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Is Zopiclone a benzo?
Key Takeaways
Zopiclone is not a Benzodiazepine: Zopiclone is classified as a Z drug rather than a benzodiazepine (benzo), although it acts similarly to benzodiazepines in treating insomnia.
Zopiclone is a Class C Drug: In the UK, Zopiclone is classified as a Class C controlled medication, meaning it has a potential for dependence and misuse, necessitating medical supervision.
Zopiclone vs Benzodiazepines: While Zopiclone and benzodiazepines share some effects, they differ in chemical structure, and long-term use of both can lead to dependency issues.
If you’ve heard of Zopiclone, you may be wondering whether it is a benzodiazepine, commonly known as a "benzo." This article will clarify the classification of Zopiclone, discuss its similarities and differences with benzodiazepines, and help you understand how it works and how it should be used.
Is Zopiclone a Benzodiazepine?
No, Zopiclone is not classified as a benzodiazepine. Instead, it belongs to a class of medications known as Z drugs, which are a group of non-benzodiazepine sleeping pills. Zopiclone, along with other medications like Zolpidem, is used to treat severe insomnia. While Zopiclone shares some similarities with benzodiazepines, such as inducing sleep and helping manage insomnia, it is chemically different and belongs to a different class of drugs. According to Mind, despite these similarities, Zopiclone should not be confused with traditional benzodiazepines like Diazepam or Lorazepam.
What Class of Drug is Zopiclone?
Zopiclone is classified as a Class C controlled drug in the UK, as per the guidelines from Mind. This means that it has a potential for dependence and misuse, which is why it is crucial to use Zopiclone only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
Even though Zopiclone is not a benzodiazepine, it is still a sedative-hypnotic medication, and caution should be exercised when using it, especially with long-term use.
How is Zopiclone Different to Benzodiazepines?
Zopiclone and benzodiazepines share similarities in how they work on the brain. Both medications enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm the brain and induce sleep. However, they differ in their chemical structure and their classification.
While benzodiazepines such as Valium or Alprazolam are more commonly used to treat anxiety, seizures, and other conditions in addition to insomnia, Zopiclone is specifically focused on managing sleep-related issues. Despite their differences, both Z drugs (like Zopiclone) and benzodiazepines carry similar risks, including dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when used over a long period. This makes careful monitoring and management important when using these medications for sleep disorders (Willacy & Tidy, 2022).
Is It Legal to Buy Zopiclone?
Yes, it is legal to buy Zopiclone in the UK, but it requires a prescription. You can obtain a prescription through a consultation with a healthcare provider, who will assess your condition and determine if Zopiclone is appropriate for you. For those who prefer the convenience of online services, PharmXtra offers the option of an online consultation. After your consultation is reviewed and approved by an independent prescriber, you can receive a private prescription for Zopiclone, allowing you to purchase it from PharmXtra.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Zopiclone is not a benzodiazepine, although it acts similarly in terms of inducing sleep and managing insomnia. It is classified as a Z drug and is a Class C controlled medication in the UK. While it shares some effects with benzodiazepines, such as their potential for dependence, they differ in chemical structure and classification.
If you're considering using Zopiclone for insomnia, it is essential to use it under the guidance of a healthcare professional, who can ensure it is appropriate for your condition and monitor for any potential risks. Whether you opt for a traditional GP consultation or an online consultation through PharmXtra, always follow the prescribed dosage and usage instructions for safe and effective treatment.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Irfan Siddique MBBS
GMC reference no: 7694522
LinkedIn
Sources
Zopiclone - sleeping pill - Mind
Benzodiazepines and Z Drugs - patient.info
Class 4 Medicines Defect Information: Zopiclone Tablets, Ratiopharm UK Limited and Generics - GOV.UK
