Who can and cannot take Zopiclone

Zopiclone is a sleep aid used by patients who have insomnia. The drug is highly effective in reducing sleep latency and improving sleep quality. It works by blocking some of the brain’s receptors, particularly those that influence REM sleep.

Despite Zopiclone being a very popular medication (most Adults above 18 years old will have been prescribed it at some point in their lives), the drug is not appropriate for most people.

Who Can Take Zopiclone?

Zopiclone is prescribed under medical supervision for individuals experiencing chronic or short-term insomnia that significantly affects their sleep quality and daily functioning. It is typically recommended for adults over 18 years old who have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.

Doctors may prescribe Zopiclone for patients with shift work sleep disorder, jet lag, or those undergoing temporary high-stress situations that disrupt normal sleep patterns. However, it is usually given for short-term use (2 to 4 weeks) to reduce the risk of dependence. If sleep problems persist beyond this period, alternative treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) or lifestyle changes may be recommended instead.

Who may not be able to take Zopiclone

1. Past History of Allergic Reaction to Zopiclone

If you have a history of allergic reactions to any other benzodiazepine or sleep aid, you should not take Zopiclone. This is because there is a chance of you having an allergic reaction to it, which may be severe.

2. Suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

You should not take Zopiclone if you suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) because it may worsen the symptoms and make them even more severe. This is because the drug may irritate and damage the esophagus, a tube covering the stomach that links it to the stomach. Inappropriate sphincter muscle contractions usually cause GERD during sleep, which also makes Zopiclone ineffective for many people suffering from this condition. There are very few other options for patients suffering from GERD, as Zopiclone is not recommended for this condition.

3. Have a Family History of Seizures

If you have a family history of seizures, you should not take this drug. According to some studies, people who suffer from seizures are more likely to experience them while on Zopiclone.

4. Have Chronic Liver Disease or Insomnia due to Chronic Liver Disease

People with either chronic liver disease or insomnia due to chronic liver disease should not be given Zopiclone. This is because it may worsen the condition and increase the severity of symptoms like fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

5. Have a History of Drug or Alcohol Addiction

If you have a history of addiction to drugs or alcohol, you should not take Zopiclone. This is because it may react with these substances (if you are still taking them) and increase the severity of withdrawal symptoms. It may also make the withdrawal symptoms very severe and cause complications like seizures.

6. Have Severe Psychosis, Schizophrenia, or other Psychiatric Conditions

Zopiclone should not be given to people who have severe psychosis, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric conditions because it can make them worse by causing suicidal thoughts or worsening hallucinations. Also, it may worsen these conditions’ undiagnosed problems and hinder proper treatment.

7. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Mothers

Zopiclone should not be taken by pregnant mothers or breastfeeding mothers who are planning to conceive at any time in the future. This is because the drug may affect fetal growth and development and even lead to malformations in children after birth.

8. Have Heart Problems

This drug should not be taken by people who have heart problems. This is because it may affect the function of the heart, leading to it becoming abnormally slow and irregular. This can also increase blood pressure and decrease blood flow in the body, causing serious problems to health.

How to Take Zopiclone

Zopiclone is a prescription sleep aid used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. To ensure its effectiveness and minimize side effects, it is important to follow the correct dosage instructions and be aware of potential interactions.

Dosage Instructions

• The standard prescribed dose for adults is 7.5mg taken once per night, typically 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.
• For older adults or those with liver or kidney conditions, a lower dose of 3.75mg is often recommended to reduce the risk of excessive drowsiness or next-day grogginess.
• Never exceed the prescribed dose without consulting your doctor, as higher doses increase the risk of side effects and dependence.

Food and Drug Interactions

• Avoid alcohol when taking Zopiclone, as it can enhance the sedative effects, leading to excessive drowsiness, confusion, or breathing difficulties.
• Do not take Zopiclone with a heavy or high-fat meal, as it may delay the onset of action, making it less effective at helping you fall asleep quickly.
• Combining Zopiclone with other sedatives, antihistamines, or opioids can increase drowsiness and should only be done under medical supervision.

Timing and Best Practices

• Take Zopiclone only when you are ready to sleep, as it acts quickly, typically within 30-60 minutes.
• Ensure you have at least 7-8 hours to dedicate to sleep before taking the medication to avoid next-day drowsiness.
• If you wake up in the middle of the night, do not take an extra dose.

Modifying Doses: Can You Split a 3.75mg Tablet?

For those prescribed a lower dose (3.75mg) or those who experience excessive drowsiness, splitting a 7.5mg tablet in half may be an option. However, not all Zopiclone tablets are designed to be split, so check if your tablet has a scored line before attempting to do so. If you are unsure about adjusting your dose, consult your doctor for guidance.

Can You Take Zopiclone During the Day for Anxiety?

Zopiclone is primarily prescribed as a sleep aid for individuals with insomnia or other sleep disorders. It is not typically recommended for daytime use or as a treatment for anxiety disorders. While it does have sedative and calming effects, taking Zopiclone during the day can lead to drowsiness, impaired cognitive function, and reduced alertness, which may interfere with daily activities such as working or driving.

Unlike anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam) or SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine), Zopiclone does not specifically target anxiety. Some individuals may feel temporary relaxation from its sedative effects, but it is not a long-term or medically approved solution for managing anxiety. If you are struggling with anxiety, it is best to consult a doctor about safer and more effective treatment options, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or anxiety-specific medications.

Bottom-line

Don’t ignore the advice if you have any of these conditions or have been advised against taking Zopiclone. It would help if you never disregarded medical advice, as it could lead to serious consequences. However, if you don’t have any of these conditions but would like to take Zopiclone, your doctor will be able to give you a prescription after due examination and evaluation.