Zopiclone and Sertraline

 

To use two or more drugs together means either extra benefit or extra side effects that may be fatal.

Using Zopiclone and sertraline together belongs to the second type which we call drug interactions.

Drug interactions may lead to less or more effectiveness of the drug, or unexpected and undesirable side effects.

Unfortunately, drug interactions may be harmful and may be even fatal.

Therefore, you should never take a drug without the consultation of a doctor, and make sure to always inform your doctor about the drugs you are using.

So, what are Zopiclone and Sertraline, and what is the type of interaction between them?

Zopiclone is a type of sleeping pill, that is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia.

It is also used in transient, situational, chronic insomnia, and insomnia related to psychiatric problems.

Insomnia is one of the most common sleeping problems in the world.

It is characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, or staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep.

The long use of Zopiclone is not recommended, it is only used for a short period.

Sertraline is an SSRI (Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitor) which is a type of antidepressant.

It is used in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, posttraumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Depression is a disorder affecting the mood causing a persistent sadness and loss of interest, affecting your daily activities.

The obsessive-compulsive disorder is featured by obsessions (undesirable thoughts and fears) leasing to compulsions (repetitive behaviors).

Panic attacks are episodes of sudden and intense fear with no real or apparent danger.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a medical condition affecting mental health, that is triggered by a life-changing event.

Social anxiety disorder is feeling anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment caused by everyday interactions.

So, either insomnia or depression and anxiety disorders, what do you need to know before using zopiclone and sertraline?

Before you take Zopiclone, you should know that it is not taken in the following cases:

• If you have ever had any signs of allergy to Zopiclone, these signs include: rash, swallowing problems, breathing difficulties, swelling of lips, face, throat, or tongue
• If you have myasthenia gravis (a medical condition including weakness and tiredness of the muscles)
• If you suffer from sleep apnea (losing breath during sleeping for a short time)
• If you suffer from respiratory failure
• If you have severe liver problems

How about Sertraline, what cases you should not use it in:

• If you have ever had any signs of allergy to Sertraline, these signs include: rash, swallowing problems, breathing difficulties, swelling of lips, face, throat, or tongue
• If you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or MAOI like drugs, if you should take both of them, wait for at least 2 weeks before taking the other one
• If you are taking a drug for psychosis called pimozide

Common and uncommon side effects of Zopiclone and Sertraline:

For Zopiclone

Go to the nearest hospital or call an ambulance if you suffered from any of the following symptoms:

• An allergic reaction like skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Breathing or swallowing difficulties
• Lightheadedness
• Lack of co-ordination
• Delusions
• Depression
• Respiratory depression

Common side effects:

• Bitter or metallic taste
• Dry mouth

Uncommon:

• Headache
• Nightmares
• Stomach aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and tiredness
• Agitation

For Sertraline

Tell your doctor immediately if you suffer from any of the following symptoms as they may be dangerous:

• Erythema Multiforme (a skin reaction triggered by Sertraline causing a bulging, lesions look like a rash, red, pink, purple, or brown

This may be due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

• An allergic reaction including itchy skin rash, breathing problems, wheezing, swollen eyes, face, or lips
• Agitation or confusion
• Diarrhea, high blood pressure, and temperature
• Excessive sweating and rapid heartbeats
• Liver damage signed by yellow skin and eyes
• Suicidal thoughts
• Restlessness
• Seizures
• Manic episodes

Very common side effects:

• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Feeling sick
• Dry mouth
• Ejaculation failure
• Fatigue

Common side effects:

• Cold, sore throat, and runny nose
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Anxiety, depression, nervousness, nightmares, teeth grinding, and agitation
• Decreased sexual interest
• Muscle movement problems and muscles tense
• Numbness and tingling
• Lack of attention
• Abnormal taste
• Problems with vision and ringing in the ears
• Hot flushes, palpitations, and yawning
• Stomach problems, pain, gas, vomiting, or abdominal pain
• Back, joint, or muscles pain
• Menstrual irregularities and erectile dysfunction
• Malaise, weakness, and fever
• Increased weight
• Injury

How about the concomitant use of Zopiclone and Sertraline together?

When Zopiclone and Sertraline are used together, the severity of side effects is increased.

Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of them before taking the other one.