What happens if you take Zopiclone and stay awake?
Key Takeaways
What Happens If You Stay Awake After Taking Zopiclone?: Taking Zopiclone without falling asleep can lead to side effects such as dizziness, confusion, and impaired coordination. You may also experience memory problems or engage in activities like sleepwalking.
Zopiclone's Primary Use: Zopiclone is a medication used primarily to treat insomnia and help people with sleep difficulties. It works by calming the brain to induce sleep.
Sleepwalking Risk: Zopiclone can cause sleepwalking or other unusual behaviours if you don't fall asleep, potentially leading to activities like driving or eating while unaware.
What is Zopiclone Used For?
Zopiclone is a medication that is mainly prescribed to people who have trouble sleeping, particularly those struggling with insomnia. It is part of a group of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, which work by slowing down activity in the brain to help induce sleep. Zopiclone is intended to be used for short-term treatment to break the cycle of sleeplessness and help establish a regular sleep pattern. People typically take Zopiclone when they find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night.
How Long Does Zopiclone Take to Work?
Zopiclone usually starts working within about an hour after taking it. Most people begin to feel its effects—such as feeling drowsy or relaxed—about this time, which can help them fall asleep more easily. However, individual responses can vary. It's important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and avoid taking more than the prescribed dose. If Zopiclone does not seem to work for you, consult your healthcare provider.
What Happens If You Take Zopiclone and Stay Awake?
If you take Zopiclone and stay awake instead of falling asleep, it can lead to undesirable effects. Since Zopiclone is designed to help you sleep, staying awake after taking it may cause side effects such as:
Dizziness
Confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Impaired coordination
In some cases, it may also increase the risk of experiencing memory problems or performing activities without full awareness, such as sleepwalking or sleep-driving. This occurs because Zopiclone can affect brain functioning, leading to actions performed while the person is not fully awake.
The NHS advises that if you feel tired during the day after taking Zopiclone, you should avoid driving or using heavy machinery. Sleep Station also recommends leaving at least 12 hours between taking the medication and driving to ensure you're not impaired.
Can Zopiclone Cause Sleepwalking?
Yes, Zopiclone can cause sleepwalking and other unusual behaviours while the user is not fully awake. Some of these behaviours include:
Driving while asleep
Eating without awareness
Making phone calls or engaging in conversations
Engaging in sexual activity without remembering it
These activities are carried out without the person's full awareness, and they may have no recollection of them the next morning. This is known as "sleepwalking" or "sleep-driving" and is a serious concern with Zopiclone. It’s crucial to be aware of this potential risk and use the medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Do You Need a Prescription for Zopiclone?
Yes, in the UK, Zopiclone is a prescription-only medication. This is because of its potential for misuse, dependency, and side effects. You cannot legally obtain Zopiclone without a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional. However, at PharmXtra, you can receive a private prescription for Zopiclone after completing a free online consultation. If approved, you can purchase Zopiclone directly from us and have it delivered to your door.
Final Thoughts
Zopiclone is a useful medication for people with insomnia, but it is important to use it correctly. If you don’t fall asleep after taking it, you may experience side effects like dizziness, confusion, and sleepwalking. These risks highlight the importance of only using Zopiclone when you are ready to sleep and following your doctor’s advice. If you have any concerns or if the medication isn’t working as expected, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider. Always take Zopiclone responsibly and make sure you’re fully aware of its potential side effects.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Irfan Siddique MBBS
GMC reference no: 7694522
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