Zopiclone

Zopiclone is a prescribed medication commonly used in the UK for the short-term treatment of insomnia.

Its specific effects are designed to help with sleep-related deprivation, unlike other drugs with sedative properties, which often have multi-purpose use.

Zopiclone and Zolpidem are generally considered to be less harmful and less addictive than other prescription drugs that serve a similar purpose. Nevertheless, Z drugs hold a moderate potential for addiction. Zopiclone addiction can become lethal when combined with alcohol or other depressive drugs or medications.

According to the Prescribed Medicines Review conducted by Public Health England,100,00 patients were found to receive a continuous repeat prescription for a Z drug from 2015 to 2018 in England (1) 

This review has led to more careful prescribing of Zopiclone and other Z drugs. There is now, thankfully, a greater awareness of Zopiclone’s addictive properties and its potential for abuse.

What is Zopiclone Used For?

Zopiclone is a sedative-hypnotic medication prescribed for the treatment of insomnia.  Ideally, it should not be prescribed for any longer than a period of 14 consecutive days. Longer than this, there is a risk of developing a tolerance and dependence to the drug. 

Other non-benzodiazepine drugs of the sedative and hypnotic class include:

• Chloral hydrate
• Dexmedetomidine
• Clomethiazole
• Zolpidem tartrate
• Melatonin

Once a tolerance to a dosage of Zopiclone has occurred, its pharmaceutical effects stop working – unless the dosage or the frequency of administration are increased.

This sleeping medication is sold under different manufacturing brands and trade names, most common are the generic variations of Zopiclone (including Zimovane, Zalepon, Imovane, Zolpidem and Ambien)

Zopiclone comes in two different strengths 3.75 mg and 7.5mg. Although generic and counterfeit versions may have varying dosages and potency.

Generic brands come in capsule or tablet form. They are also available in a liquid form for those that struggle to swallow pills.

When it comes to prescribing medications for sleep issues,  Zopiclone and Zolpidem tend to be favoured over benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are notoriously addictive and challenging to stop. 

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is one of the most dangerous detoxes a person can undergo and has a high risk of life-threatening complications.

Landmark review conducted on addictive prescribed drugs 

The Government commissioned Public Health England to conduct a landmark review of addictive prescribed medications in 2018. This was due to the increasing number of deaths resulting from certain prescription-only drugs, where tighter controls were needed as part of harm reduction measures.

The focus of the review was conducted on the following 5 classifications of addictive prescribed medications:

• Z drugs
• Antidepressants
• Benzodiazepines
• Gabapentanoids
• Opioids and opiates

The medical review on addictive prescribed medicines also found that 1 million people in England received a prescription for a Z-drug medication between 2017 and 2018. 

It is these worrying statistics that led the UK government to impose tighter restrictions on the prescribing of these 5 classes of addictive medications in 2019 (1)

Addiction to a sleeping medication can impact your quality of life. Not only that but if you are abusing them, they can also put your life in great danger. Addiction tends to spill out into all areas of the sufferer’s life, regardless of the substance(s) involved.

We would urge anyone who is addicted to Zopiclone sleeping tablets to contact us and discuss your circumstances and treatment options with one of our experts.

Z  drug classification in the UK

Zolpidem is already listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as a controlled Class C drug, under Schedule 4, Part 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. 

The ACMD recommends that the other two Z-drugs, Zaleplon and Zopiclone, which are similar to Zolpidem, should be controlled in the same manner (2)

Zopiclone Side Effects

Zopiclone has a list of possible side effects. These side effects are similar to other drugs in the Z list classification. Everyone reacts differently to the effects of Zopiclone, and, the higher the dosage, the more pronounced these effects tend to be.

Common Side effects of Zopiclone and Zimovane include:

• A metallic taste in the mouth
• Constipation
• Dry mouth

Less common side effects of Zopiclone and Zimovane include:

• Inability to concentrate
• Cognitive impairment
• Nausea
• Brain fog
• Reduced motivation
• Day time sleepiness
• Vivid dreams
• Lethargy
• Feeling sad and depressed

Rare side effects of Zopiclone and Zimovane include:

• Confusion
• Abnormal behaviour
• Hallucinations
• Impaired coordination and judgement, leading to accidents and falls (especially in elderly patients)
• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
• Irritability
• Paranoia
• Reduced libido
• Impaired memory
• Skin reactions
• Delusional thoughts and beliefs 
• Suicidal ideation (3, 4)

The effects of Zopiclone can often be felt well in to the following day. If you still feel drowsy or sleepy, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery until this wears off.

