Maximum dose of zopiclone

One of the most common disorders in the world is insomnia.

Insomnia either makes it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or makes you wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep again.

The normal adult needs to get at least from 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day.

That’s why, insomnia saps out the energy and health out of a person, and also affects the quality of life.

As a result of stress or specific trauma, a person may experience short-term insomnia that may last for several days or a few weeks, but some patients suffer from what’s called chronic insomnia (long-term insomnia).

Chronic insomnia maybe a result of an underlying medical health problem or maybe the problem itself.

Medical health problems include chronic pain conditions, cancer, diabetes, heart problems, asthma, stomach problems like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease, it is a disease affecting the muscle ring between the stomach and esophagus, causing heartburn), hyperactive thyroid, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s diseases.

Medications, Mental health problems, caffeine, nicotine, and others may be the main causes of insomnia.

Zopiclone, one of the most effective drugs for treating insomnia, belongs to the family (Z-drugs), they are depressants for the CNS (Central Nervous System).

Zopiclone helps patients to fall asleep more quickly and stops the waking-ups during the night.

The maximum dose of Zopiclone depends on individual factors of the patients, however, regular doses are determined.

So, what are the regular dose and maximum dose of Zopiclone?

The regular dose and maximum dose of zopiclone are determined based on many factors such as the medical condition of the patient, the age and weight of him/her, and if there are any other predisposing factors or other chronic medical conditions.

Maximum dose of zopiclone for Adults

A 7.5 mg tablet once a day taken before bedtime and it’s the maximum dose of Zopiclone in adults, and it may be lowered to 3.75 mg

Maximum dose of zopiclone for Elders

A 3.75 mg tablet once a day to be taken before bedtime

The maximum dose of Zopiclone is 7.5 mg if the initial dose didn’t show the required therapeutic effect, with a condition that the dose is well tolerated as CNS (Central Nervous System) side effects are increased with increased dose as seen in 25% of elderly patients

Maximum dose of zopiclone for Patients with liver impairment

A 3.75 mg tablet once a day taken before bedtime, with a maximum dose of zopiclone equals 7.5 mg once a day

Maximum dose of zopiclone for Patients with renal impairment

Although no problems were noticed with the use of Zopiclone with patients suffering from renal impairment, the treatment should be started with 3.75 mg tablets once a day, and it should be for a short period as possible, not exceeding 4 weeks

If the patient is going to take it for a longer period, the medical condition should be reassessed first

Maximum dose of zopiclone for Patients with respiratory impairment

A reduced dose based on the severity of the medical condition is recommended.

It should be initiated with 3.75 mg with a maximum dose of zopiclone equals 7.5 mg

Treatment duration of Maximum dose of zopiclone:

• For transient insomnia: it should be taken from 2 to 5 days
• For short-term insomnia: it should be taken from 2 to 3 weeks
• For chronic insomnia: it can be used for a long period but with the continuous reassessment of the medical condition

Zopiclone should be withdrawn gradually and not stopped at once, either it will cause undesirable withdrawal symptoms.

• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Sweating
• Stomach problems
• Losing control of thoughts and emotions
• Fast heartbeats
• Numbness or tingling
• Hypersensitivity to light, noise, and physical contact
• Depersonalization (feeling detached of self)
• Low level of awareness
• Concentration problems
• Nightmares and hallucinations
• Anxiousness, shakiness, irritability, agitation, confusion, and panic attacks
• Seizures
• Abuse (rare cases have been reported)

Contraindications of maximum dose of zopiclone:

Zopiclone should not be used with the following medical conditions,

• Patients who are known to suffer from hypersensitivity to Zopiclone or any other excipients
• Chronic use of alcohol
• Myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness and tiredness)
• Severe respiratory impairments
• Stroke (when the blood flow stops as a result of a rupture of the blood vessel or a blockage inside it)
• Sleep apnea (short breathing stop during sleeping)
• Severe hepatic impairments

Side effects of maximum dose of zopiclone:

Common side effects of maximum dose of zopiclone

• Bitter or metallic taste
• Dry mouth

Uncommon side effects of maximum dose of zopiclone:

• Headache
• Nightmares
• Stomach problems
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Agitation

Rare side effects of maximum dose of zopiclone:

• Memory impairment
• Confusion
• Libido (decreased sexual desire)
• Hallucinations
• Mood changes
• Increased fallings especially in elderly patients
• Itching

Sleep-activities:

Some cases of doing different activities while being asleep such as sleep-driving and sleepwalking, and not remembering what happened after waking up have been reported

These cases are increased by alcohol or CNS depressant medications

Zopiclone is a very effective drug used in treating insomnia, but you have to make sure to take it as prescribed by the doctor, with taking care to not exceed the maximum dose of Zopiclone.