The Abuse and Addiction to Zopiclone and Eszopiclone
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is a medication that is often prescribed by doctors when treating insomnia. There are a number of benefits that motivate people to take it on a constant basis. Zopiclone and Eszopiclone allows people to experience deep uninterrupted sleep, which rejuvenates the body and the mind.
You may want to start taking Zopiclone and Eszopiclone if you’re suffering from symptoms of insomnia, which may include:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Being unable for a long period of time
- Waking up too early
However, this medicine should only be taken in strict accordance with the instructions given to you by a medical professional. Despite the fact that this medicine is a highly effective method of treating symptoms of insomnia, many people often misuse it either by taking it for too long or by taking large doses of it to experience a euphoric feeling. It is quite easy to fall prey to this drug, since the feeling of calmness that it brings is simply too good, especially for a person who is constantly suffering from anxiety.
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone abuse is wide-spread and can lead to dire consequences. Regular use of this drug causes a person to quickly become addicted and experience severe withdrawal symptoms. This is the reason why this drug should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. If you or someone that you know is suffering from Zopiclone and Eszopiclone addiction, you should seek professional help, since it can be extremely hard to stop taking this medicine without external help.
Review of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine that is used to treat sleep problems. Despite the name of its class of drugs, it works just like benzodiazepines, has similar side-effects and risks. If you have trouble sleeping, Zopiclone and Eszopiclone has a high chance of allowing you to have a good night’s sleep.
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone has hypnotic (sleep-inducing), anxiolytic (stress-reducing), and sedative effects. This medication must not be taken for a period of time that is longer than 4 weeks, because even 2 weeks are sometimes enough for a person to feel the first symptoms of dependency. Zopiclone and Eszopiclone can also be taken for a very short period of time to help change your sleep routine.
It takes from 1 to 2 hours for Zopiclone and Eszopiclone to reach its maximum effect. If this medicine is taken for longer than 1 month, you may become dependent. After dependency is formed, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking Zopiclone and Eszopiclone.
Chemical Composition of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone
The active component of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is eszopiclone. It is classified as nonbenzodiazepine and as a cyclopyrrolone. It works by affecting GABA receptors in the brain, allowing it to produce a sedative and hypnotic effect. Eszopiclone binds to the same receptors as benzodiazepines, which is why it produces the same adverse and therapeutic effects.
Insomnia is usually a symptom of a chemical imbalance in the brain. This imbalance can be corrected by taking drugs such as Zopiclone and Eszopiclone and other benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine drugs.
Indications for Using Zopiclone and Eszopiclone
It is quite common for people to experience sleeping troubles, i.e. insomnia. The most common complaint of people with insomnia is that they wake up too early in the morning, wake up in the middle of the night and cannot fall back asleep, or have difficulty falling asleep in the first place. In most cases, these kinds of sleep troubles don’t last very long but can cause a person to experience great discomfort. This is the reason why doctors often prescribe a short-term course of medications such as Zopiclone and Eszopiclone to help a person suffering from insomnia.
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is used to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and to help a person to have a good night’s rest. This medicine regulates the flow of neurotransmitters in the brain, helping you to sleep better. In most cases, Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is prescribed for a relatively short period of time (under four weeks).
It doesn’t take your body too long to adapt to Zopiclone and Eszopiclone, which greatly reduces the effectiveness of this drug. Furthermore, regular prolonged use can cause your body to form an addiction to this medicine. This is why it is imperative for you to contact your doctor when you feel that your perception of this medicine has changed.
Risks Associated With the Use of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone
Despite being named a nonbenzodiazepine, Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is very similar to benzodiazepines in everything except molecular structure. This means that it is just as addictive as benzodiazepines.
When people abuse Zopiclone and Eszopiclone they are usually unable to function normally within society, since this drug greatly impairs memory and alertness. If you took this drug in the evening, its effects won’t fully wear off even come morning, making you dizzy and hindering your ability to drive a vehicle and do any job that requires high concentration.
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone and other similar drugs work by slowing down the rate at which the nerves responsible for stress fire within your brain. As a result, these drugs may mess with your sleep pattern if taken not according to schedule. Abuse of nonbenzodiazepines may also worsen anxiety and depression, as well as lower your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, which can have dire consequences.
