Common Side Effects of Zopiclone and How to Manage Them

Zopiclone is a sleeping pill. It is usually prescribed for people who can't sleep or remain asleep. This is known as insomnia. There is a group of drugs known as non-benzodiazepine sleeping pills, and zopiclone belongs to this group. These were developed because the older sleeping pills, or benzodiazepines, turned out to be highly addictive. Although zopiclone was designed to be safer, it is highly addictive to many people. This is just one of the reasons that we must learn how it works, its side effects, and what to do if something is wrong.

What is Zopiclone and How Does It Work?

Zopiclone relaxes the brain. It increases the amount of a chemical in the brain called GABA. GABA slows down brain movements and makes you feel relaxed, calm and sleepy. Since it relaxes, zopiclone is referred to as a hypnotic sedative. It is a tablet and can be administered only on prescription in the UK. Thus, you cannot get it from shops or chemists without a prescription from your doctor.

Some people continue to use zopiclone illegally. They can get it from friends or relatives or purchase zopiclone online or unlawfully. However, the use of zopiclone for this purpose is extremely risky and can lead to severe health complications.

Why is Zopiclone Addictive?

Some people can get addicted to zopiclone, even when they take it as prescribed by their physician. With regular use, the body gets used to the drug. This is tolerance. When this occurs, the person has to take more of the drug to get the same effect. If they suddenly stop taking it, they can become ill or anxious. This is withdrawal.

Generally, for this addiction, a person can't help but use zopiclone even though it creates problems in their life. They may think of the drug constantly. They would lie or act differently to obtain more. Thus, it is difficult for them to work, attend school, or spend time with their family and friends.

Who Is Most at Risk of Zopiclone Addiction?

Zopiclone addiction poses a risk to all people. A person's chances increase to becoming addicted to zopiclone if they come from a family where addiction was present. Specific risks for addiction are associated with prescription overuse. Using zopiclone as a treatment for stress, sadness, and past trauma events puts people at risk of developing an addiction. Those who have simple access to the drug, together with a history of other drug use, tend to be at higher risk for zopiclone addiction.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Zopiclone Use

Zopiclone consumption leads to multiple side effects at the beginning of their use. The symptoms develop either immediately after usage or emerge slowly throughout time.

• The quick side effects of zopiclone usage frequently result in dizziness, daytime sleepiness, and headaches.
• Memory problems along with confusion are two possible effects that people may experience.
• People who use Zopiclone experience minimal side effects, which adversely affect their ability to function in daily activities.
• Using zopiclone over an extended period results in more severe side effects developing within the body.
• The feeling of inhaling difficulty creates a significant concern for certain users of this drug.
• The medication zopiclone causes nightmares along with symptoms similar to flu and the potential for liver damage. Excessive use of this medication may result in lethal outcomes for patients.
• The most frightening enduring side effect of using zopiclone is rebound insomnia. After maintaining the use of zopiclone, the drug loses its effectiveness in treating sleep problems. After using zopiclone, the person develops total insomnia during attempts to quit the substance.

How Zopiclone Addiction Affects Your Life?

Daily life becomes extremely challenging because of Zopiclone addiction.

• People frequently need to skip their education or job because fatigue and illness make them unwell. Accidents occur when users lack mental clarity. The use of zopiclone might result in employment termination or economic debts.
• Addiction can also hurt relationships. Zopiclone use creates distress among the people you care about because of their worried state. The person's reality remains obscure to those who have no idea about their struggles.
• Conflicts, sadness, and feelings of solitude often develop because of addiction. The emotional pain which stems from zopiclone use drives patients to consume the medication at higher rates.

Treating Zopiclone Addiction

Getting help is very important. The typical treatment process follows detoxification with rehab and supplemental aftercare.

• During detox, the patient breaks their drug use pattern to allow their body to remove the drug substance. The process of detox proves difficult since patients experience painful or frightening withdrawal symptoms.
• The person transitions from detox directly to the rehab program. Rehabilitation facilities teach their patients the causes behind their addiction as well as methods for making changeable choices. People dealing with addiction can enroll in counselling and group therapy. A selection of treatment centers provides yoga and meditation services to develop relaxation and mental concentration.
• After the completion of rehab treatment, the aftercare programs start. The person needs access to both support groups with professional therapy. The person gets guidance through support systems that help them avoid addiction.

Important Warnings and Safety Tips

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take before taking zopiclone. Additionally, inform them if you're pregnant or breastfeeding anyway. The drug can affect babies.

Do not drink alcohol or take other drugs together with zopiclone. Breathing is difficult, or even death is possible. Your doctor may need to give you a small dose if you have liver or kidney problems.

This drug is not suitable for people with breathing problems, such as sleep apnea. It may even make it even harder to breathe at night. In people with epilepsy, zopiclone can also increase the risk that seizures will occur. You should follow your doctor's advice very carefully.

You should wait to drive or use machines until you know the effects of the drug on you. For 12 hours, you should not do anything risky.

Final Thoughts

Zopiclone can improve people's sleep but is not without risks. But if it is not used properly, it becomes addictive and causes many health problems. Follow your doctor's instructions always, and never take more than is prescribed. It is important to talk to a doctor if you or someone you know cannot tolerate zopiclone. With the right support and care, it's possible to recover.