Zopiclone

From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history
One orange zopiclone tablet next to part of a pack of zopiclone.

Zopiclone or imovane is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic typically used for insomnia.[1][2] Hypnotic is a general term for any sleep-inducing drug.

Theory

Evidence

Risks and safety

Benzodiazepines are potentially addictive drugs, and even short term use can lead to dependence.[3]

Short-term benzodiazepine risks have been reported that use include some effects which are the opposite of the intended benefits:

Risks of long-term use of benzodiazepines include:

  • cognitive deficits
  • reduced quality of life
  • depression
  • increased risk of suicide
  • increased risk for road accidents
  • older adults have an increased risk of falls, dementia and death
  • deaths caused by benzodiazepine overdose have been widely reported in Australia, North America and Europe

Prescription monitoring programs

Increased regulation including prescription monitoring programs are becoming increasingly used to reduce harms associated with benzodiazepine use.[3] These programs have previously been used to reduce opioid harms.[3]

See also

Learn more

References

  1. "Zopiclone". Drugs.com. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  2. "Zopiclone". drugbank.ca. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 https://res.mdpi.com/d_attachment/jcm/jcm-08-02143/article_deploy/jcm-08-02143-v3.pdf