How Zopiclone Works: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Mechanism and Use

The prescription-only sedative-hypnotic drug zopiclone is a commonly used medication for managing insomnia and other forms of sleep disorders. It works to help increase time spent sleeping, along with the reduced time spent getting sleep. As widely used as it is, and with its relative success as a sleep medication, many are curious about exactly how Zopiclone works in the body, what it does, and where it differs from other sleep medications. This blog post goes into detail with the working mechanism of Zopiclone, its advantages and disadvantages, and more.

What is Zopiclone?

Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic, which has the use for short-term treatment of insomnia. It is mainly prescribed for those who have an inability to fall or stay asleep. As everyone is well aware of its sedative effects, zopiclone causes sleep without developing dependency issues similar to those who use other sleep medicines, particularly benzodiazepines.

Unlike benzodiazepines-like diazepam, or lorazepam-Zopiclone represents a new generation of medicines known as cyclopyrrolones. These agents chemically differ from benzodiazepines, though they exert their effects through pathways in the brain that are similar to benzodiazepines and bring about the feelings of relaxation and sleepiness.

How Does Zopiclone Work in the Brain?

Zopiclone acts by affecting the CNS. The mechanism of action is based on the interaction of the drug with the specific neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, being an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and helping to reduce neuronal excitability and having a calming effect on the brain and body.

When you consume Zopiclone, it will bind to the GABA receptors in the brain, but only for the GABA-A receptor. Its effects enhance the activity of GABA so that it would have a more potent role in executing its calming results. GABA normally acts to dampen down neuronal activity and slow the nervous system; in such a case, Zopiclone expands on this by promoting sleepiness and relaxation.

Specifically, Zopiclone interacts at a site on the GABA-A receptor that’s structurally and functionally similar to benzodiazepine sites but isn’t a benzodiazepine itself. That is to say, it works like benzodiazepines (Valium or Xanax) at their benzodiazepine receptor sites, but it’s not a benzodiazepine itself. In other words, it stimulates GABA’s action at those sites thereby facilitating the induction of sleep and decreasing the state of anxiety – which makes sleep easier for the insomnia sufferer.

The Role of GABA in Sleep and Relaxation

To understand how Zopiclone works, one must understand the role of GABA within the brain. GABA is the central nervous system’s major inhibitory neurotransmitter. That means that it is able to slow down nerve activity. When GABA binds to its receptors, it opens chloride ion channels through which chloride ions enter the neurons and deter the likelihood of firing and transmitting electrical signals.

Being an inhibitory action of zopiclone tends to reduce the level of anxiety and stress among people and even calm overstimulation so that the person relaxes and sleeps. It amplifies GABA’s inhibitory effects to induce a higher depth of calmness, sedation, and sleepiness, thus making a person fall asleep sooner and sleep longer.

Zopiclone vs. Benzodiazepines: How Are They Different?

Although Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine which acts via a mechanism of action that closely parallels that of the benzodiazepines by action at the GABA-A receptor, some notable differences exist. Both drugs, like benzodiazepines and Zopiclone, are prescribed for treatments targeting insomnia as well as anxiety; however, the abusive and dependency potential appears to be less with Zopiclone compared to other benzodiazepines.

Here are some important distinctions:

• Chemical Structure: Hence, the chemical structure of zopiclone is distinct from the benzodiazepines. Although both classes of drugs act on GABA receptors in somewhat similar mechanisms, they are structurally and chemically different.
• Duration of Action: Zopiclone has a relatively short half-life around 5-6 hours. Thus, the drug is metabolized and leaves the system quickly. In contrast, the half-lives for benzodiazepines can be quite variable, ranging from several hours to days, thereby producing rather long-lived effects along with daytime sedation.
• Dependence and Withdrawal: Since both classes of drugs pose the risk of developing physical dependence when used for a lengthy period, Zopiclone is sometimes perceived as less likely than benzodiazepines to lead to dependency. The only thing is that Zopiclone should only be used for short-term treatment, usually 2-4 weeks, to minimize the chances of the emergence of tolerance and dependence.
• Side Effects: The side effects of Zopiclone and benzodiazepines are the same, from dizziness and drowsiness to poor coordination. However, the side effect profile is better for Zopiclone if used in short-term treatment.

