Posted by ed_uk on February 6, 2005, at 15:48:07
In reply to Re: Lunesta.........UK, posted by TheOutsider on February 6, 2005, at 14:13:29
Hi,
The drug zopiclone (Zimovane) consists of 2 chemicals: eszopiclone and R-zopiclone. R-zopiclone appears to have very little pharmacological activity. Eszopiclone is now sold on it's own as Lunesta. Zopiclone (Zimovane) consists of 50% eszopiclone ie. a 7.5 mg tablet of Zimovane contains 3.75mg of eszopiclone.
Zopiclone has been available in the UK for many years. Although zopiclone is licensed for short-term use only, it is sometimes prescribed for long periods of time because it does appear to be effective in the long term - at least in some patients.
Zopiclone seems to be less likely to be associated with tolerance or dependence than the benzodiazepines. Dependence on zopiclone is still possible though. Some people do abuse zopiclone and consequently become addicted. Inevitably, both abuse, 'addiction' and physical dependence will also occur with Lunesta. It is my belief that the long-term use of Lunesta or Zimovane may be slightly *more* likely to result in physical dependence than the long-term use of zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnoct). A recent study reported that in the treatment of chronic insomnia 'zolpidem (Ambien) was at least as effective as zopiclone (Zimovane), showed significantly less rebound on discontinuation and was better tolerated.' Zopiclone (Zimovane) and eszopiclone (Lunesta) are less selective for the omega1 subunit of the benzodiazepine receptor than zolpidem (Ambien) - this may account for the apparantly greater risk of withdrawal symptoms with zopiclone. Lunesta has no proven advantages over Zimovane - both drugs can be useful hypnotics.
Ed.
poster:ed_uk
thread:453470
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050202/msgs/454005.html