back to normal.