Benefits of Zopiclone

This medicine is generally used for people who have sleeping disorders, such as insomnia. Among the benefits of using Zopiclone include

• Better Sleep Quality: Zopiclone will initiate sleep sooner, keep the patient asleep throughout the night longer, and permit more night sleep. This is especially beneficial for those with an inability to stay asleep when the patient has frequent awakenings in the night.
• Short Term Use: Zopiclone is most commonly prescribed for short term use; it is prescribed for 2-4 weeks or as needed. It can be an aid to patients who are experiencing short-term insomnia due to stress and travel, etc.
• Fewer Side Effects: Contrary to what is observed with the older sleep medications, for instance benzodiazepines, properly administered Zopiclone is associated with fewer side effects. Furthermore, the use of Zopiclone is associated with a lower risk of experiencing daytime drowsiness or “hangover” the following day.
• Rapid Onset of Action: The onset of action in Zopiclone is relatively fast. A majority of users experience the effect of the sedative within 30 minutes or an hour after taking the medication.
• Well-Tolerated: A majority of people tolerate Zopiclone if taken at the prescribed dose. Most side effects associated with the medication tend to be mild and transient, with many people reporting little to no discomfort upon proper utilization of the medication.

Risks and Side Effects of Zopiclone

Like any other medication, Zopiclone carries some risk factors and side effects. Though relatively well tolerated, it is not a medicine without blemish. Some of the common and serious side effects with Zopiclone are given below:

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness: This is one of the most frequently experienced side effects due to Zopiclone. Though very encouraging at night, there could be problems if you still experience drowsiness the following morning.
• Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Some people may get dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness when someone gets up from lying position very fast.
• Dry Mouth: Majority of drugs in the sedative-hypnotic category produce dryness of mouth, so does Zopiclone.
• Nausea: Some have mild gastrointestinal upset. They complain of nausea or stomach upset.
• Memory Impairment: Zopiclone impairs a person’s short-term memory; that is a temporary gap in memory; cannot concentrate for a period of time.

Serious Side Effects:

• Dependence and Withdrawal: Even though dependence by Zopiclone is very less probable than benzodiazepines, dependence can still be encountered if it has been used for a long period. Symptoms may include anxiety, insomnia, and irritability.
• Hallucinations or Aggressive Behavior: In extremely rare cases, there is a possibility that a person may encounter hallucinations, confusion, or aggressive behavior while undergoing the treatment of Zopiclone, especially when taken in higher dosages or abused.
• Risk of Overdose: An overdose with excessive intake of Zopiclone may cause serious overdose, which may lead to severe sedation and respiratory depression that can even cause a death. Therefore, it is taken according to the prescription exactly as told by your doctor.

Who Should Avoid Zopiclone?

Zopiclone is not suitable for all people. It should ideally be avoided or administered with caution in people suffering with the following conditions :

• It can cause severe impairment of the liver: a patient with some disorder in the liver would not be able to metabolize Zopiclone, thereby increasing the possibility of side effects and toxicity.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This medication is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women as it could endanger the fetus or pass through to the baby via breast milk.
• History of Substance Abuse: Although Zopiclone has a lower potential for abuse compared to the benzodiazepines, patients with a history of drug or alcohol abuse are advised to exercise caution while taking any sedative-hypnotic medication.
• Severe Respiratory Disorders: The depression of breathing caused by Zopiclone makes the medication contraindicated for individuals with major respiratory conditions such as sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Read more: 10 Advantages of Buying Zopiclone from Zopiclone Australia 24

Conclusion

As a medication whose use is mainly intended to administer short-term treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders, zopiclone is an effective medication because it increases the action of GABA on the CNS to induce sleepiness thus helping the patient sleep and also stay asleep while most people view this medicine as safe with a good tolerance profile, it ought to be used only when prescribed and for a short period since there is always the risk of dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal.

If you find that you have an inability to sleep, be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider to see if Zopiclone or another option would work for you. Simply, always follow instructions provided by your doctor and be sure of the potential side effects and risks involving the medication.