Zopiclone Vs Xanax: What is the difference?

In this blog post, we are going to talk about the difference between Zopiclone and Xanax. Both of these drugs are prescription medications and they can be used for the treatment of a number of mental health conditions. This blog will cover all there is to know about Zopiclone and Xanax. 

What is the difference between Zopiclone and Xanax? 

Zopiclone and Xanax are two entirely different medicines. They both belong to two different classes of meds and they have different mechanisms of action. However, they both can be used for the treatment of insomnia or inability to fall asleep. 

Zopiclone is a central nervous system depressant as it works on the inhibitory neurotransmitter called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). This chemical basically controls the excessive neuronal firing in your brain. 

This is how Zopiclone causes sedation and can be used for the treatment of clinical insomnia. Xanax, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine called Alprazolam. It is one of the most commonly used benzodiazepines and has a rapid onset of action. 

It means the drug starts working as soon as 30 minutes right after taking it. Zopiclone is a typical sleeping pill, whereas Xanax has a lot of other therapeutic roles. It can be used for the treatment of following health conditions:

• Anxiety: The primary use of Xanax is to cure anxiety as it actually is an anti-anxiety medication. It can control excessive neuronal activity in your brain that is the main cause of anxiety. 

• Seizures: Xanax can also be used to tone down the intensity of epileptic seizures. However, other benzodiazepines like diazepam are preferred over xanax because of its shorter duration of action. 

Xanax can also be used in different treatment regimens, like in depression, and can be combined with other medications. Zopiclone can also be combined with other meds, but it should be paired with any medication that can cause sedation. 

What are the side effects associated with the use of Zopiclone and Xanax? 

Zopiclone and Xanax are associated with some side effects. These side effects may not be that troublesome at lower doses, but higher doses can cause significant changes in your normal physiological system, especially your sleep pattern and your behaviour. 

Side effects associated with the use of Zopiclone include:

• Dizziness 
• Excessive drowsiness 
• Headache
• Fatigue 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea/Constipation 
• Feeling like you’re drugged
• Abnormal walking gait
• Flatulence 
• Acid reflux or heartburn 
• Abdominal pain
• Loss or gain of appetite 
• Tremors
• Burning sensation 
• Numbness 
• Nightmares 
• Muscle pain
• Eye redness 
• Joint pain
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding 

Some serious and rare side effects include:

• Allergic reaction associated with symptoms like redness of skin, itching, burning sensation, blisters, blue-purple patches, tightness of chest, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, hoarseness etc. 
• Swelling or tenderness in different parts of the body, including tongue, lips, eyes, face, throat etc
• Yellow coloration of skin
• Arrhythmia 
• Blurry vision 

Zopiclone may also cause some side effects which are not included in this list. Make sure you use this medication carefully and immediately report to your healthcare provider if you experience unusual side effects while taking Zopiclone. 

Xanax is associated with the following side effects:

• Dizziness
• Tiredness or fatigue 
• Drowsiness 
• Muscle pain
• Vision problems 
• Headache 
• Hypersomnia 
• Forgetfulness 
• Troubled or intrusive thoughts
• Impairment of motor coordination 
• Constipation or diarrhoea 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Dementia 
• Depression 
• Abnormal behaviour
• Blackouts 
• Serious respiratory depression which lowers down breathing rate and can decrease the availability of oxygen in the blood. It could be life-threatening for people suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 

In case you suffer from an overdose, call a helpline as soon as you can. Inform them properly how much is taken and when. Make sure you keep these pills away for your children and pets, if any. In order to do that, keep the bottle out of their reach. 

Overdose can cause nerve-racking depression and may cause suicidal behavior in such people. If you have someone who shows suicidal behavior or you see hopelessness in them, make sure you keep an eye on them and get medical attention as soon as you can. 

What are the warnings associated with the use of Zopiclone and Xanax? 

Both Zopiclone and Xanax are associated with some warnings as they may exacerbate the symptoms in some patients. It is a known fact that not everyone can tolerate medications like these two, but some people should not take even a single dose. 

Both of these medications can cause life-threatening complications in people or may interact negatively with any underlying health condition. 

Important warnings for Zopiclone 

This typical sleeping pill can cause abnormal sleep behaviour in people. Studies suggest that Zopiclone can not only make you sleep walk, but it can do far more worse than that. 

People actually get up from bed, in the middle of the night, and can perform different activities like eating, driving, engaging in sexual activities, and talking without having any recollection of what they did the next day.  

This can create an alarming situation if it keeps happening. If you observe any abnormal sleep behaviour, immediately inform your healthcare provider. You can also seek help from a sleep clinic. 

Make sure you do not take Zopiclone in the morning. This med induces sleep soon after taking it and it should be only used at bedtime or when you’re unable to fall asleep. Taking it in the morning can cause complications as you will not be able to perform your daily activities. 

