Zopiclone alternatives

Zopiclone also called a sleeping pill, is one of a group of medications used in the treatment of the sleeping disorder (insomnia).

A hypnotic pill is also another name of zopiclone and zopiclone derivatives.

Sleeping pills:

Sleeping pills are used in the treatment of insomnia and there are two types:

• Over-the-counter sleeping pills (OTC): like antihistamine which is the most common medication of this group, melatonin, and valerian. You don’t need to visit your doctor to prescribe this medication for you.
• Prescribed sleeping pills: this medication needs to visit your doctor to prescribe it and be taken under his/her supervision. Examples: benzodiazepines, barbiturate, and Z-drugs.

Sleeping pills indications:

Sleeping pills have many indications like:

• Insomnia: is the most common indication of zopiclone.
• Restless leg syndrome is severe uncomfortable and pain in your leg during sleep that’s required to move it urgently.
• Sleep apnea: is difficulty in breathing during sleep causing interruption of your sleep pattern.
• Narcolepsy is sudden fall asleep during the daytime and excessive sleeping.

Zopiclone dosage and strength:

• Zopiclone is available in many strengths’ formulation: 3.75mg, 5mg, 7.5mg.
• Zopiclone is available in tablet form.

General tips when you start taking zopiclone:

• You should swallow the whole tablet, never crush, or chew it.
• Can be taken with or without food.
• Taking at the same time every day (before going to bed).
• If you missed the dose never double the dose next time.
• You should start with the smallest dose (3.75mg) if you are elderly, has a kidney problem, or have hepatic insufficiency.

Zopiclone alternative adverse reactions:

 

• Day-time sedation.
• Aggressiveness behavior.
• Bitter taste.
• Memory impairment.
• Increased appetite.
• Speech disturbance.

You need to keep in contact with your doctor, as your doctor will monitor for:

• Hepatic insufficiency.
• Respiratory depression.
• Excessive drowsiness especially in the elderly.

Zopiclone alternative contraindications:

Zopiclone is contraindicated in the following condition:

• Hypersensitivity of zopiclone or another benzodiazepine.
• Mental health problem.
• Myasthenia gravis: autoimmune disease causes muscle weakness.
• Severe respiratory disorder: sleep apnea syndrome.
• Severe hepatic insufficiency.
• Alcoholism or drug abuse.
• Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant: may hurt the fetus and lead to low birth weight and increase the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms at birth.
• Breast-feeding: as zopiclone is excreted in milk but in a small amount, you need to talk with your doctor before starting zopiclone to discuss other feeding options.

Zopiclone alternative hypersensitivity reactions:

Symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction:

 

• Chest tightness.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Skin rash, itchy, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skill.
• Swelling of your mouth, lips, tongue, or face.

If you feel one of the previous symptoms, stop the medication immediately and call your doctor.

If there is an increase in severity visits the emergency department of the nearest hospital urgently.

Zopiclone alternative drug interaction:

Revise all your medication with your doctor before starting to use zopiclone.

Many drugs interaction may occur and affect efficacy and safety of using zopiclone:

• Drugs should avoid use in concomitant with zopiclone:
• Fusidic acid.
• Oxybate salt.
• Drugs decrease effect of zopiclone:
• Drugs increase the effect of zopiclone:
• Magnesium sulfate.
• Nitric oxide.
• Kava-kava.

Zopiclone alternative food interactions:

also, there is drug-drug interaction, there is drug-food interaction.

Zopiclone efficacy can be affected by:

• Alcohol: alcohol increase the sedative effect of zopiclone
• Grapefruits: grapefruits increase zopiclone efficacy and may lead to toxicity so close monitoring of signs and symptoms of toxicity.

Zopiclone alternative toxicity:

Causes of zopiclone toxicity:

• Ingestion of higher doses accidentally or intentionally.
• Eating or drinking grapefruits.
• Concomitant use of other medications increases the toxicity of zopiclone.

Signs and symptoms of zopiclone toxicity:

 

• Respiratory depression.

Visit the emergency department urgently, as you need urgent treatment in the hospital.

Who can or cannot use the zopiclone alternative?

Zopiclone alternative can be used in adults over 16years of age, but some people are not suitable for them to use it.

For examples:

• People who have an allergy reaction to zopiclone and another benzodiazepine.
• People who have liver disease.
• People who have renal disease.
• People who have myasthenia gravis disease.
• People who have breathing problems or sleep apnea syndrome.
• People who have had mental health problems.
• People who have had drug abuse.
• People who have had issues with alcoholism.
• Females who trying to get pregnant or already pregnant.
• Females who are breastfeeding.

When is it important to call your doctor during the use of zopiclone?

You call your doctor if:

• You take too much.
• Feeling severe symptoms.
• Developing allergic reaction with first doses.