If you or someone you know are taking the drug and are suffering from the less common side effects, it is important to contact your healthcare provider and discuss your concerns without them.

What makes Zopiclone addictive?

Taking  for a prolonged period will increase your risk of developing a Zopiclone addiction. Your chances will also increase if you abuse Zopiclone.

Zopiclone is addictive in two ways. Firstly, you can develop a physical dependence on the drug if you take it continuously for more than the recommended guidelines of a maximum of 14 days. Secondly, Zopiclone can be very psychologically addictive as you can become reliant on the drug’s effects to help you drift off to sleep.

Many people who take these sleeping pills for an extended period suffer from rebound insomnia and other unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop. These symptoms can make stopping Zopiclone challenging. It can also lead to a person continuing to take the drug rather than facing the symptoms of withdrawal.

Two of the main side effects of long-term use are tolerance and dependence. Once you become tolerant of Zopiclone’s effects, the medication will no longer work as it should. You may then become tempted to increase the dosage yourself.

Zopiclone may also reduce daytime anxiety but should not be prescribed for this specifically. If you suffer from anxiety, it is important to discuss this as a separate issue with your doctor.

Being dependent on Zopiclone means that your brain has acclimated to having the drug in your bloodstream. If you try to stop abruptly, you could suffer from severe and even dangerous withdrawal effects. 

If you have become dependent or addicted to Zopiclone sleeping tablets, you should follow a tapering-off regime, as advised by your doctor. Alternatively, you can undergo a full medical detox privately. These clinical methods of stopping will reduce withdrawal symptoms to more manageable and safer levels.

Stopping Zopiclone sleeping tablets safely

Many people who are trying to find out how to come off Zopiclone sleeping tablets seek out advice from a Zopiclone forum. We cannot stress enough just how dangerous this is. 

The only safe way to come off is under medical supervision. This is not something you should attempt yourself, nor should you advise anyone else.

Whilst withdrawing from Zopiclone you may experience:

• Rebound insomnia
• Cravings 
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Intrusive thoughts
• Tremor 
• Diarrhoea (5)

Whilst dependence on Zopiclone happens less frequently than with benzodiazepines, it is still a considerable risk. Most people think they only risk developing an addiction if they have previously abused drugs or alcohol. However, this is not the case. You can become dependent  within as little as two months of use, even with no prior substance abuse history (5)

If you attempt to come off Zopiclone sleeping tablets and experience any troubling symptoms of withdrawal, you should contact your doctor or seek advice from a medical professional. Do not continue with abrupt cessation, as your withdrawal symptoms are only likely to get worse.

Zopiclone sleeping pill withdrawal and detox

Withdrawing from Zopiclone and sleeping pills can often result in some unpleasant detox symptoms, including rebound insomnia (the very condition the medication is prescribed to treat). 

During withdrawal, insomnia can be exaggerated and accompanied by acute anxiety, a racing mind, restlessness and general aches and pains.

These withdrawal symptoms can lead an individual to return to using sleeping pills. It is important when approaching any detoxification to remember that the withdrawal symptoms are only temporary and that afterwards, you will feel much much better, physically, mentally and emotionally.

For those unable to stop taking sleeping pills through a reduction regime, inpatient detox is highly recommended. Medical detoxes ensure that you feel minimum, if any, discomfort and that you remain safe throughout the entire process. 

Call Detox Plus UK now to find out more about our Zopiclone medical detoxes and sleeping pill medication-assisted treatment.

How Does Zopiclone Work?

Zopiclone works by tricking the brain into a hypnotic sleep-like state. It also slows down brain activity and increases the amount of the neurotransmitter GABA that the brain produces. This makes falling asleep easier. Zopiclone can also reduce the number of times a person wakes during the night. 

