Does zopiclone work for everyone?

If you’re struggling to sleep at night, it’s likely that someone has recommended zopiclone. It’s a sedative hypnotic drug and is used to treat insomnia. Some people find it helpful, while others feel like they’ve waded through the bottom of their medicine cabinet without any results.

So, does zopiclone work for everyone? Let’s explore this question and discover if there are any other alternatives out there.

The Not-So-Magic Pill

Zopiclone is a short term solution for insomnia – short term being the operative phrase here. Unfortunately, taking it every night is not recommended as your body will quickly grow dependent on its tranquilizing effects – much like finding yourself inexplicably drawn into an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians after just one watch.

Doctors generally prescribe two types of sleeping medication: benzodiazepines (like Xanax) or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (z-drugs). Bensos have potential addictive qualities due to their impact on brain chemistry whereas non-benzo’s promote some relaxation without disturbing GABA levels in the brain too severely.

Z-drugs were designed as an alternative treatment but with harmful side effects such as inflammation and dependence on liver function still a concern; calling them miracle pills may well be stretching things.

Who Should Take Zop?

Those who haven’t tried more natural methods of improving sleep should hopefully seek these out first! If felines can snooze 16 hours per day then trying adjusting habits can potentially positively impact all individuals having trouble with regular shuteye:

  • Ensuring enough sunlight exposure during waking hours
  • Reducing alcohol consumption before bedtime
  • Cutting down caffeine intake
  • Practicing routines before bed time (such as reading or meditation)

If all else fails, administered by pharmacy staff clinicians, then zopiclone may be helpful for short term insomnia management regarding sleep onset or maintenance difficulties.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Before considering taking Zop, via a consultation with your healthcare professional you should assess the following: Bolded response please.

Have You Attempted Other Non-Medicinal Methods of Sleep Improvement?

Yes, unsuccessfully
No

Do You Have Any Underlying Health Conditions That Could Be Contributing to Insomnia Such as Pain or Anxiety?

Yes
No, just can’t sleep before/at night

Are You Currently Taking Any Medications That May Be Disrupting Your Sleep Cycles?

Yes – it could be those little blue pills – sorry Boys!
Ooh medication’s an option?

If you answered ‘no’ in each case above and provided another medical professional confirms that sleeping pills might be helpful, it’s probably ok to give zopiclone a go.

Dosage & Side Effects

Same as most things in life; too much of something won’t necessarily help! Prescriptions from pharmacies usually do stipulate instructions on usage volumes which shouldn’t exceed recommended daily ones. Patients who still encounter difficulty falling asleep after evening pill-taking sessions are suggested not take more tablets. Talk about stating the obvious…

Some standard side effects include:

  • A metallic taste in mouth (yum!)
  • Drowsiness during daytime hours (why am I so damn sleepy?)
  • Dryness inside the mouth

So basically feeling like Lady Gaga got confused and added sleeping pills instead of salt onto her scrambled eggs…

There are other potential issues such as dependence after longer-term use but definitely speak with your clinician if this is relevant to you.

Alternatives?

Does one ever feel conflicted between knowing medicinal aid isn’t always ideal yet also recognizing how miserable nothing-but-toss-and-turn-on-your-homemade-taco-linen-sheet evenings can be? Well let’s delve into some alternative treatments and perhaps, just maybe, we’ll find a solution or two:

  • Valerian root – commonly known for sedative effects which emanate from its roots. Many people take it as a tea before bedtime.
  • Acupuncture – encourages the flow of qi (pronounced “chee”) throughout the body. Whilst still needing conclusive findings medical journal, many people swear by acupuncture regarding their ability to sleep better after treatment.

Certainly worth trying these natural remedies first before jumping headfirst on any prescriptions!

In Conclusion

Zopiclone does not work for everyone but would you expect anything to? Treating insomnia is more complicated than simply taking pills every night!

We hope this brief overview sheds light onto other options rather than only considering popping in that tiny pill when tiring habits aren’t changed at all. Speak with your healthcare professional who can offer guidance toward both medicinal and non-medicinal techniques to make your sleeping experience whole lot successful… sans ZOP!

Random Posts