When struggling with insomnia, medications like zopiclone can be a temporary solution to help improve sleep quality. However, it is crucial to understand the correct dosage and usage to avoid potential risks and side effects. Here’s a detailed look at how many zopiclone you can take a night and other essential information to ensure safe and effective use.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of zopiclone is strictly defined to ensure safety and effectiveness. For adults, the standard dose is 7.5mg taken once daily, shortly before bedtime. This can be achieved by taking either one 7.5mg tablet or two 3.75mg tablets.
Dosage for Specific Groups
Adults
For most adults, the recommended dose is 7.5mg, taken as a single intake just before retiring for the night. It is important to use the lowest effective dose and not to re-administer zopiclone during the same night.
Elderly Patients
For elderly patients, a lower dose of 3.75mg is typically recommended to start treatment. Depending on effectiveness and acceptability, the dosage may be increased to 7.5mg if clinically necessary. This caution is due to the higher incidence of CNS side effects in elderly patients at the higher dose.
Patients with Kidney or Liver Problems
Patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency should start with a lower dose of 3.75mg zopiclone. The standard dose of 7.5mg may be used with caution in some cases, depending on effectiveness and acceptability. This reduced dosage helps mitigate the risk of excessive sleepiness and other side effects associated with slower drug elimination.
Patients with Chronic Respiratory Insufficiency
For patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency, a starting dose of 3.75mg zopiclone is recommended. The dosage may be increased to 7.5mg subsequently, but with caution due to the risk of respiratory depression.
How Many Zopiclone Can You Take a Night?
To answer the question how many zopiclone can you take a night, it is clear that you should take only one tablet of the prescribed dose per night. Here are the key points:
- Adults: One 7.5mg tablet or two 3.75mg tablets.
- Elderly: Start with one 3.75mg tablet, which may be increased to 7.5mg if necessary.
- Patients with Kidney or Liver Problems: Start with one 3.75mg tablet, with the option to increase to 7.5mg with caution.
- Patients with Chronic Respiratory Insufficiency: Start with one 3.75mg tablet, with the option to increase to 7.5mg with caution.
Taking more than the prescribed dose can lead to serious side effects, including the risk of overdose.
Risks of Exceeding the Recommended Dose
Exceeding the recommended dose of zopiclone can be dangerous and is associated with several risks:
- Overdose: Symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, shallow breathing, and possibly falling into a coma. Other effects can include floppy muscles, dizziness, light-headedness, and difficulty breathing.
- Dependence and Addiction: The risk of dependence and addiction increases with the dose and duration of treatment. Cases of dependence are more frequently reported in patients treated with zopiclone for longer than four weeks.
- Impaired Driving Ability: Taking more than the recommended dose can significantly impair driving ability and motor coordination the next morning, even 10-12 hours after intake.
Importance of Adhering to the Prescribed Dose
Adhering to the prescribed dose is essential to minimize risks and ensure the medication’s effectiveness. Here are some key points to remember:
- Do not take more than one tablet in a single night. If you miss a dose, only take it if you can still get 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine while taking zopiclone, as these can exacerbate side effects and reduce the medication’s effectiveness.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 10-12 hours after taking zopiclone due to potential residual effects.
Method of Administration
- Oral Use: Zopiclone tablets should be swallowed whole without sucking, chewing, or breaking. This ensures the medication is released correctly and reduces the risk of side effects.
- Timing: The tablet should be taken just before bedtime to ensure the medication works effectively during the night.
Use in Specific Conditions
Paediatric Population
Zopiclone should not be used in children and adolescents less than 18 years. The safety and efficacy of zopiclone in this age group have not been established.
Respiratory Insufficiency
In patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency, a lower dose is recommended due to the risk of respiratory depression. Hypnotics have the capacity to depress respiratory drive, so precautions should be observed in these patients.
Hepatic and Renal Insufficiency
Patients with liver or kidney problems should start with a lower dose of 3.75mg. The standard dose of 7.5mg may be used with caution, depending on effectiveness and acceptability.
Risk of Dependence
The use of zopiclone may lead to the development of abuse and/or physical and psychological dependence. The risk of dependence increases with the dose and duration of treatment. Cases of dependence have been reported more frequently in patients treated with zopiclone for longer than four weeks. Patients with a history of psychiatric disorders and/or alcohol, substance, or drug abuse are at a higher risk.
Withdrawal Symptoms
If physical dependence is developed, a sudden discontinuation of treatment will be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms. These can include rebound insomnia, anxiety, and other withdrawal effects. To avoid these symptoms, it is recommended to taper the dose before discontinuation if the treatment duration exceeds four weeks.
Also Read: Is It OK to Take Zopiclone Every Night?
Side Effects and Precautions
Zopiclone can cause a range of side effects, some of which are common and mild, while others are less common but more serious.
Common Side Effects
- Daytime drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Headaches
Uncommon Side Effects
- Nausea
- Decreased interest in sex
- Double vision
- Restlessness
- Problems with coordination
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Impotence
- Muscle aches
- Increased sensitivity to touch, light, or sound
Serious Side Effects
- Psychomotor impairment, including impaired driving ability
- Respiratory depression, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency
- Suicidal ideation or depression, especially in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders.
Overdose
If you take more than your prescribed dose of zopiclone, it can be very dangerous. Symptoms of an overdose include:
- Feeling drowsy, confused, sleeping deeply, and possibly falling into a coma
- Floppy muscles (hypotonia)
- Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or faint due to low blood pressure
- Falling over or losing balance (ataxia)
- Shallow breathing or difficulty breathing (respiratory depression)
In case of an overdose, immediate medical attention is necessary. Contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department without delay.
Duration of Treatment
Zopiclone is intended for short-term use, typically not exceeding 2-4 weeks. Long-term use is not recommended due to the risk of tolerance, dependence, and rebound insomnia. If treatment is needed beyond this period, a re-evaluation of the patient’s status is required to assess the necessity and safety of continued use.
Lifestyle Changes and Alternative Solutions
After completing a course of zopiclone, if sleep problems persist, it is advisable to try lifestyle changes to help improve sleep quality. These can include:
- Establishing a regular sleep schedule
- Creating a sleep-conducive environment
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals close to bedtime
- Engaging in relaxing activities before bed
If these changes do not help, consulting a healthcare provider for further guidance is recommended.
Conclusion
When considering how many zopiclone can you take a night, the clear answer is one tablet of the prescribed dose. This ensures that you benefit from the medication’s sleep-promoting effects while minimizing the risk of side effects and dependence. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and be mindful of the potential risks associated with zopiclone use.
In summary:
- Adults: One 7.5mg tablet or two 3.75mg tablets.
- Elderly: Start with one 3.75mg tablet, which may be increased to 7.5mg if necessary.
- Patients with Kidney or Liver Problems: Start with one 3.75mg tablet, with the option to increase to 7.5mg with caution.
- Patients with Chronic Respiratory Insufficiency: Start with one 3.75mg tablet, with the option to increase to 7.5mg with caution.
Adhering to these guidelines and consulting your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns will help ensure the safe and effective use of zopiclone.
Also Read: How Long Does It Take for Zopiclone to Put You to Sleep?
