Zopiclone Side Effects

Zopiclone when taken may yield the following side effects:

1. Drowsiness

The side effect of zopiclone of producing drowsiness is the reason that the drug is given to treat insomnia.

2. Palpitations

Palpitations may be experienced during the withdrawal of the drug after a prolonged intake of zopiclone.

3. Taste alterations and dry mouth

The drug also alters the interpretation of taste sensation leading to bitter taste, metallic taste in the mouth and feeling of dryness.

4. Visuospatial impairments

The sensory-perceptual abilities are reduced because of CNS depression. Patients usually experience double vision.

5. Memory Impairment

Because of being a tranquilizer and CNS depressant, zopiclone may cause short-term memory loss.

6. Increased risk for motor vehicular accidents

Lethargy and drowsiness, as a result of zopiclone administration, causes impairments of cognition and sensitivity when driving. It should be known to individuals taking zopiclone to avoid driving after intake of the drug.

7. Headache and Dizziness

Zopiclone also leads to headache and dizziness because of its direct action in the central nervous system, especially in the cerebellum.

8. Mood changes

Mood changes are a sign of possible drug addiction, dependence and tolerance. This side-effect should be noted to start withdrawing the person from the drug.

9. Urticaria and tingling sensations in the limbs

This is a sign of drug allergy and should require the drug to be stopped.

10. Hepatotoxicity, elevated levels of liver enzymes

Zopiclone is a hepatotoxic drug, which means that overuse or overdose of zopiclone may lead to toxic changes to the liver.

11. Nephritis

Nephritis is the inflammation of the nephrons as a result of the drug being nephrotoxic or harmful to the kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for its excretion, so an overdose may lead to damage to the nephrons.

12. Anorgasmia, Impotence and delayed ejaculations

The suppression of the CNS also depresses the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to difficult erection and ejaculation. Anorgasmia is the absence of orgasm or inability to reach sexual satisfaction, which also results from poor parasympathetic stimulation.

13. Sleep walking, feeling of drunkenness, nightmares

Since the person taking zopiclone experiences intense sedation, the person may experience alterations in the sleep pattern such as nightmares and sleep walking.

14. Delirium

Delirium may also be seen in elderly people taking the drug.

15. Others

Other symptoms may include:

• Heartburn
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anorexia
• Bad breath
• Dyspepsia
• Weakness
• Speech disorder

To avoid zopiclone overdose, it is important to adhere with the dosage and prescription of the physician. On the other hand, advantages of zopiclone over barbiturates and other CNS depressant include having lesser side-effects and risk for drug addiction. Despite that, the intake should always be monitored.