There is no direct medical evidence of brain damage due to use of Zopiclone. Whereas, an over dose is dangerous. So, you need to take it only as per doctor’s advice. Zopiclone belongs to the group of medicines called cyclopyrrolones. It has similar properties to benzodiazepines. … In Zopicalma, the active substance is zopiclone , is a sedative-hypnotic drug (pills to sleep). It induces sleep and is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia.
A psychoactive drug
A psychoactive chemical of the hypnotic and sedative family, zopiclone promotes relaxation and sleep by inhibiting the activity of the central nervous system. The French company Rhône-Poulenc first introduced this medication in 1986, making it a relatively new medication.
Together with zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone, eszopiclone belongs to the group of “Z drugs” (in addition to that of cyclopyrrolones). These hypnotics, which increase the action of the GABA neurotransmitter in a manner similar to that of benzodiazepines , have been popularized greatly in recent years for the treatment of insomnia.
Muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant effects
Although the relaxation caused by zopiclone occurs mainly in the central nervous system, it also affects the peripheral and muscles to a lesser extent. Consequently, it has mild muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant effects that add to those of the anxiolytic and hypnotic type.
What is it for?
Zopiclone is prescribed primarily in cases of insomnia, not only of conciliation but also of maintenance, since it reduces sleep latency and its sedative effects are maintained for several hours. Unlike other hypnotics, zopiclone does not alter sleep phases significantly.
In general, treatment with zopiclone is limited to one or two weeks, or at most one month. This is due to the fact that the organism develops pharmacological tolerance with ease, for which reason to obtain the same effects the dose must be progressively increased; This is the main factor that explains the dependence or addiction to psychoactive substances.
Although zopiclone and the rest of Z drugs have been considered superior to benzodiazepines for some years, recent research suggests that the intensity of their therapeutic effects is very similar. In addition, zopiclone could have an addictive potential even greater than that of benzodiazepines , particularly if combined with alcohol.