The efficacy and safety of zopiclone as an hypnotic

Zopiclone is an effective hypnotic in sleep disorders of various aetiologies, with dose-related effects. It shortens sleep onset latency, prolongs deep steep and reduces the incidence of nocturnal awakenings. Although zopiclone does not prolong the duration of sleep to the same extent as long-acting benzodiazepines, such as flurazepam, its use is associated with better daytime wakefulness and psychomotor performance than are seen during benzodiazepine treatment, mainly as a consequence of its short half-life. For this reason, it has advantages over several benzodiazepines for the treatment of chronic insomnia. In large comparative studies, zopiclone has proven to be at least as effective as benzodiazepines. The recommended dose of zopiclone is 7.5 mg. In elderly patient populations, a starting dose of 3.75 mg zopiclone is advisable, but most elderly patients tolerate the 7.5 mg dose, which is usually more effective. An advantage of zopiclone over other hypnotics is that it does not impair respiratory function in patients with mild-to-moderate sleep apnoea or airways diseases. it cannot, though, be administered to patients with severe sleep apnoea. The safety and tolerability of zopiclone is at least comparable to that of benzodiazepines. The main adverse reactions are bitter taste and dry mouth. Serious adverse reactions are rare. Drowsiness, lack of coordination and concentration difficulties arise in a small percentage of cases.