Is Zopiclone and Eszopiclone Legal?
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is being highly controlled in the United States, Japan, Brazil, and a number of European countries. This medicine is only meant for short-term use and is heavily regulated due to being very addictive. Possession of this drug is illegal unless you have a prescription. And even though it cannot be purchased over-the-counter, people who abuse this drug still find ways of getting their hands on it.
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. What this means is that this drug is very likely to cause addiction and lead to substance abuse. Nevertheless, according to the studies performed by the manufacturer, this medicine does not cause physical dependence. Despite the fact that this drug doesn’t cause physical dependence, NHS warns of the possibility to develop psychological dependence, which is why it is sold on prescription only.
Eszopiclone is classified as a Z-drug, which means that despite not having a chemical formula similar to benzodiazepines, the mechanism of action of Eszopiclone is pretty much the same. Eszopiclone (eszopiclone) is an active stereoisomer of Zopiclone. As a result of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Zopiclone and Zaleplon were added to Class C drugs; however, Eszopiclone (eszopiclone) is still commercially available.
Signs, Effects, and Symptoms Caused by Zopiclone and Eszopiclone Abuse
When used for a long period of time, Zopiclone and Eszopiclone can cause a person to develop an addiction. As a result, a person may start taking this medication for a much longer time than specified in the prescription. This behavior is considered substance abuse. Taking Zopiclone and Eszopiclone for a long period of time greatly increases the likelihood of suffering from adverse effects, which may lead to physical or mental impairment.
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone abuse often leads to unpredictable mood and behavior, resulting in aggression, confusion, depression, confusion, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. When Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is taken as prescribed, it is swallowed whole with a glass of water. People who are addicted and wish to get high from taking this drug often chew it or crush it, which greatly increases the chances of experiencing side effects. It is also ill-advised to combine this drug with alcohol as well as other substances.
The most common signs of an addiction are frequent cravings and withdrawal symptoms. People, who are suffering from an addiction to Zopiclone and Eszopiclone, cannot control the frequency with which they take this drug and are unable to stop taking it. The abuse of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone may also lead to a number of other financial, social, behavioral, physical, and psychological consequences.
The Development of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone Addiction
Even when Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is taken as prescribed by a physician, a person will begin to develop tolerance to this drug. Continuous use greatly increases tolerance levels, which means that higher and higher doses of the drug should be taken to achieve the same effect. In most cases, doctors prescribe the lowest possible dosage of 1 mg and may increase it to the maximum level of 3 mg. Zopiclone is also sold in tablets of 7.5 mg that can only be taken once per day before sleep.
As you can see, the safe window for taking this drug is very small. This is further complicated by the fact that the tolerance for Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is developed fairly rapidly. Thus, people who wish to achieve the same effect when taking this drug on a regular basis quickly exceed the safe limit.
If you have mental health problems or if you suffered from substance abuse in the past (even if the substance was completely unrelated to benzodiazepines), you should be wary of taking Zopiclone and Eszopiclone. Furthermore, even if you do decide to take it, you might be more likely to experience depression and anxiety as a result.
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone Abuse
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is a prescription medication that is often abused by patients since it quickly leads to dependence. Usually, people try to achieve a euphoric feeling by administering it intravenously, snorting it, or taking it in large doses orally. A similar effect can also be achieved by combining it with alcohol or other substances. Recreational use of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone often results in becoming addicted to this substance.
Abuse of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone can lead to debilitating side effects due to it being a sedative. When taken as prescribed, this drug allows you to relax and sleep better. However, when it is abused the relaxant effect is too strong and starts affecting your entire body. This can be extremely dangerous since an overdose can cause a person to go into a coma or even stop breathing. As a result, death is only a matter of time.
How do People Usually Abuse Zopiclone and Eszopiclone
The primary reason why people begin abusing Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is the same reason why it is prescribed — insomnia. A large number of people, most of whom are women, use it on a regular basis simply to sleep better. However, due to the fact that this substance is extremely addictive, many people cannot stop taking it and begin to abuse it. Many people who abuse Zopiclone and Eszopiclone also abuse benzodiazepines, since they produce identical effects despite having completely different chemical formulas.
