title: Zopiclone: Is there cause for concern in addiction services and general practice?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the research on the dependence and abuse potential of zopiclone and the concerns that may be raised for addiction treatment services and General Practice. The focus is on four main areas: Problems that may arise from recommended use; Driving; Issues relating to dependence, and Abuse or recreational misuse.
  
  
  METHODS
  Internet-based searches were carried out using the key descriptors of zopiclone and driving, road traffic accidents, dependence, withdrawal, abuse, misuse and overdose.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Problems arising from recommended use are rare and almost always confined to common side-effects. Driving-related studies indicate the potential for driving impairment for up to 12 hours following use and this has clear implications for both addiction services and general practice. The likelihood of dependence increases once recommended doses and time-frames are exceeded and vulnerable populations such as psychiatric patients and those with addiction problems are at risk.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Somewhat contrary to impressions that Zopiclone has little or no abuse potential, there is evidence that this medication is prescribed at higher than recommended doses and for longer than recommended. It can also be obtained readily other than by prescription. The potential for deliberate abuse may now be regarded as established, albeit at low levels compared to the benzodiazepines and this requires a degree of vigilance by prescribers and care managers.
authors.affiliation: Community Mental Health & Addiction Services, Northland District Health Board, Whangarei, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Merlin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Curreen
authors.affiliation: Opioid Substitution Treatment Service, Northland District Health Board, Kaitaia, Whangarei, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Jed
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lidmila
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control; D001334:Automobile Driving; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010879:Piperazines; C515050:zopiclone
keywords: Zopiclone; abuse; dependence; driving; overdose; road traffic accidents