Is Zopiclone a benzo?

Are you curious about whether Zopiclone is classified as a benzodiazepine, commonly referred to as a 'benzo'? You may have heard of Zopiclone and are interested to know what type of medication it is. This article will clarify whether Zopiclone is a benzodiazepine, discuss its classification and explain how it differs from drugs in the benzodiazepine group.

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about Zopiclone and its classification:

• Zopiclone is not classified as a benzodiazepine, commonly known as a 'benzo'.

• Zopiclone is a benzodiazepine-related sleeping pill and is classified as a Class C controlled medication in the UK.

• Although Zopiclone is not a benzodiazepine, it acts in a similar way by affecting brain cells similarly to benzodiazepines. The main difference lies in their chemical structure.

• Zopiclone and benzodiazepines have similar effects on the brain and similar potential problems with long-term use including dependence and withdrawal.

• It is legal to buy Zopiclone in the UK if you have a prescription. A free private prescription can be obtained from EU Meds.

Is Zopiclone a benzo?

Zopiclone is not classified as a benzodiazepine, often referred to as a 'benzo.' Instead, it belongs to a group of medications known as Z drugs, named for their generic names starting with the letter ‘z’. These non-benzodiazepine sleeping pills, including Zopiclone and Zolpidem, are used to treat severe insomnia. Although Zopiclone is not a benzodiazepine, it acts similarly, helping to induce sleep and manage insomnia, according to Mind.

What class of drug is Zopiclone?

Zopiclone is a benzodiazepine-related sleeping pill. While it is not a benzodiazepine itself, it belongs to a group of drugs referred to as Z drugs, which are used to treat severe insomnia. Zopiclone is classed as a Class C controlled medication in the UK, according to Mind. This indicates its potential for dependence and misuse. This classification outlines the importance of using Zopiclone under medical supervision to manage sleep disorders safely and effectively.

How is Zopiclone different to benzodiazepines?

Zopiclone and other Z drugs are not benzodiazepines as they belong to a different class of medications. However, they act in a similar way to benzodiazepines by affecting brain cells in the same way. Despite this similarity, Zopiclone and benzodiazepines differ in their chemical structure. Unfortunately, both Z drugs and benzodiazepines share comparable issues with long-term use such as the potential for dependence and withdrawal. This similarity outlines the need for careful management and supervision when using these medications (Willacy & Tidy, 2022).

Is it legal to buy Zopiclone?

Yes, it is legal to buy Zopiclone in the UK if you have a prescription for it. You can obtain a prescription through a consultation with a healthcare provider. For instance, you can get a free private prescription for Zopiclone online from EU Meds after your consultation has been reviewed and approved by an independent doctor.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Irfan Siddique MBBS
GMC reference no: 7694522
LinkedIn

Sources

Zopiclone - sleeping pill - Mind

Benzodiazepines and Z Drugs - patient.info

Class 4 Medicines Defect Information: Zopiclone Tablets, Ratiopharm UK Limited and Generics - GOV.UK