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. 2025 Jul;40(4):e70007.
doi: 10.1002/hup.70007.

Zopiclone as a Potent Positive Control for Assessing the Residual Effects of Hypnotic Drugs on Next Day Driving Performance: A Systematic Review

Sonali Karhana  1 , Samra Hussain  2 , Mohammad Mateen Zehgeer  3 , Mohd Ashif Khan  1
Affiliations

Zopiclone as a Potent Positive Control for Assessing the Residual Effects of Hypnotic Drugs on Next Day Driving Performance: A Systematic Review

Sonali Karhana et al. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2025 Jul.

Abstract

Aim: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of zopiclone as a potent positive control for the assessment of residual effects of hypnotic drugs on the next day driving performance in clinical trials.

Methodology: Online databases and websites were used to conduct a literature search to identify relevant clinical trials encompassing the use of zopiclone as a positive control and the trials examining the residual effects of zopiclone on the next day driving performance. A total of 22 articles were identified and as per the inclusion criteria, 16 were selected for final data retrieval.

Results: The average difference in Standard Deviation of Lateral Position (SDLP) between zopiclone and a placebo ranged from 1.6 to 4.74 cm. On average, this difference was about 2.51 cm, indicating significant impairment in driving ability the day after taking zopiclone. Therefore, current studies demonstrate zopiclone administration impairs driving performance, as indicated by increased standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) values. Additionally, the reported adverse events included somnolence, dyspepsia, fatigue, headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, and upper respiratory tract problems.

Conclusion: Zopiclone can serve as a reliable positive control in future clinical trials assessing the residual effects of hypnotic drugs on next-day driving performance.

Keywords: cognitive effects; driving safety; psychomotor functions; safety; sleep medication.

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