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is a perfect solution for people who are unable to sleep well at night. Being unable to sleep well can have dire consequences; however, so is drug abuse, which often results from taking this drug for too long.
Another reason why Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is abused is to get a feeling of euphoria. Getting high on benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines is very popular among teens and young adults who come in contact with these drugs when they see their parents taking it. Thus, a simple prescription from a doctor to a mother, who suffers from insomnia, can lead to a whole family becoming drug addicts.
How to Spot Zopiclone and Eszopiclone Abuse
If you suspect that someone you know is abusing Zopiclone and Eszopiclone, you might want to learn what symptoms to watch out for. People who abuse this drug tend to experience panic attacks, difficulty falling asleep without the drug, mood swings and weight fluctuations, nausea and vomiting, sweating, and muscular pain. Oftentimes people with an addiction to benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines have bouts of hiccups and irritable mood that doesn’t go away until their next dose. Also, people who suffer from substance abuse begin to avoid spending time with their friends and family and shy away from social activities.
Whenever Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is taken without cause, it should be regarded as substance abuse. If a person you care about is abusing this drug, they might exaggerate their symptoms of insomnia in order to justify their need for it. Quite often people with addiction will go ‘doctor shopping’, which means that they will visit several doctors at once to get multiple prescriptions.
Physical and Psychological Consequences of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone Abuse
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone abuse can lead to a whole host of physical, psychological, and social problems. While every person may be affected differently, you may notice sudden weight loss, abnormal sleep patterns, or extreme sleepiness during the day.
People with substance abuse often lose interest in hobbies that they once enjoyed. They often cut contact with their old friends and start hanging out with a completely new social group, which most likely consists of drug users. While staying out late is not a worrying symptom on its own, it can be a worrying sign if combined with the signs mentioned above.
The psychological effects caused by Zopiclone and Eszopiclone abuse usually manifest themselves as sudden inexplicable mood swings. The person you care about may appear calm and relaxed while they are under the influence of the drug. However, once the effect wears off, they will begin suffering from withdrawal symptoms, making them extremely irritable. They might get very angry over the smallest things and even become violent toward family members or friends.
Long-term Effects of Addiction to Zopiclone and Eszopiclone
The primary long-term effect of regular use of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is, of course, heightened tolerance levels. This means that in order to experience the same effect, a person needs to increase the amount of drug they are taking. Furthermore, a regular user of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone will begin to have withdrawal symptoms when they skip a dose. Withdrawal symptoms may include severe insomnia, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, tremors, mood swings, irritability, nervousness, and flushing.
If you’ve been regularly taking Zopiclone and Eszopiclone, you may wish to quit once the adverse effects become unbearable. It is very much advised to consult a doctor when doing so since many people who try to quit on their own often give in to the cravings and begin taking it once again. People who try to handle the matter on their own often decide to go ‘cold turkey’, which results in very severe withdrawal symptoms. Without treatment, those symptoms often become too much to handle so a person has no choice but to give in.
On the other hand, when the addiction is being handled by a professional, they will devise a plan to gradually reduce your dosage (also known as tapering). A medical professional can also recommend non-addictive drugs that will take the edge off of the withdrawal symptoms.
Short-term Effects of Addiction to Zopiclone and Eszopiclone
The immediate effects that a Zopiclone and Eszopiclone abuser will experience usually include grogginess, drowsiness, dry mouth, troubles waking up, dizziness, headache, as well as cough, runny nose, and other cold-like symptoms.
When Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is mixed with other drugs or alcohol the short-term side effects become a lot more severe. For example, simple trouble waking up will turn into a condition where a person is constantly semi-awake, which makes it impossible for them to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery. People begin having sleep-related hallucinations and nightmares. Thus, it is paramount to only Zopiclone and Eszopiclone as prescribed and never to mix it with any other substances.
Facts and Statistics on Zopiclone and Eszopiclone Abuse
- If a person is taking drugs to help treat insomnia (even if they were prescribed by a medical professional), they will have a 25% risk of causing an automobile accident.
- People who are regularly taking sleeping pills are 5 times more likely to die in the next 2.5 years when compared to non-users.
