Imovane is the common name given to Zopiclone which is a benzodiazepine class medication. Imovane is frequently sold as Alchera, Zimovane, Zopimed and Zopivane in South Africa as a prescribed medication used for insomnia related conditions.
Facts on insomnia medications
Imovane is prescribed as a schedule 5 psychotropic substance classed as benzodiazepine used for insomnia. This high scheduling in South Africa means that all South African medical professionals prescribing or dispensing benzodiazepines like (Imovane, Alchera, Zimovane, Zopimed and Zopivane) that contain Zopiclone must keep a national name registry record of prescriptions as it is highly controlled substance under South African law.
The reason for scheduling Zopiclone, Alchera, Zimovane, Zopimed and Zopivane and other benzodiazepine medications is due to the fact that psychoactive drugs like Imovane effect on the chemical makeup of the brain and nervous system and are thus capable of influencing your mind, emotions and behaviours.
Psychotropic drugs like Zopiclone has tolerance factors that can lead to substance use disorders (even if used as directed) and may dull your cognitive function. Consequently, Imovane must only be administered as directed by your medical doctor.
Combining Imovane with other drugs or alcohol has the potential to cause adverse reactions that further increases the likelihood of an overdose or death.
What does Imovane do?
Imovane attaches to benzodiazepine receptors in your nervous system and brain. This stimulates the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) chemicals. This can produce a deactivated effect in your brain. Zopiclone is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and it may be prescribed for it’s sedative effects on people.
In that the intent of Imovane slows down your nervous system and you are able to enter a more relaxed state of being. This de-activated state becomes the key drawcard for people who have underlying or ongoing states of stress and anxiety inside their life that cause the insomnia conditions.
It does not take you long to connect that Imovane, Alchera, Zimovane, Zopimed and Zopivane work in diminishing most insomnia symptoms. This is why many individuals become addicted to Imovane even using it as directed by your medical professional. Tolerance to and withdrawal cycle from Zopiclone builds relatively quickly and in so doing the motivation for upping the the recommended dose beyond the recommended prescription.
Imovane used to help treat insomnia
Many people that struggle with insomnia can find short to medium term relief in Zopiclone (Imovane, Alchera, Zimovane, Zopimed and Zopivane) prescriptions. In many scenarios, benzodiazepines like Imovane are a only a temporary solution which ought to be employed alongside talk therapy and adjustments to your lifestyle to best manage the underlying causes of insomnia symptoms. This may include adjustments to your sleep, mental health and diet.
Imovane is most often taken orally in a tablet or suspension form. Most benzodiazepines are sold in two options, immediate-release and extended-release. In many cases, Imovane will remain in your bloodstream for up to 10 days or five “half-lives” to metabolise Zopiclone from the body. Short acting benzodiazepines maintain a short half-life meaning that they are processed faster by the body. Conversely, long-acting benzodiazepines take longer to be metabolised by the body.
Imovane Withdrawal and Detox
Even when used as prescribed, Imovane can cause psychological or physical addiction/dependence. When the addiction cycle begins, your body adapts and you will need to keep taking Imovane to prevent the withdrawal symptoms. Imovane can have a potentially dangerous withdrawal so you should never try to go “cold turkey” and should seek the advice of a professional before attempting to withdrawal from Imovane. Depending on how much Imovane you are on, an abrupt withdrawal can trigger a seizure, coma, and other potentially fatal scenarios.
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Recovery Direct (South Africa) is a market-leading exclusive treatment centre which uses on specialised talk therapy in a highly confidential and exclusive care centre.
Treatment for the withdrawal of benzodiazepines like Zopiclone may require specialised care. The underlying drivers of many addictive behaviours can be traced back to psychological events in your life. Our counsellors help by understanding your unique needs and then helping you to develop and navigate the right tools to move forward from where you are now to where you want to be.