You will not be able to drive or perform well at work. This is exactly why the timing at which you take Zopiclone matters a lot and it should be used just as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not deviate from the prescribed dose or you will be subjected to terrible side effects. 

Important warnings for Xanax 

Xanax is also associated with some important warnings. The proper use of these benzodiazepines is crucial because of its shorter duration of action. The effects of Xanax start to wear off in around 8 to 10 hours. 

This makes people want to take this medication again because of the calming effects it produces. It causes muscle relaxation and makes you feel at peace. 

Xanax should be used carefully in pregnant women. Several research studies have revealed that excessive use of Xanax, especially during the third trimester can cause fetal defects. It may also cause some addictive effects in the new born baby. 

Xanax should be used cautiously by breastfeeding women as it can be passed to the baby through breastmilk and may cause some disturbing side effects in the young one. 

Xanax is contraindicated to be used in patients with major respiratory illnesses. This is because it is capable of causing respiratory depression and it can lead to life threatening complications for people suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially at higher doses. 

Can Zopiclone and Xanax cause addiction? 

Yes, both Zopiclone and Xanax can cause addiction because of the sedative properties of these medications. Addiction usually occurs as a result of misuse. People tend to take more of what their doctor has initially prescribed and they also increase the dose frequency. 

This makes their bodies dependent, not only for sleep induction, but also for normal physiological functioning. This addiction becomes one hell of a problem and it gets extremely hard to stop using these meds. 

Withdrawal symptoms usually occur whenever you try to cut back either Zopiclone or Xanax. These symptoms include:

• Anxiety 
• Erratic behaviour 
• Panic attacks 
• Hallucinations 
• Insomnia or inability to fall asleep 
• Muscular pain and stiffness 
• Nighttime wakefulness 
• Nightmares 
• Excessive sweating 
• Nausea
• Dizziness 
• Weakness
• Photosensitivity 
• Sensory and motor coordination impairment 
• Delirium 
• Convulsions 

These symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people suffer much more than others. It is a known fact that every human body reacts differently when it is exposed to medications. 

Some people are extremely sensitive to the effects of meds and they suffer much more in case of an overdose. Always make sure you stick to your doctor’s recommended dose. 

Do not take more or less than that. Do not change the dose frequency or pair your medication with any other medication or any chemical that possesses therapeutic properties. 

Carelessness in terms of medicine use can cause serious complications and sometimes they can not be reversed. It is your job to ensure the proper use of meds for the sake of your own health. 

Conclusion 

In this blog post, we have discussed the differences between Zopiclone and Xanax. They both belong to two different classes of medications and they have different mechanisms of action. However, they both can be used for the treatment of insomnia or inability to fall asleep.

Make sure you don’t overdose on these meds. Always make sure you stick to your doctor’s recommended dose. Do not take more or less than that. Do not change the dose frequency or pair your medication with any other medication or any chemical that possesses therapeutic properties.

FAQs: zopiclone vs xanax 

What is the difference between zopiclone and alprazolam?

Zopiclone is a central nervous system depressant as it works on the inhibitory neurotransmitter called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). This chemical basically controls the excessive neuronal firing in your brain. 

This is how Zopiclone causes sedation and can be used for the treatment of clinical insomnia. Xanax, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine called Alprazolam. It is one of the most commonly used benzodiazepines

Is zopiclone like a benzo?

No, Zopiclone is not like a benzodiazepine. Yes, they both can affect the activity of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, but everything else is entirely different. 

Benzodiazepines have other therapeutic roles as well because they can be used for the treatment of anxiety, epilepsy and insomnia. Zopiclone is a typical sleeping pill and can not be usually used for any other health condition. 

Is Xanax better for sleep or anxiety?

Xanax is not a typical sleeping pill. It is actually an anti-anxiety medication. It mimics the activity of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This controls the anxiety causing neuronal activity in your brain and relaxes your mind. 

This relaxed state helps you sleep better. Xanax also causes muscle relaxation which overall causes a feeling of calmness and peace. This can help make you fall asleep. 

Is it OK to take 2 zopiclone?

No, it is not suitable to take two Zopiclone pills at the same time. These medications are no joke and should be used exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. You should not take any more than the prescribed dose. 

What medications are contraindicated with xanax?

• Other anti-anxiety medications or sleeping pills. The concomitant use can dangerously increase the sedation and may cause confusion. 
• Antipsychotic medications
• Opioid drugs, including painkillers and anti-tussive (cough relieving) medications. The concomitant use can cause serious psychological side effects and respiratory depression. 
• Alcohol

References

• Ambien vs. Xanax: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you https://www.singlecare.com/blog/ambien-vs-xanax/
• National Library of Medicine – Alprazolam https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html 
• National Library of Medicine – Zopiclone https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605009.html