Zopiclone vs. Zolpidem – Which one is Famous in UK?

Zopiclone and Zolpidem are hypnotic drugs used for treating insomnia and initiating sleep. Several double-blind studies comparing the effectiveness of Zopiclone and Zolpidem shows both as equally effective. According to studies, both drugs improve sleep rates between 60 to 70 per cent. The research measured both drugs in various sleep parameters and found significant to moderate improvements by the end of treatment. Meaning both Zopiclone and Zolpidem helps in achieving faster, longer and more efficient sleep.

What is Zolpidem?

Zolpidem is used for treating specific sleeping issues in adults. The drug belongs to a nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic group, which boost the brain to produce a calming effect. It is usually prescribed for a short time, usually 1 to 2 weeks or even less.

What is Zopiclone?

Zopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic agent used for treating insomnia. It also helps achieve sleep faster and prevent waking up during the night. The drug is marketed as a tablet and also in liquid form.

Are Zolpidem and Zopiclone the same? Which one is popular in UK?

Both Zolpidem and Zopiclone are similar products and are very popular in UK for treating sleep deprivation problems. While there is no exact data, Zolpidem is more recommended as it has less potential for habit-forming.
If you have sleep deprivation issues, your doctor will more likely prescribe you Zolpidem. However, if you have severe insomnia, you may get a prescription for Zopiclone for a short period. No doctor will prescribe Zopiclone for more than 2-4 weeks.

Zopiclone may carry higher risks but, when taken correctly, can help treat your sleep deprivation.

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Dosage of Zolpidem and Zopiclone

Zolpidem Dosage

While Zolpidem is considered safer than Zopiclone, prolonged use can lead to abuse; dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms after you stop the drug.

Always take Zolpidem as prescribed by your doctor. In addition to that, read and understand the instructions on the patient information included in the product package.

Zolpidem is available in both immediate and extended-release tablets:
The immediate-release comes in 5mg and 10mg strengths, while the extended-release comes in 6.25mg and 12.5mg. It also comes as a 5mg oral spray.

People having insomnia characterized by difficulties in falling asleep or maintaining sleep can take the immediate-release Zolpidem or even in oral form.

Women: 5mg oral tablet, 6.25 mg extended release tablet or 5mg oral/spray.
Men: 5mg-10mg tablet. 5mg-10mg spray, or 6.25mg or 12.5mg extended release tablet.

Your doctor may start with a lower dose than you can take once per night immediately before bedtime. The dose will last for 7-8 hours, so play your sleep accordingly.

Taking a higher dose of 10mg can increase the blood level of Zolpidem, causing excessive drowsiness, making you impaired for driving or activities requiring your full alertness.

Zopiclone Dosage

The Zopiclone dosage is decided based on your age, gender, medical history and other medications you are taking. It also depends on how you are responding to the treatment. You must strictly follow the dosage as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase the dosage or extend than the specified amount.

Zopiclone is available in oral tablets with 3.75 mg, 7.5mg, 11.25mg and 15mg strength. According to studies, an incredible increment in sleep is witnessed in Zopiclone’s 3.5 mg and 7.5mg doses. However, people taking 11.25 mg strength experienced some additional benefits as well. However, people taking higher doses of Zopiclone such as 11.25 mg and 15mg strength feels an increase of side effects. In comparison, the 3.75 mg and Zopiclone 7.5 mg come with lesser to mild side effects. Hence, most doctors worldwide usually prescribe the lower dose of Zopiclone to most patients as it works.

Adults: 5 mg to 7.5 mg at bedtime.

Older adults: 3.75 mg at bedtime. The doctor may increase the dosage to 5 to 7.5mg if required.

Children up to 18 years: The dose is determined by your doctor.

Read More:- Anxiety and Depression in Child

Zolpidem or Zopiclone: Which is safer?

Almost every sleeping pill comes with a set of side effects. Several factors can increase your risk of side effects to either of the drugs. If you have an existing medical condition or taking other substances, it may increase the side-effects of Zolpidem. It has been noticed that women process sleeping pills more slowly than men. As a result, doctors often prescribe a slightly higher dosage to men than women.

Side effects of Zolpidem:

Common side effects of Zolpidem include:
● Drowsiness
● Lightheadedness
● Confusion
● Headache
● Irritation
● Runny or stuffy nose
● Muscle pain
● Light amnesia
● Emotional issues like depression

Serious Side-effects of Zolpidem:

● Shortness of breath
● Chest pain
● Blurred vision or visual impairment
● Vomiting and nausea
● Rash, hives, and itching
● Swelling on eyes, lips, tongue, face or throat
● Shortness of breath
● Heart palpitation
● Yellow eyes or skin
● Difficulty in swallowing
● Hoarseness or feeling of throat closing

Side effects of Zopiclone:

Common side effects of Zopiclone include:
● Dry mouth
● Dizziness
● Nausea and sickness
● Drowsiness
● Lightheadedness
● Bad breath
● Bad taste in the mouth

Serious Side-effects of Zopiclone include:

● Amnesia
● Hallucinations
● Delusions
● Depressions
● Bipolar disorder
● Epilepsy

Symptoms of Zolpidem and Zopiclone overdose:

● Excessive drowsiness
● Change or loss of consciousness
● Faster or slower breathing
● Pale or blue lips, fingernails or skin

Coming to safety, Zolpidem is considered safer than Zopiclone as the occurrence side-effects, dependency and withdrawal symptoms are noticeable less.

Remember, if your doctor is prescribing Zolpidem or Zopiclone, it means they think it will be helpful to you. Both Zolpidem and Zopiclone can help you with sleep deprivation and insomnia when taken responsibly as prescribed.

Safety Advice for Zolpidem and Zopiclone

Zopiclone and Zolpidem

Drug interaction:
Zopiclone and Zolpidem may interact with:
● High blood pressure-lowering medicines
● Opioid pain killers
● Antidepressants
● Antibiotics
● Antifungal drugs
● Anti-anxiety drugs
● Anti-allergic/antihistamines
● Muscle relaxants
● Antiepileptic drugs

Food interactions

Taking Zopiclone with alcohol can increase your risk of dependency and lead to psychomotor impairment. As a result, it will reduce your thought process, and physical movements cause sleepwalking or sleep-driving. You should also not take Zopiclone with Caffeine or St. John’s Wort herbal supplement.

Disease interaction

Don’t take Zopiclone if you have severe liver disease, breathing problems, sleep apnea, kidney issues, muscle weakness, and a history of mental illness.
FAQs

Can I buy Zolpidem and Zopiclone online?

Yes, you can buy Zopiclone and Zolpidem online with a valid prescription. However, make sure to purchase the drugs from a reputed pharmacy like Buytapenta.com. There is a rise of fake and adulterated medicines in the online space that you must stay away from.

Is Ambien and Zolpidem the same?

Yes, Zolpidem is the generic version of Ambien used to treat short-term sleeping problems and insomnia. The generic Ambien goes by the name Zolpidem tartrate or simply Zolpidem.

Can you legally buy Zopiclone in UK?

Yes, you can order Zopiclone in UK online or at your nearby pharmacy. Zopiclone is the most frequently used sleep medication in Europe and UK besides Zolpidem. However, they are only prescribed for a short period; generally 1-4 weeks maximum.