Zopiclone and Zolpidem are two drugs that are usually prescribed by doctors for the treatment of sleep issues such as difficulty in falling or staying asleep and other symptoms of insomnia.
Today we will look at the key differences between Zolpidem and Zopiclone drugs. And determine which one of these Z-drugs is a better treatment for insomnia.
Zolpidem Vs Zopiclone: Why are they Used for the Treatment of Insomnia?
Zolpidem and Zopiclone both belong to the same class of drugs known as nonbenzodiazepines. They belong to a psychoactive group of drugs.
Both these drugs affect the nervous system of the body and help in the treatment of insomnia. They also have sedative properties. This is because they are similar to benzodiazepine drugs in their properties.
Both these drugs have a calming and relaxing effect on the central nervous system of the body and hence people benefit from their use.
As they belong to the same class of drugs, their working mechanism, their onset periods. Even the duration for which Zopiclone and Zolpidem are effective in a span of 24 hours is very similar.
Is Zolpidem the same as Zopiclone because they belong to the same class of drugs?
It is true that both the Zolpidem and Zopiclone drugs belong to the non-benzodiazepine group of drugs. The effects of these Z-drugs are very similar that many people may assume that they are the same. But these are not the same, and there are certain key differences between them.
Zolpidem Vs Zopiclone: What are their Major Differences?
Zolpidem is a short-term treatment for dealing with Sleeping Difficulties:
The term of using Zolpidem and Zopiclone oral drug is the main distinction between them.
The drug Zolpidem is useful for short-term treatment of sleeping difficulties such as problems in falling asleep
Doctors who prescribe Zolpidem often intend the patients to use them only for 1-2 weeks.
Usually, people will be able to repair their sleep cycle within this duration with the use of Zolpidem.
Zolpidem is only meant for short-term use for treating sleeping issues.
Zopiclone is a long-term treatment of sleeping disorders such as insomnia:
When a person first reports difficulty in falling asleep or waking up frequently, the doctor usually prescribes the Zopidem drug.
But when Zolpidem is not able to repair the sleep cycle after 2-4 weeks, then the doctor may bring in a dosage of Zopiclone such as Zopiclone 7.5 mg.
People diagnosed with severe insomnia can make use of Zopiclone oral drug as long term treatment.
People can use the Zopiclone drug for a span of 3-4 weeks for the treatment of insomnia.
The specialty of the Zopiclone Z-drug is its usefulness as a long-term treatment of insomnia in adults.
There is not much difference in Zolpidem vs Zopiclone side effects as per the current studies. In the past, the Zopiclone drug was thought to be more likely to cause dependence issues when compared to Zolpidem. But now we know that they have more or less the same range of side effects when used for the treatment of insomnia.
Can You take Zolpidem and Zopiclone together for a More Potent Treatment of Insomnia?
We have established that the Zolpidem and Zopiclone oral drugs come from the same family of sedative drugs.
Their working mechanisms, side effects, and effectiveness are similar if not identical.
So if you take both the drugs together, you are more likely to suffer from an overdose of nonbenzodiazepine drugs. If you do not suffer from an overdose, you will definitely suffer from more severe side effects.
Doctors often do not recommend the use of both these Z-drugs together. We request that you make inquiries with your doctor before combining any two drugs for your treatment. This precaution can save you from the harmful effects of drug interactions.
Which Sleeping Pill Should you Take: Zolpidem Vs Zopiclone?
Given the similar nature of both the drugs, it is understandable to wonder if you should buy Zopiclone or the other Z-drug.
You should consider the condition or symptoms that you are trying to get relief from before you choose between these two drugs.
People who do not suffer from a severe sleeping disorder will benefit from the use of Zolpidem treatment.
But in case of severe insomnia, your doctor may ask you to use the Zopiclone drug for at least 3-4 weeks in order to get relief from your symptoms.
Your symptoms and your preference are considerable factors in making a choice. But ultimately, your doctor holds the power to make the final choice.
Your doctor knows the extent of your condition and the severity of your symptoms. They also have records of your past medical history and can monitor your health in real-time. Hence it is best to let your doctor determine the right Z-drug for your treatment.
Because both the Zolpidem and Zopiclone oral drugs belong to the family of drugs that may cause dependence, your doctor’s opinion is vital.
Some people may develop a dependence on a particular Z-drug which may make them think that they need it.
Adults with past addiction and substance abuse issues may need guided monitoring after the administration of both drugs.
Conclusion:
If you are suffering from mild symptoms of sleeping disorder and need short-term treatment then Zolpidem may prove right for you.
But if the doctors find Zolpidem ineffective in treating your symptoms, they may prescribe Zopiclone oral drug for your treatment.
People suffering from severe insomnia are often given Zopiclone oral drugs.
The time duration required for the treatment of your sleeping difficulties and the repairing of your sleep cycle is crucial factors.
They vary on various factors and their analysis by the doctor will help for the determination of the right Z-drug for you.
The Zolpidem oral drug is useful for the short-term treatment of mild symptoms of sleeping disorders. On the other hand, Zopiclone treats severe cases of insomnia by serving as a long-term treatment for the condition.
