Effect
Zopiclon has an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system. The drug achieves this attenuating effect by activating so-called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors. GABA is the most important inhibitory messenger (neurotransmitter) of the central nervous system.
Zopiclon can bind to these docking sites (receptors) of GABA and reduce or even completely inhibit the excitability of nerve cells via an influx of chloride. The nerve cell is then no longer excitable for some time and incoming stimulus impulses cannot be transmitted to the central nervous system. The maximum plasma concentration (i.e. the highest dose detectable in the blood) is already reached one hour after taking Zopiclon. The half-life, i.e. the period in which the concentration in the blood is halved, is 5 hours.
Side effect
As with all effective medicines, side effects may occur when taking Zopiclon. Most frequently patients report a change in their sense of taste (metallic, bitter) and dry mouth. In addition, nightmares, headaches, visual disturbances, feelings of weakness, dizziness, reduced performance, and daytime tiredness are also possible side effects of taking Zopiclon.
In addition, memory or memory gaps may occur after taking the drug (anterograde amnesia). Furthermore, deceptive perceptions (hallucinations) have already been described. Not to be underestimated is the physical and psychological addiction potential, which exists especially with the regular and long-term use of Zopiclon. Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms can occur after regular use of Zopiclon for several weeks due to the addictive effect after discontinuation. Therefore it is of great importance to take the medicine only in case of severe sleep disorders and for a short time as well as to weigh up the intake exactly in case of known addiction diseases and to treat the sleep disorder first by less strong medicines with lower addiction potentials if necessary.
Interaction
If other sleeping pills or tranquilizers as well as pain and anesthesia medications are taken at the same time, the dampening effect of the zopiclon may be increased.In addition, drugs for the treatment of mental illnesses, for muscle relaxation (muscle relaxants), for seizures (antiepileptic drugs) and certain drugs for allergies (antihistamines) lead to a greater attenuation of the central nervous system. In addition, drugs that inhibit the function of the zopiclon-degrading enzyme (cytochrome P450), such as antifungal drugs (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole) or certain antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin), can increase the effect of the zopiclon. On the other hand, drugs which activate the zopiclon-degrading enzyme (cytochrome P450) (such as St. John’s wort, phenobarbital, carbamazepine or rifampicin) weaken the effect of the zopiclon.
