The active ingredient zopiclone is used as a sleeping pill for the short-term treatment of severe sleep disorders. Longer-term use is not recommended, otherwise physical and psychological dependence may occur. A number of side effects may occur as a result of taking the drug, including taste disturbances, headaches, and memory loss have been observed. Learn more about the effects, side effects, and dosage of zopiclone here.
Effect of zopiclone
Zopiclone belongs to the class of GABA antagonists. In addition to zopiclone, this class includes benzodiazepines such as diazepam, lorazepam, and alprazolam. The active ingredient ensures that the nerve messenger GABA can flow more strongly into the brain. This has a depressant effect and increases drowsiness. Thus, zopiclone shortens the time it takes to fall asleep and prolongs the time it takes to sleep through the night.
Intake recommendations
Zopiclone should not be taken for mild problems falling asleep or staying asleep, but is only suitable for the treatment of severe sleep disorders. Because zopiclone can be addictive, it is advisable to use the drug only for short periods. In general, the duration of use, including the discontinuation phase, should not exceed four weeks.
Side effects of zopiclone
Just as with other agents, side effects may occur from taking zopiclone. Among the most common complaints are disturbances of the sense of taste. In addition, headache, dry mouth, fatigue, and a general feeling of weakness also occurred more often. Memory disorders were also observed more frequently in patients taking the sleeping pill: In some cases, patients could no longer remember actions they had performed a few hours after taking the drug. The risk of this side effect depends primarily on the dosage level. It can be significantly minimized by sufficient sleep after taking the medication (seven to eight hours).
Other side effects
Occasionally, other side effects may occur while taking zopiclone. These include:
- Coordination problems
- Lack of concentration
- Confusion
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise
- Sensitivity to light
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea and vomiting
- An altered vision
Rarely, skin reactions may also occur. A detailed list of all side effects can be found in the package leaflet of your medication.
Paradoxical reactions
While taking zopiclone, side effects may occur that contradict the actual effect of the sleeping medication. For example, you may experience agitation, restlessness, aggressiveness, outbursts of anger, delusions, hallucinations, and psychosis. If such paradoxical reactions occur, you should contact your doctor immediately and discuss discontinuation of treatment.
Zopiclone may be addictive
Zopiclone can be addictive when taken for prolonged periods, similar to benzodiazepines. Because of its high potential for physical and psychological addiction, the drug should not be taken for more than a few days at a time. If zopiclone must be taken over a longer period of time, withdrawal symptoms must be expected when the drug is discontinued. Because of the risk of addiction, zopiclone should be used only in exceptional circumstances and after a careful risk-benefit analysis in individuals with a history of dependence on alcohol or drugs. In fact, the risk of addiction is particularly high in these individuals. In addition, the duration of treatment and the dosage of the sleeping pill also influence the level of risk.
Discontinuing zopiclone properly
After taking the drug for a long time, it should not be discontinued abruptly, but gradually. Otherwise, severe withdrawal symptoms may occur. However, these can be mitigated by gradually reducing the dose. Since withdrawal symptoms can sometimes occur even after taking the sleeping pill for a short time, a slow reduction of the dose may also be useful here.
Symptoms of stopping zopiclone
Typical symptoms that may occur when discontinuing the drug include problems falling asleep and staying asleep, restlessness, anxiety, and mood swings. If physical dependence is present, other symptoms are possible.Thus, headache, muscle pain, confusion and irritability may occur. In severe cases, symptoms such as personality disorders, loss of reality, sensory delusions, and epileptic seizures have also been observed.
Dosage of zopiclone
Zopiclone requires a prescription and is therefore not available without a prescription. It can only be taken on the advice of a doctor – you should also discuss the dosage of the sleep aid with him or her. Unless otherwise prescribed, adults should take 7.5 milligrams of zopiclone daily for severe sleep disorders. In patients with impaired liver or respiratory function, as well as in elderly patients, it is recommended to halve the dose at the beginning. It is best to take the drug in the evening before bedtime. After taking the drug, a sleep duration of seven or eight hours should be ensured. This prevents the occurrence of side effects the next morning – such as a slowed reaction time.
Zopiclone overdose
If you have taken too high a dose of the sleeping pill, you should tell a doctor right away. A mild overdose is manifested by signs such as drowsiness, drowsiness, blurred vision, muscle weakness, slurred speech, and a drop in blood pressure. At higher doses, symptoms such as unconsciousness, respiratory disturbances and circulatory collapse may occur. In particularly bad cases, an effective antidote is available in flumazenil.
Interactions
If zopiclone is taken with other medications, drug interactions may occur. These medications include:
- Antidepressants
- Antiepileptic drugs
- Sedating antihistamines
- Lithium
- Narcoanalgesics
- Narcotics
- Neuroleptics
By taking the drugs can enhance each other’s effect. Since this can also happen due to alcohol, do not drink alcohol during treatment with zopiclone. By taking macrolide antibiotics, cimetidine, imidazole and triazole, as well as grapefruit juice, the effect of zopiclone can be enhanced. In contrast, the active substance itself enhances the effect of muscle relaxants. Zopiclone’s effect may be weakened by taking antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin, as well as by the antibiotic rifampicin.
Contraindications
Zopiclone should not be taken if hypersensitivity to the active ingredient is present. In addition, taking it is also contraindicated in the following conditions:
- Severe liver dysfunction
- Severe respiratory dysfunction
- Sleep apnea syndrome
- Pathological muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis)
The drug is not suitable for children and adolescents under 18 years.
Pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy, zopiclone should not be taken or at most after a careful risk-benefit analysis. If the active ingredient is used for a prolonged period, withdrawal symptoms must be expected in the newborn. Since the active ingredient can pass into breast milk, nursing mothers should not take the sleeping pill. If it is absolutely necessary to take the drug, breastfeeding should be discontinued beforehand.