- Zopiclone and Eszopiclone has been prescribed 31 million times since it became available in 2004.
- The UK is the world’s leader among Zopiclone and Eszopiclone addicts; it is also the country where this drug has been prescribed the most.
- The number of deaths caused by Zopiclone and Eszopiclone and similar substances has tripled in the last 15 years.
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone Abuse among Citizens of the UK
The even rising concern in the UK is the abuse of prescription drugs. Regretfully, people don’t fully comprehend that prescription drugs are just as dangerous as some of the most serious street drugs. Just because a drug was prescribed by a doctor doesn’t make it any safer or less addictive.
As a result, British distribution services are doing everything in their power to have full control over the distribution of benzos and Z-drugs. However, despite all these efforts, 40 to 50 British citizens die each year from Zopiclone (or Zolpidem) overdose (usually taken with other drugs). And it’s not surprising since the number of prescriptions for Zopiclone is rapidly rising with each passing year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What effects does Zopiclone and Eszopiclone have on your brain and body?
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is a hypnotic drug that is used to treat an imbalance in chemicals of the brain which results in insomnia. Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is quite addictive, so when it is taken regularly, your body will quickly build up a tolerance and become used to this drug.
Is Zopiclone and Eszopiclone abuse dangerous?
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone, as well as other nonbenzodiazepines and benzodiazepines, have a high rate of abuse. Once these drugs are taken for a longer period of time than prescribed by a doctor, a person has a high chance of becoming addicted. Zopiclone and Eszopiclone can also have severe side effects, especially when the maximum daily dose is exceeded.
Is it legal to use Zopiclone and Eszopiclone?
According to UK law, eszopiclone (the active substance of Eszopiclone) is a Class C controlled substance. This means that this drug can be used legally only when you own a prescription for it given to you by a licensed medical professional.
How does Zopiclone and Eszopiclone interact with other drugs?
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor to alleviate the symptoms of insomnia. If you are going to take any drugs alongside Zopiclone and Eszopiclone, you should only do so after consulting your doctor. Sometimes people decide to take additional drugs to increase their chances of falling asleep. While it does increase the chances of them falling asleep, it also increases the chances of them not waking up again since the likelihood of side effects is greatly increased. The same can be said about combining Zopiclone and Eszopiclone and alcohol.
Does Zopiclone and Eszopiclone have any street names?
Due to the fact that benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines are widely abused by the public, they also have a large number of street names including A-minus, forget-me pills, sleepers, downers, nerve pills, tranks, zombie pills, tic-tacs, No-Go pills, sleep easy, Mexican Valium, R2, and roofies,
What is Zopiclone and Eszopiclone?
The active ingredient of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is eszopiclone. It is a hypnotic drug that is used to treat insomnia. It doesn’t affect the root cause, but simply provides a short-term solution to this issue. It helps people, who are constantly waking up too early in the morning, cannot sleep well during the night, or have difficulty falling asleep.
Is it easy to become addicted to Zopiclone and Eszopiclone?
When Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is used for a period of time longer than two weeks, your body starts to develop tolerance to it. As its effects on your body dwindle, your desire for this drug increases since it is also highly addictive. Thus, physical and psychological dependence is quickly formed if the intake of this drug is not strictly supervised by a doctor.
What are the short-term and long-term side effects of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone?
The most frequent short-term side effects include dizziness, grogginess, headaches, and a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth. A less common but more serious short-term side effect is somnambulism (sleepwalking). During somnambulism, a person can eat, hold a conversation, and even have sex without remembering any of it after truly waking up. The long-term effect of regular use of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is of course withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, severe anxiety, and frequent mood swings.
Is it possible to overdose on Zopiclone and Eszopiclone?
It is fairly easy to overdose on Zopiclone and Eszopiclone, especially when it is taken recreationally. During recreational use, this drug is often combined with alcohol or other depressant drugs (opiates), which greatly reduce the dosage that is needed to overdose. The minimum fatal dose of eszopiclone when it is used alone is estimated to be 90 mg. As a result of an overdose, a person’s breathing becomes impaired, excessive sedation leads to coma and eventually death.
Does Zopiclone and Eszopiclone have a medical purpose?
