Zolpidem and Zopiclone are non-benzodiazepine drugs used to treat insomnia. They are categorized as z-drugs, which are more widely prescribed than the traditional benzodiazepines to reduce the overall side effects described by benzodiazepines. They function similarly to benzodiazepine but are structurally different.
To cope with sleep disorders, Zolpidem and Zopiclone are widely prescribed by physicians; however, both have some dissimilarities too, which are discussed below:
The similarities and differences between Zolpidem and Zopiclone are further examined below-
|
Generic Name |
Zolpidem |
Zopiclone |
|
Indications |
Insomnia: It is used for short-term and max. for 2 weeks of continuous use |
Insomnia: It is used for short-term and max. of 4 weeks of constant use |
|
Class of drug |
Non-benzodiazepine, sedative-hypnotic |
Non-benzodiazepine, sedative-hypnotic |
|
Binding to receptor |
GABA receptor |
GABA receptor |
|
Efficacy |
30 min from the administration |
30 min from the administration |
Comparative Assessment
|
Generic Names |
Zolpidem |
Zopiclone |
|
Brand Name |
Ambien |
Zimovane |
|
FDA Approval |
Yes, in the year 2007 |
Not FDA approved |
|
Dosage |
|
|
|
Dosage Form |
Are produced as oral tablets only |
Available as an oral tablet, sublingual, oromucosal (spray), and rectal formulation |
|
Oral bioavailability |
70% |
80% |
|
Elimination half-life |
2.5 hrs: Drug eliminated through kidney and feces |
4-5 hrs: Drug eliminated through urine |
|
Pregnancy category |
Category B3 |
Category C |
|
Best Price |
$14 for 6 tablets (10mg) |
$0.01- $1 per Pill |
What is Zolpidem and Zopiclone?
Zolpidem and Zopiclone are non-benzodiazepine drugs used to treat insomnia. They are categorized as z-drugs, which are more widely prescribed than the traditional benzodiazepines to reduce the overall side effects described by benzodiazepines. They function similarly to benzodiazepine but are structurally different.
To cope with sleep disorders, zolpidem and zopiclone are widely prescribed by physicians; however, both have some dissimilarities, which are discussed below.
Zolpidem vs Zopiclone: Which One Is More Effective?
Zopiclone has been proven to be more effective as compared to zolpidem. Zolpidem is a mainly prescribed Sleeping pill in the US. According to the Study by Sage Journal, Zolpidem was at least as influential as zopiclone.
Possible Side Effects
Along with the therapeutic action of medicines, they may also cause some unwanted side effects. Although all of these side effects might not occur, if they do occur, they might need medical attention. Talk to your doctor immediately if the following side effects occur:
| Zolpidem | Zopiclone |
| Chest pain | Feeling low or sad, depression. |
| Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting | Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting |
| Shakiness and unsteady walk | Slurred speech |
| Anxiety | Bipolar disorder |
| Cold sweats | Poor memory |
| Responsiveness, numbness of feet | Feeling of unreality, false beliefs, hallucination, delusion |
| Bloody or cloudy urine | Irregular/ pounding heartbeat |
| Fever, hives, itching, or rash | Bloody or cloudy urine |
| Stomach pain, ulcers, white spots on lips or mouth | Skin rash |
| Drowsiness | Drowsiness |
| Sore throat | Stomach upset |
| Frequent urination | Difficulty concentrating |
Interactions of Zolpidem And Zopiclone
The interaction of drugs may change how a drug works or increase the risk of severe side effects. Talk to your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medication, including
- Alcohol
- CNS depressants
- Narcotic analgesics (such as codeine, morphine, methadone, oxycodone, pethidine, or tramadol)
- Anti-epileptic drugs
- Anesthetics
- Sedative antihistamines (such as chlorphenamine or promethazine)
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as erythromycin clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and ritonavir)
- CYP3A4 inducers (such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and St John's wort)
Who Cannot Take Zolpidem Or Zopiclone
Before taking Zolpidem and Zopiclone, you should read the instructions on the leaflet with the product package or go through the medical guide regarding how to take the medications.
If there is any query regarding medicine use, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist. Zolpidem and zopiclone are contraindicated in the following conditions:
- Respiratory failure
- Sleep apnea syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
- Severe liver impairment
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions
The above comparative study concludes that Zopiclone and Zolpidem effectively treat insomnia. However, zopiclone can be more effective in treating sleep disorders. It is more effective than other medications and works more quickly.
The reviews are given by the people who have been consuming the medicine. One fair-quality head-to-head trial found that Zolpidem and Zopiclone were similar in efficacy on patient-rated sleep outcomes and the investigator's global improvement assessment.
Zopiclone caused more rebound sleep latency insomnia than zolpidem. As there is effectiveness to the medicine, some flaws might negatively affect you and eventually return to normal. You can get the treatment after the prescription from the doctor.
- Tsutsui S. A Double-Blind Comparative Study of Zolpidem versus Zopiclone in the Treatment of Chronic Primary Insomnia. Journal of International Medical Research. 2001;29(3):163-177. doi:10.1177/147323000102900303 Obtain On 22/09/2022
- Hajak, Göran, et al. "Abuse and dependence potential for the nonâbenzodiazepine hypnotics zolpidem and zopiclone: a review of case reports and epidemiological data." Addiction 98.10 (2003): 1371-1378. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1360-0443.2003.00491.x Obtain On 22/09/2022
- Victorri-Vigneau, Caroline, et al. "Pharmacoepidemiological characterisation of zolpidem and zopiclone usage." European journal of clinical pharmacology 69.11 (2013): 1965-1972. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-013-1557-x Obtain On 22/09/2022
- Tsutsui, S., and Zolpidem Study Group. "A double-blind comparative study of zolpidem versus zopiclone in the treatment of chronic primary insomnia." Journal of international medical research 29.3 (2001): 163-177. https://doi.org/10.1177/147323000102900303 Obtain On 22/09/2022
- Nakajima, Toru, et al. "Comparison of the effects of zolpidem and zopiclone on nocturnal sleep and sleep latency in the morning: a cross-over study in healthy young volunteers." Life Sciences 67.1 (2000): 81-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0024-3205(00)00603-2 Obtain On 22/09/2022
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