Zopiclone, like zolpidem and zaleplon, is a non-benzodiazepine “Z” agent that was designed to address some of the drawbacks of benzodiazepines. All of these drugs have a short plasma half-life and a short period of action. Zopiclone is a cyclopyrrolone that is structurally unrelated to benzodiazepines but has similar sedative properties to them, with limited anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant properties.
Zopiclone is a popular hypnotic that was first used in clinical practice in 1985. It is used as a hypnotic in the short-term management of insomnia because of its rapid onset and short duration of action.
Is zopiclone a hypnotic drug?
Clinical information and Indications for therapy:
Short-term treatment of insomnia, including sleep disturbance, nocturnal awakening and premature awakening, temporary, situational, or chronic insomnia, and insomnia secondary to psychiatric disturbances, is recommended in cases where the insomnia is asphyxiating or causing the patient great anguish.
It is not advised to use this product for an extended period. The lowest effective dose should be used during a treatment course.
Administration posology and procedure
Adults:
7.5mg zopiclone, taken orally just before bedtime, is the recommended dosage.
Elderly:
In the elderly, a lower dosage of 3.75 mg zopiclone should be used to begin therapy. If clinically required, the dose may be increased depending on efficacy and acceptability.
Children and young adults less than 18 years:
Zopiclone should not be given to infants or teenagers under the age of 18. The dosage that is both safe and effective has yet to be determined.
Hepatic insufficiency patients:
Because hepatic dysfunction may decrease zopiclone elimination, a lower dose of 3.75mg zopiclone nightly is recommended. Depending on effectiveness and acceptability, the standard 7.5mg zopiclone dose may be used with caution in some cases.
Renal insufficiency:
Renal insufficiency is a condition in which the kidneys are unable to function properly.
During the treatment of insomnia in patients with renal insufficiency, no accumulation of zopiclone or its metabolites has been observed. Patients with impaired kidney function, on the other hand, should begin therapy with 3.75mg.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):
A starting dose of 3.75 mg zopiclone is recommended for patients with severe respiratory insufficiency. After that, the dosage can be increased to 7.5 mg of zopiclone.
Duration of treatment:
· 2–5 days for transient insomnia.
· 2-3 weeks for Short term insomnia.
The duration of zopiclone treatment should be as minimal as possible. Treatment can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks, with a maximum of four weeks (including tapering off).
An extension beyond the maximum treatment period may be appropriate in some cases; if so, it should be done after a re-evaluation of the patient’s condition.
Unusual adverse effects
In the 1990s, zolpidem was associated with sporadic published case reports of visual hallucinations, amnesia, and compulsive behavior. The Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee (ADRAC) observed a large number of reports of visual hallucinations and a smaller number of reports of amnesia with zolpidem after the first year of marketing in Australia. There had been 104 reports of hallucinations, 62 reports of amnesia, and 16 reports of strange or inappropriate behavior for which the patient had no recollection by 2007.
How to take zopiclone:
- Read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack before starting the treatment. It will provide you with more information about zopiclone as well as a complete list of the side effects that you may experience as a result of taking it.
- One zopiclone 7.5 mg tablet is usually prescribed to be taken just before bedtime. Do not take more than one dose in one day.
- Your doctor may recommend the 3.75 mg strength tablets if you are over 65 years old.
- Take zopiclone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You may be told to take a tablet just two or three nights a week, rather than every night.
Before you take it, consider the following:
It’s usually best to speak with your doctor before you buy Zopiclone 7.5 mg online in the UK to discuss the best treatment options for your condition.
While taking Zopiclone, some people have reported sleepwalking, making phone calls, and cooking meals. Patients who have this experience typically have no recollection of their actions. This is extremely uncommon, and the majority of patients will not experience it. It’s more likely if you combine Zopiclone with antidepressants or anxiety medications like Citalopram, or if you drink alcohol.
Before buying Zopiclone 7.5 mg in the UK, consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This is because Zopiclone has been linked to premature birth when used during certain stages of pregnancy. It could also damage a developing baby or cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
Zopiclone may not be appropriate for you if you have myasthenia gravis. Seek advice from your therapist.
It’s possible that Zopiclone can impair your ability to drive, ride a bike, or run heavy equipment. You may be confused or have trouble focusing during the first few days of therapy. Until you know how Zopiclone affects you, don’t run heavy equipment, drive, or do anything else that requires your full attention.
After the first few weeks of therapy, you may notice that Zopiclone isn’t as effective as it was. If this happens, tell your doctor, and he or she will adjust your dosage promptly.
Zopiclone has the potential to cause dependence or addiction. To treat your symptoms, your treatment should be as brief as possible, and you should only take Zopiclone as directed. In general, treatment should be brief, lasting no more than four weeks.