Yes, Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is used as a short-term solution to insomnia caused by severe psychological shock. It cannot be used as a long-term treatment due to it being highly addictive. Unfortunately, oftentimes it is prescribed simply as a sleep aid to help with insomnia caused by commonplace factors such as stress at work, noisy young children, etc. This often leads to addiction since the source of insomnia doesn’t go away, and a person is highly motivated to continue taking this drug.
What are the most common side effects of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone?
The most common side effects that can occur when taking Zopiclone and Eszopiclone may include headache, lightheadedness, loss of coordination, drowsiness, nausea or vomiting, dry mouth, and heartburn. If any of these side effects become too serious, you should contact your doctor right away.
Is it dangerous to take Zopiclone and Eszopiclone?
Taking Zopiclone and Eszopiclone alongside opioids and benzodiazepines, or mixing it with alcohol can be extremely dangerous. This may greatly reduce your heart rate and blood pressure, suppress breathing, cause you to blackout, and even go into a coma.
What drugs can interact with Zopiclone and Eszopiclone?
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone can interact with a whole range of drugs, including antidepressants, antifungals, and antihistamines. Drugs that are used to treat anxiety, mental illnesses, and seizures also interact with eszopiclone. If you’re taking antiviral drugs to treat HIV, Zopiclone and Eszopiclone may not be right for you. Furthermore, depressant drugs (such as opioids) become extremely dangerous when taken with eszopiclone.
When you shouldn’t take Zopiclone and Eszopiclone?
You should never take Zopiclone and Eszopiclone if you aren’t planning on sleeping at least 7 hours since it will cause you to wake up extremely groggy and unable to function properly. If you regularly consume alcohol, then it will be impossible for you to safely take this drug. Zopiclone and Eszopiclone should be taken with great care by people who are over 65 years old. It is imperative that you consult a doctor if you’re pregnant and are planning to take Zopiclone and Eszopiclone.
How does Zopiclone and Eszopiclone overdose occur?
Zopiclone and Eszopiclone overdose usually occurs when this drug is taken in combination with other drugs or alcohol. Overdosing on this drug alone is fairly hard since one tablet contains 3 mg, and the minimum lethal dose is 90 mg. Thus, people who overdose are either trying to commit suicide or are taking this drug recreationally alongside other drugs. As a result of an overdose, a person may go into a coma, suffer from brain damage, and even die. A person who has overdosed on Zopiclone and Eszopiclone is unconscious and unresponsive, their pulse is very slow, and breathing is barely perceptible.
Will I fail a urine drug test if I’m taking Zopiclone and Eszopiclone?
In order for Zopiclone and Eszopiclone to completely leave your body, you should stay clean for at least 36 hours. Thus, if you’ve taken this drug just one day ago, you’ll most likely fail the drug test.
What are the symptoms of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone withdrawal syndrome?
If you’ve been taking Zopiclone and Eszopiclone for a long time and decide to stop taking it all of a sudden, you will begin experiencing a withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms of withdrawal syndrome include weakness, stomach cramps, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, shakiness, and nightmares.
How will I know that I’m addicted to Zopiclone and Eszopiclone?
When you feel like you need to take Zopiclone and Eszopiclone to live through the day normally, then you’ve definitely developed an addiction. Unfortunately, our brain always comes up with excuses that justify such behavior. Thus, it can be very hard to admit to yourself that you have a dependency on this drug, even if your life is already in shambles and you’re daily taking a dose of Eszopiclone that would normally kill a grown man.
Is there a treatment for Zopiclone and Eszopiclone addiction?
Yes, there are different plans of treatment for Zopiclone and Eszopiclone addiction, which depend on how severe the addiction is. The support offered to the person by his or her relatives is also extremely important. If a person’s family and friends have nothing to do with drugs, then it will be a whole lot easier to stop taking this drug. Unfortunately, people who start taking drugs are usually part of social circles that promote such behavior. In such a case, it can be extremely hard to stop abusing drugs, since a person will have to completely cut ties with the majority of people that they know and hang out with.
Is there a way to safely consume Zopiclone and Eszopiclone?
Yes. Zopiclone and Eszopiclone can be used safely when taken for a short period of time (no more than two weeks) to treat acute insomnia caused by severe trauma.