Hypnotic dependence: zolpidem and zopiclone too

(1) Loss of efficacy can occur after a few weeks of treatment with zolpidem and zopiclone. This is not a reason to increase the dose. (2) Zolpidem and zopiclone carry a risk of dependence and of potentially severe disorders (e.g. seizures) during withdrawal. (3) The risk-benefit ratio of benzodiazepines and related drugs (zopiclone and zolpidem) remains more favourable than that of other drugs used in insomnia. However, first-line treatment of sleep disorders should not necessarily be drug-based.