Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine central nervous system depressant that is commercially indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It promotes falling asleep faster and staying longer asleep. But what if you take Zopiclone and don’t go to sleep? In this blog, we try to explain what actually happens when one takes Zopiclone, what might occur should you not go to sleep after taking the medication, and why it is important to heed your doctor’s instructions.
What is Zopiclone, and how does it work?
Zopiclone is a medication from the class of drugs referred to as “Z-drugs, “which has been developed to treat sleeping disorders. It works by slowing the activity of one’s brain, which enables you to relax and be prepared for sleep. This has the effect of a sedative and helps in:
- Falling asleep more quickly
- Improving quality sleep
- Decreasing nighttime wakening
It is always prescribed for short-term use since long-term dependence on sleeping medicines can result in the development of tolerance, dependency, and a number of adverse effects.
Also Read: Zopiclone vs. Other Sleep Aids: Which Option is Right for You?
What Happens If You Take Zopiclone and Stay Awake?
Accidentally taking Zopiclone and trying to stay awake can have quite a number of unwanted effects. Here is what you can expect if you try to stay awake after taking Zopiclone:
1. Heavy Sleepiness with Fatigue
This medication is supposed to induce sleep; hence, when one takes it and forces themselves to stay awake, very drowsy and tired feelings might arise. The body is trying to shut down, and fighting it can leave you physically and mentally exhausted.
2. Impaired Mental Performance
If you remain awake on Zopiclone, it has the potential to affect specific cognitive functions. You may experience the following:
- Confusion
- Inability to concentrate properly
- Inability to think clearly
- Memory impairment
It is even risky to undertake activities that call for concentration, such as driving and running machines.
3. Hallucinations
Another disquieting effect of being awake after taking Zopiclone is the development of hallucinations. Some users see or hear things that are not there. These hallucinations can be mild but in some cases quite unsettling.
4. Loss of Coordination
Zopiclone affects your motoring skills, and being awake after this medication can result in:
- Loss of balance
- Difficulty in walking
- Slurred speech
The lack of co-ordination boosts the risk for falls and accidents if you tend to walk around during the active presence of this drug in your system.
5. Sleepwalking and Sleep-Related Behaviors
Somnambulism and Sleep-Related Behaviour Some people administered Zopiclone who later report waking up describe sleepwalking or carrying on activities without being fully awake. This includes the following:
- Eating
- Talking
- Even driving!
These can be very dangerous as the individual shall not have any memory of what they would have done and can risk themselves.
Why You Should Adhere to Your Prescription
Zopiclone is a medication to assist you with your slumber, and it should be used precisely as told by your doctor. Here’s why:
- Dependence: Incorrect use of zopiclone can promote dependency upon the medication, requiring larger doses over time in order to produce the same results. This greatly increases the risk for addiction.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Suddenly stopping this medication after a few weeks of continuous therapy may result in withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, or insomnia.
- Tolerance: The body can become tolerant of it in the long run, which makes the drug less effective. This process can be hastened by abuse, such as turning into insomnia after taking the drug.
Tips for Taking Zopiclone Safely
To make sure that you are taking Zopiclone safely without its side effects, here are a few tips that need to be followed:
- Take It Only When You’re Ready for Bed: This way, you will be in bed or ready to go to sleep before taking Zopiclone. This will help your body take full advantage of the sedative properties of the medication.
- Avoid Alcohol: In fact, drinking alcohol while on Zopiclone may heighten its sedating effect and raise the risk for possible side effects such as confusion, loss of coordination, or sleepwalking.
- Mind the Prescribed Dose: The risk of serious side effects and complications increases if taken in more than the prescribed dose.
- Do not Mix with Other Sedatives: Combining zopiclone with other medication that makes one sleepy, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, or opioid painkillers, is likely to result in dangerous levels of sedation.
- Don’t Stay Awake: After taking Zopiclone, never try to stay awake. It can give rise to various cognitive and physical adverse effects, several of which can be really serious.
Possible Long-Term Consequences of Abusing Zopiclone
Long-term abuse of Zopiclone results in quite a few long-term health adversities. These include:
- Cognitive Impairment: The inappropriate use of Zopiclone for a very long period will finally lead to damage in the brain and affect memory, concentration, and decision-making adversely.
- Risk of Accidents: Poor coordination, confusion, and hallucinations increase the chances of accidents or injuries.
- Psychological Dependence: Many misusers of zopiclone become psychologically dependent on the medication and feel they cannot sleep properly without it.
Conclusion
Taking Zopiclone is a helpful solution for those suffering from insomnia, but it must be taken responsibly. In case one stays awake after taking Zopiclone, it may cause severe drowsiness, impaired cognitive function, hallucinations, and dangerous sleep-related behaviors. Therefore, always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and take Zopiclone only when you are ready for bed.
If you find yourself not sleeping despite using Zopiclone, or feeling the urge to misuse it, you may need to discuss different treatments or prescription adjustments with your doctor. Being informed and responsible with your medication is a surefire method of ensuring you get the rest you need-safely.
Also Read: Zopiclone: A Solution for Sleep Disorders and Insomnia
