The main purpose of the non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug zopiclone is to temporarily relieve insomnia. Though it has a different chemical structure, it is a member of the cyclopyrrolone class and functions pharmacologically similarly to benzodiazepines. Zopiclone is a drug that is mostly used to treat sleeplessness for a short time. But consuming Zopiclone for a long time can cause a number of side effects, such as:
Tolerance
Patients who take Zopiclone for long periods of time run the risk of becoming tolerant to its effects. This implies that greater dosages may be required to produce the same sedative effects.
Dependence
Zopiclone users who keep administering it for a long time may become physically and mentally dependent on it. Patients may have trouble sleeping without the drug, which can make them dependent on it for sleep.
Symptoms of Withdrawal
After taking Zopiclone for a long time, stopping abruptly can result in withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, sweating, shaking hands, and cramping in the muscles.
Cognitive Impairment
Extended use of Zopiclone may impede cognitive function, including attention, memory, concentration, and clear thinking.
Drowsiness during the day
Although zopiclone is primarily used to induce sleep, if taken for an extended period of time, it may also cause drowsiness and vertigo during the day.
Rise-fall risk
Older patients who take zopiclone for an extended period of time run the risk of inadvertent falls because the medication causes drowsiness.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Some patients may have gut problems like nausea, vomiting, or pain after taking Zopiclone for a long time.
Problems with breathing
Zopiclone can make it harder to breathe, especially for patients who already have breathing problems. These problems might get worse with long-term use.
Alterations in mood
Extended use of Zopiclone may occasionally result in depressive symptoms or mood swings.
Drug Interactions
Zopiclone can make other medicines less effective or cause adverse effects if taken with them. To avoid possible drug interactions, it’s important to let the physician know about all of the medicines you’re taking, even over-the-counter medicines and vitamins.
Tolerance Reversal
Some patients may experience a change of tolerance, which means that over time, even if they take more Zopiclone, they may become less sensitive to its effects. This can start a loop where doses go up and side effects get worse.
Dementia
Zopiclone has been linked to memory loss, especially in senior citizens. Long-term use may make these effects worse and make it harder to remember things or make new memories.
Mental Impact
Taking Zopiclone for a long time can sometimes cause mental effects like dreams, confusion, or feeling lost, especially in patients who are already vulnerable.
Residual Effects
Patients may still feel drowsy, have trouble coordinating their movements, or have brain fog the next day, even after a good night’s sleep. These effects can make it hard to go about their daily lives.
Risk of Overdose
Taking Zopiclone for a long time raises the risk of an overdose, especially when mixed with other drugs that slow down the central nervous system, like alcohol or opioids. An overdose can make it hard to breathe, put a patient into a coma, or even kill them.
Liver Function
The liver breaks down zolpidem, and some patients may have problems with their liver function after long-term use, which could lead to high enzyme levels in the liver or liver damage.