Zopiclone (pronunciation perhaps IPA: /?z?p?klo?n/), sold as Somnosan, Imovane, Zimovane and Zopinox in Europe and Canada, and as the eszopiclone analogue Lunesta in the United States, is a novel hypnotic agent used in the treatment of insomnia. Zopiclone is a controlled substance in the United States, Canada and some European countries, and may be illegal to possess without a prescription.
Zopiclone is known colloquially as a “Z-drug”. Other Z-drugs include zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien and AmbienCR) and were initially thought to be less addictive and/or habit-forming than benzodiazepines. However, this appraisal has shifted somewhat in the last few years as cases of addiction and habituation have been presented. It is recommended that zopiclone be taken on an “as needed” basis. Daily or continuous use of the drug is not usually advised. While it acts on the same benzodiazepine receptors as the benzodiazepine family of drugs it is not classed as a benzodiazepine (with which it shares a number of characteristics and effects) due to its differing molecular structure. Zopiclone is classed as a cyclopyrrolone derivative. [Wikipedia.org] (more…)
Insomnia is one of the most common complaints seen in medicine. Incidence and prevalence estimates vary slightly depending on the methodology, but commonly cited figures are that approximately one-third of Americans have symptoms of acute or intermittent insomnia, and that approximately 10% have chronic insomnia. Over the past several decades, there have been great strides in understanding the pathophysiology of insomnia as well as documenting the efficacy of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments. There are now sufficient data to allow for meta-analyses to be conducted in insomnia, which help compare effect sizes across studies. This chapter provides an overview of the development of insomnia, information required to make a diagnosis of insomnia, the various recognized insomnia diagnoses, and the pharmacologic, cognitive, and behavioral treatments available.