Zopiclone does not belong to benzodiazepines, but this type of medication has numerous similarities with zopiclone in terms of its activity and action mechanism. Zopiclone is commonly prescribed to treat insomnia worldwide with many tendencies to use the medicine as a short-term sleep control measure. Because of its rapid onset and the perception that the medicine has less potential to induce addiction than a traditional benzodiazepine. Continue checking this blog to know more about are zopiclone benzodiazepine.
Zopiclone Medicine Classification
The medicine belongs to the benzodiazepine group of anticonvulsant medications.
Zopiclone is formally a member of a medicine group called Z medicines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. To be more precise, zopiclone is a cyclophyreyl group of hypnosedative medications the chemical structure of which is not linked to benzodiazepines. Zopiclone is a Class C controlled medicine in the UK, which points to the danger of dependence and misuse. Despite the fact that it not included in the same classification.
How Zopiclone Works
Zopiclone, in spite of its structural disparities, functions at the same site as benzodiazepines by acting at the same brain RNA, the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors. At these GABA6 receptors, zopiclone is a positive allosteric modulator that potentiates the relaxation of GABA and causes sleep. GABA also enhancing the effect of benzodiazepines and that why zopiclone and benzodiazepines have similar sedative, anxiolytic and muscle-relaxant effects.
The main differences with Benzodiazepines.
Chemical Structure: Zopiclone has a cyclopyrrolone chemical structure. It not similar to that of benzodiazepines which constructed on the benzene ring that fused with diazepine ring.
Signs:
Zopiclone primarily use as a sleep disorder. Whereas the benzodiazepines have wider indications, such as anxiety, panic, seizures, and muscle spasms.
Dependency Risk: Both classes of medicine associated with the long term use of dependency, tolerance and withdrawal.
However, clinical experience demonstrates that it is possible to become habituated and addicted to it.
Comparing Zopiclone and Benzodiazepines in Practice
According to clinical trials and meta-analyses, zopiclone has the same beneficial effect on sleep, side effects and dependency risks as benzodiazepines.
Both assist the user to fall asleep, decrease awakening. And increase the quality of sleep although using either of the two medicine over the long run with caution.
Clinical Implications
To clinicians and patients, a clear difference between zopiclone and benzodiazepines is relevant to safe prescription and avoid confusion. Zopiclone, a short-term insomnia treatment which confused with other anxiety treatment medicine such as diazepam or lorazepam.
Interactions with other sedatives, such as benzodiazepines. It observe very closely because of the additive effect and increased risk of dependence.
Conclusion
Zopiclone does not qualify as a benzodiazepine, but rather a Z med and cyclopyrrolone with a different chemical structure. It resembles a lot of benzodiazepine effects as it impacts on the GABA system, offers the benefits of sedation and sleep. But you should take it carefully because it has similar risks of dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal. These similarities and differences are important to understand in order to be responsible prescribers and provide patient safety. To order medicine, look for zopiclonemart.