Which of the following is true regarding Zopiclone?
Hypnotic drugs
All hypnotic drugs act on GABA receptors of which there are three (BZ1, BZ2, and BZ3). BZ1 is thought to be responsible primarily for sedative effects, BZ2 for myorelaxant and anticonvulsant effects, and BZ3 for anxiolytic effects.
The older benzodiazepines bind to all three types. It is claimed that the Z-drug bind primarily to the BZ1 receptor.
Zopiclone
Zopliclone is a cyclopyrrolone which are a family of hypnotic and anxiolytic non-benzodiazepine drugs with similar pharmacological profiles to the benzodiazepine derivatives.
Although originally market as a non-benzodiazepine that gave natural sleep, zopiclone can produce hangover effects and dependence.
Zopiclone is contraindicated in marked neuromuscular respiratory weakness including unstable myasthenia gravis, respiratory failure, severe sleep apnoea syndrome (BNF).
Zopiclone causes similar alterations on EEG readings and sleep architecture as benzodiazepines.
It should not be used in breastfeeding women as it passes through to the milk in high quantities.
Side effects include:
- metallic taste
- heartburn
- lightening of sleep on withdrawal
Zolpidem
Zolpidem also acts on BZ1.
Side effects include:
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- depression
- falls
- amnesia