Z drugs should only be used in conjunction with good sleep hygiene practices and/or CBT for the best long-term outcome. On their own, they are only a very temporary fix to sleep problems.

Most GPs who prescribe Z drugs will ask you to take a tablet every other night so as not to become dependent on them to be able to sleep. You must follow whatever your prescriber recommends.

Zopiclone and other Z drugs should be taken approximately an hour before bedtime, and you should avoid stimulating your mind during this time. There is a window in which they will work. Past this timeframe, they become far less effective.

Safer alternatives to Z drugs

Before being prescribed a Z drug, which is only a very temporary answer to what can sometimes be a chronic problem, other non-pharmaceutical sleep aids should be tried first. 

Many people find that their lifestyle heavily contributes to their quality of sleep (e.g., stress at work or home, poor bedtime routine, too much caffeine, and substance misuse are just a few common causes). These issues can usually be rectified with good sleep hygiene practices and simple lifestyle changes.

For others, insomnia can be brought about as a reaction to an event such as bereavement, job loss or relationship breakdown. In instances such as this, Z list drugs can help a person to mentally deal with their troubles better by aiding their sleep. 

Cognitive behavioural therapy is also a very useful tool for long-term chronic cases of insomnia where trauma, depression, anxiety or PTSD can be an underlying factor.

Antihistamines and over-the-counter herbal remedies are considered safer, non-addictive alternatives to Z drugs. All of your options and circumstances should be discussed in-depth with your GP to make a fully informed decision as to the best treatment plan.

The difference between Z drugs and benzodiazepines

Zopiclone and Zolpidem are two of the most commonly prescribed hypnotic sleeping tablets. Z drugs are structurally very different from benzodiazepines. Z drugs have a faster onset of pharmaceutical effects; they also leave your system quicker than benzodiazepines, minimising daytime sedation and cognitive impairment.

Z drugs are also safer and easier to withdraw from than benzodiazepines and are considered the less addictive of the two. Benzodiazepines carry a far higher risk of abuse, dependence and addiction. Withdrawal from high doses of benzodiazepine medication can be life-threatening and should be very carefully medically monitored.

Zopiclone Withdrawal Symptoms

When abused or taken for a prolonged period Z drugs are addictive and can create tolerance and dependence. Zopiclone and Zolpidem withdrawal can be troublesome and very uncomfortable; in rare cases of chronic abuse, unmanaged withdrawal can be life-threatening.

Common withdrawal symptoms of Zopiclone addiction and dependence include:

• Increased anxiety
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Restlessness and feeling on edge
• Tremor
• Sweating 
• Insomnia
• Increased heart rate and tachycardia
• Weakness (6)

In cases of chronic Zopiclone abuse, a person can experience seizures and delirium tremors. For this reason, Zopiclone withdrawal should always be medically managed to ensure patient safety.

Mixing Zopiclone with alcohol and other drugs

Zopiclone should NEVER be mixed with other sedatives such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids or opioids. Abuse of Z-drugs can result in death. It also vastly increases the risk of developing dependence and addiction to one or more substances.

In cases where medical conditions require these medications to be combined with other CNS depressants or sedatives, your GP should carefully monitor your progress and look for signs of abuse and dependence.

Some individuals may think that crushing and snorting the sleeping tablets will enhance their effects. However, there is no evidence to suggest that this is true.

If you or a loved one are abusing Zopiclone or have developed a dependence or an addiction, please seek professional help without delay.

Buying cheap sleeping pills online

Sleeping pills are easily available to purchase online. It is important to be aware of the possible risks and dangers associated with buying sleeping pills over the internet.

Most of the tablets that are sold are in a generic form and imported from abroad. Their strength and content can vary tremendously, and they can contain very dangerous and addictive substances to keep you going back for more.

Sleeping tablets can be purchased online without a prescription, but there is no knowing how safe they are, their strength, or the substances contained within them.

If you have consulted your doctor and they have refused you a prescription for a sleeping medication such as Zopiclone ask them to explain the reasons why and help you to explore safer alternatives. Please, please do not attempt to buy Zopiclone online from the dark web or street dealers.

