Dispensing data (standardized by population – Figure 1) show that the most frequently prescribed hypnotic medicine in New Zealand is Imovane Australia. This drug is dispensed to younger people who seek help for sleep and continue to take it long-term.
This can increase the risk of dependence, drowsiness, difficulties breathing, coma and death. Always follow your doctor’s dosage recommendations closely.
Zopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine
Zopiclone is classified as a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic in the pyrazolopyrimidine class and is used to treat insomnia for a short period of time. It is available in tablet form or liquids, and is usually taken just before bedtime. It works by binding to a receptor in the brain called the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor.
It can also relax the nerves and reduce anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep. It is a short-term treatment (up to four weeks) for sleeping problems in adults. It’s best to use it as recommended by your doctor, and not to increase your dose or take it for longer than your doctor says.
Elderly people and those with liver or kidney problems should take a lower dose of zopiclone, such as one low-strength (3.75 mg) or half a full-strength (7.5 mg) tablet just before bedtime. They may be able to use other medicines to help them sleep if they find zopiclone doesn’t work well for them.
People who have mental health conditions or alcohol and drug addictions can be more sensitive to the effects of zopiclone and are at higher risk of developing dependence on it. It can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it suddenly or if you use it in high doses for a long time.
If you use zopiclone on a regular basis, it may also affect your memory. This can mean that you don’t remember things like walking, preparing food or driving while you are sleeping. It can also make it hard for you to remember things when you wake up.
The most common side effect of zopiclone is drowsiness, but it can also affect your heart rhythm and breathing. This can be dangerous and may result in falls. If you are elderly or have a history of heart problems, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Overdose can be fatal if you take too much of it or take it with other depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. It can also cause muscle weakness, dizziness or faintness. If you have overdosed, call the emergency medical services or the police immediately.
It is a hypnotic
Zopiclone is used as a hypnotic – a sedative that relaxes the body, reduces anxiety and helps you to sleep. It can be helpful for some people with insomnia, although it should only be prescribed as a last resort. It is also sometimes prescribed to help you to relax before a medical procedure, to treat tinnitus, or to reduce pain.
It is a short-acting hypnotic, meaning that it is quickly eliminated from the body. It has a ‘half-life’ of about 5 hours (range of 3.5-6.5 hours), and is best taken just before bedtime.
Compared with the popular benzodiazepine sedatives, non-benzodiazepine sleeping medicines such as zopiclone are a safer alternative and can have fewer side effects. However, they can be addictive.
If you do become addicted, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to get the right treatment for your needs. They may recommend a medication assisted treatment programme or other therapy such as cognitive behaviour therapy or meditation.
The latest available dispensing data shows that zopiclone is the top napping prescription in New Zealand, followed closely by zolpidem. Using these medications is not a good idea for anyone, especially young or old.
In fact, if you are taking zopiclone long term, it can cause a number of unpleasant side effects such as stomach/muscle cramps and withdrawal symptoms. The risk of these is higher in people who have a substance use disorder and in elderly patients, so you should only use this medication as advised by your doctor.
Taking a hypnotic medicine for more than ten days can lead to serious problems such as psychiatric and neurological conditions, including seizures. These problems can have a lasting impact on your life and make it harder to live independently.
It is a central nervous system depressant
The top napping prescription -zopiclone from Australia
Zopiclone is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. It affects the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain to calm you down and help you relax.
It acts by binding to benzodiazepine receptors, which are located in several parts of the brain. It also affects the GABA receptor, which is found in your skin and muscles. This way, it helps you to fall asleep quickly.
The effects of zopiclone start to take effect about an hour after taking it, but they may last longer in some people. This is why it is important to take the right dose, according to your doctor’s instructions.
As well as sedating, zopiclone can cause a variety of other side effects including nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and dizziness. It can also make you feel very drowsy and slow down your breathing. You should also not drive or perform other activities that require full alertness while taking zopiclone.
It is very dangerous to combine zopiclone with other drugs or alcohol, especially opioid medications like morphine, fentanyl or dihydrocodeine. These can cause you to become extremely drowsy and have difficulty waking up.
This drug can be very addictive and you may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it. It is best to slowly reduce your dose until you no longer need it.
Because it can be dangerous to take zopiclone with other drugs, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. It is especially important if you are taking painkillers, cough suppressants or medicines for addiction like methadone.
You should also not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can harm your unborn baby. You should also not take it if you have any other health problems, especially if you are elderly or have kidney or liver disease.
The recommended starting dose of zopiclone is 7.5 mg taken just before going to bed. This can be increased if needed to manage the symptoms of your insomnia. It is best to not take a lot of this drug because it can cause excessive drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and fast/pounding heartbeat.
It is a sedative
The top napping prescription -?zopiclone from Australia is one of the most popular and widely prescribed sleep aids in the country. It works by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain and calming down nerves, which makes you fall asleep.
It is taken in the form of tablets and liquids and comes in two different strengths: 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg. Zopiclone can take an hour or so to start working and is normally taken just before going to bed.
If you have any kidney or liver problems, or if you are over 65 years old, your doctor may recommend a lower dose, which will reduce the risk of side effects. You should also avoid taking this medicine with benzodiazepines, a class of sleeping pills that are highly addictive and have a high risk of dependence.
You can get zopiclone online or from an Australian druggist if it has been prescribed by your doctor. Make sure you only purchase it online after your doctor has approved it and that you do not buy it from a druggist that does not have an Australian medical license.
A doctor will prescribe the right dose of zopiclone for you, and it should be taken exactly as your doctor has instructed. It is not recommended to use more than one tablet at a time, as this could lead to severe side effects. You should also not try to stop taking the medication suddenly, as this may cause serious side effects.
Other side effects of zopiclone include dizziness and impaired coordination. These can be more common in elderly people and are likely to occur with higher doses. If you experience these, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
You should never take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it can cause several health complications for the baby. It can also increase the chances of a premature birth.
In order to ensure you receive the correct dose of buy zopiclone tablets, your doctor will advise you on how many tablets to take at night and how often you should take them. You should not use more than the prescribed dose of zopiclone as this can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, which could be dangerous.