Zopiclone Side Effects

Insomnia is a condition that presents in the form of an inability to sleep or disrupted sleep, it can lead to issues with daytime fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Although many people have problems sleeping from time to time, insomnia is more often than not only diagnosed in people suffering from it as a chronic condition, leaving many to seek out treatments on their own.

A commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of insomnia is a branded medication called Imovane, it is now available as a generic medication under the name zopiclone sleeping pills, the zopiclone drug class is known as sedative/hypnotics, but may also be referred to as Z-drugs. It was introduced by Rhone-Polence S.A. in 1986, and now no longer under patent protection, it can be brought for a fraction of its branded cost.

Although it is considered a safe drug for use in adults suffering from sleep disorders, it does have side effects that should be considered before starting a treatment plan. This article will go into more detail about the potential side effects and will answer other questions patients may have like; how long does it take zopiclone to work, what are the side effects of taking zopiclone, and how long does zopiclone stay in your system?

What is Zopiclone and Who Takes it?

This medication belongs to a category of medicine called sedative/hypnotics, it is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic. It functions by selectively bonding to the brain alpha subunit of GABA A omega-1 receptor. This helps to aid patients by making it easier to fall asleep and not wake up during the course of their sleep.

Most users take zopiclone for sleep and it is generally only prescribed to adults over the age of 18, this is due to the ease with which people build a tolerance to it. This leads on nicely to a frequently asked question of which is the least dependency forming of zopiclone vs zolpidem. There is no simple answer to this question and it is generally considered good practice to change medication every 28 days in order to avoid forming tolerance and dependence.

Anybody suffering from an intrusive sleep condition that is impacting their ability to fully engage with work could benefit from using this medication in the short term. Keep in mind there are other options available when the full course of treatment has been completed, many of which are available on our website. More than anything though, look forward to a more productive daytime and a less stressful experience when going to sleep.

How Does Zopiclone Make You Feel?

Not getting enough sleep consistently is known to weaken the immune system, making people who suffer from insomnia increasingly vulnerable to illness. The effects of zopiclone as part of a fully integrated approach to dealing with sleep conditions can help to avert the further implications of this condition, so how to get zopiclone? Well, the answer is simple, look at our online pharmacy where we stock a full range of sleep medications.

When taking this medication, users will notice zopiclone effects within an hour of consumption, falling asleep much easier and drifting into a euphoric dream-like state. It has also been widely reported in tests that patients notice a reduction in daytime anxiety due to it having a sedative effect across the brain. This is the reason that it is not recommended to drive or operate heavy machinery during the time this medication is effective.

Another commonly described change in how a person may feel when taking zopiclone tablets is an increased appetite, which could lead to weight gain if not balanced with healthy lifestyle choices. It is always recommended to look holistically at what changes can be made to lessen the likelihood of negative affectations from medicine. There is a need to reduce this medication by following a phased reduction plan rather than stopping immediately.

Is Long Term use of Zopiclone Safe?

Manufacturer guidelines suggest not using this medication for more than 28 days at a time, so even though effective to use zopiclone for anxiety, this should still be in accordance with the instructions for use. Long-term side effects of zopiclone are usually increased tolerance and dependence, therefore it is important to seek medical advice should you use this medication for insomnia, but find it useful in coping with anxiety.

If medical guidance is followed then zopiclone long-term use will not be a problem due to the phasing-out process, this should start at the beginning of the third week. Start by reducing one-quarter of the full dose and 3 days later another quarter until usage has stopped. At this point, a patient may look to start another line of medication, whilst simultaneously looking at how to improve sleep hygiene practices.

What Are the Zopiclone Long Term Side Effects 

When a patient chooses to buy zopiclone online to save money compared to the cost of a prescription at a high street pharmacy, it goes without saying that researching the possible side effects is sensible. Some side effects are common, whereas others may result in a need to stop use immediately. In the list below there is a number of the potential side effects of the long-term use of zopiclone. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Amnesia
• Lethargy
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

For a full list of common and long-term side effects of zopiclone, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet available on this website. If experiencing any adverse reactions or using beyond the recommended treatment schedule, it is important to seek medical advice from a qualified medical professional. The use of any medications to aid sleep should always be coupled with a full treatment plan, so as to tackle the root cause of the issue, which often can result from stress.

What Are the Side Effects of Zopiclone in Elderly?

There is a greater chance of side effects of zopiclone in elderly users due to the elimination half-life being longer for those over 55 years of age. This may lead to more residual impact the following morning, for example, cognitive impairment, dizziness, or drowsiness. With this in mind, elderly patients should start out on half of the recommended dosage, 3.75 mg as opposed to the standard 7.5 mg. Due to the potential for forgetfulness whilst using this medication, it is worth placing tablets into daily medication dividers.

To avoid long term use of zopiclone, patients should create a treatment plan that incorporates elements that are beneficial in reducing the causes of insomnia. This might include sticking to a sleep routine, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, or quitting nicotine products. Another major factor in insomnia is stress, be that marital, work-related, or psycho-social. Finding ways to combat the causes of insomnia or related sleep conditions whilst medicating for the symptoms is the best way to get back on track and stop insomnia from controlling how life is lived.

What is the Maximum Dose of Zopiclone?

The suggested max dose of zopiclone when starting on this medication is 3.75 mg for elderly people and 7.5 mg for healthy adults.  The best way to avoid adverse reactions or side effects is to stick to these dosage levels until efficacy is noticeable and if not having the desired effect book an appointment with a doctor. A doctor may advise increasing the dosage by 50 to 100 percent every three days until the expected results are met.

If a dose is missed, do not attempt to take it within a 24-hour timeframe of your next dose. No more than a single dose should be taken within a single day as this may lead to increased daytime drowsiness, disorientation, or difficulty in waking up the following day. Following this advice will decrease the likelihood of developing dependence or experiencing symptoms of  zopiclone withdrawal when it comes to discontinuing this medication.

Overcome Insomnia with Zopiclone for Sleep

Patients who use this medication as part of a wider treatment plan like regulating bedtimes, engaging in an active lifestyle, and reducing exposure to artificial light often have great outcomes. Moreover, when they purchase online, they avoid the need for a trip to their local pharmacy where they may have a limited choice in off-brand options at a fraction of the high street price. All deliveries are shipped in non-descript packaging and billing information will not include product names.

We make buying generic medications simple, cheap, and convenient. All that is needed is to choose the product needed, add it to the cart, and check quantities as there are some great discounts for bulk purchases. Once that is complete, confirm the delivery address and choose a payment option from; bank transfer, Bitcoin, MasterCard, or Visa. Deliveries within the UK take 2-4 days and to the EU 4-6 days. You will then receive a confirmation email detailing the descriptor on your bill. All medications stocked on this site are FDA-approved.

Make the decision to tackle your sleep condition today and choose www.zopiclone4u.com as your preferred online pharmacy.

Last Reviewed: 24th July 2024
Next Review Due: August 2025