Zopiclone abuse

Those who abuse sleeping tablets are at the highest risk of developing a full-blown Zopiclone addiction. Zopiclone abuse involves taking excessive amounts of the drug (more than the recommended prescribing dose). 

Repeatedly exposing the brain to excessive amounts of any mood-altering drug is risky, as it can cause long-lasting changes in the brain. The same can be said of long-term repeated use of any addictive prescription medications.

Other forms of Zopiclone abuse include:

• Taking Zopiclone that are not prescribed for you
• Crushing and snorting or injecting 
• Buying Zopiclone from the internet or street dealers
• Taking more than the prescribed dose
• Mixing with alcohol or other CNS depressants
• Taking Zopiclone when you no longer need it for the original complaint it was prescribed for 
• Doctor shopping (acquiring multiple prescriptions from different doctors)

Am I addicted to Zopiclone?

Being dependent on Zopiclone is not the same as being addicted. Addiction is a recognised medical and psychiatric illness that is chronic and progressive.

If you find you need to take Zopiclone to prevent withdrawal symptoms, you likely have Zopiclone dependence. But how do you know if you are addicted? Quite simply, people who suffer from addiction have a great difficulty in moderating their drug use. They will struggle to follow a tapering-off regime and be highly prone to relapse. 

Identifying an addiction will ensure that you access the correct treatment, which is vastly different for someone who just suffers from a physical drug dependence. 

Signs of Zopiclone sleeping pill addiction include:

• Wanting to stop but being unable to stop taking it completely
• Suffering physical, mental, social, occupational or financial consequences as a result of Zopiclone use, yet continuing with the use
• Preoccupation with obtaining and taking Zopiclone
• Progressively taking  more frequently and/or in larger doses
• Suffering from Zopiclone withdrawal symptoms
• Mixing Zopiclone with alcohol, opiates or other sedative drugs for increased effects
• Zopiclone use is interfering with personal relationships
• Feeling the need to hide or lie about the amount of Zopiclone being taking
• Taking dangerous amounts of Zopiclone or taking it with high-risk combinations (i.e. alcohol, benzodiazepines or opiates)
• Feeling compelled to take Zopiclone
• Repeated failed attempts to quit sleeping pills
• Experiencing strong cravings 

Treatment for an addiction to Zopiclone will need to identify and address the root causes of a person’s addiction. Once the physical dependence has been treated, (through a medical zopiclone detox) the focus should then be on getting the person psychologically and socially well again. 

Different people respond to different methods of treatment, need different levels of supervision and recover at different rates. These should all be accounted for within a comprehensive bespoke addiction treatment programme. 

Call our experts today to find out more about a personalised treatment programme that would work best for you.

Help for Zopiclone Addiction

If you have an addiction to a Z drug sleeping pill such as Zopiclone, we can provide a full medical drug detox conducted within a first-class private CQC registered treatment centre.

Following successful and safe detoxification, our addiction professionals will work with you closely to treat the underlying causes that led you to become addicted in the first place. 

Our distinguished multidisciplinary teams of psychotherapists, counsellors, doctors and holistic therapists use evidence-based treatments to help heal our patients on every level possible. During your time with us, our team will work hard to instil a set of recovery tools to ensure that you never have to rely on addictive medications again.

Help for Zopiclone addiction near you is available today; call our addiction treatment experts to find out more.

Further resources and help:

Age UK

Advice and information on sleeping well.

British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association

A charity dedicated to helping snorers and their bed partners improve their sleep.

NHS

Information on sleep disorders and sleep problems from the NHS.

The Sleep Apnoea Trust

Operating to improve the lives of sleep apnoea patients and their partners and families.

References:

1. Prescribed medicines review PHE https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prescribed-medicines-review-report 
2. ACMD advice on the control of Z-drugs (Zaleplon, Zopiclone and Zolpidem) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/
3. NHS Zopiclone – Sleeping pills -https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/zopiclone/
4. Zopiclone Drugs BNF NICE https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/zopiclone/#side-effects
5. Dependence with Zopiclone – https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/puarticles/3.htm
6. Zopiclone – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231551/