Thursday, 3 November 2011

Zopiclone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Zopiclone

Systematic (IUPAC) name
(RS)-6-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)-7-oxo-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazin-5-yl 4-methylpiperazine-1-carboxylate
Clinical data
Trade names Imovane, Zimovane
AHFS/Drugs.com International Drug Names
Pregnancy cat. C(US)
Legal status POM (UK) Schedule IV (US)
Routes Oral tablets, 3.75mg (UK), 5 or 7.5 mg
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability 52-59% bound to plasma protein
Metabolism Various cytochrome P450 liver enzymes
Half-life ~6 hours
~9 hours for over 65
Excretion Urine
Identifiers
CAS number 43200-80-2 YesY
ATC code N05CF01
PubChem CID 5735
DrugBank APRD00356
ChemSpider 5533 YesY
UNII 03A5ORL08Q YesY
KEGG D01372 YesY
ChEBI CHEBI:32315 YesY
ChEMBL CHEMBL135400 YesY
Chemical data
Formula C17H17ClN6O3 
Mol. mass 388.808 g/mol
SMILES eMolecules & PubChem
  • InChI=1S/C17H17ClN6O3/c1-22-6-8-23(9-7-22)17(26)27-16-14-13(19-4-5-20-14)15(25)24(16)12-3-2-11(18)10-21-12/h2-5,10,16H,6-9H2,1H3 YesY
    Key:GBBSUAFBMRNDJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N YesY
 N(what is this?)  (verify)

Zopiclone (brand name Imovane in Canada, and Zimovane in the UK) is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent used in the treatment of insomnia. In the United States, zopiclone is not commercially available,[1] although its active stereoisomer, eszopiclone, is sold under the name Lunesta (see History). Zopiclone is a controlled substance in the United States, Japan, Brazil and some European countries, and may be illegal to possess without a prescription.

Zopiclone is known colloquially as a "Z-drug". Other Z-drugs include zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien and AmbienCR) and were initially thought to be less addictive and/or habit-forming than benzodiazepines. However, this appraisal has shifted somewhat in the last few years as cases of addiction and habituation have been presented. It is recommended that zopiclone be taken on an "as needed" basis. Daily or continuous use of the drug is not usually advised.[2] Zopiclone is a tranquilliser drug. It works by causing a depression or tranquillisation of the Central Nervous System. As zopiclone is sedating it is marketed as a sleeping pill. After regular dampening down of the Central Nervous System the body becomes accustomed to functioning under the influence of zopiclone. When the dose is reduced or the drug is stopped these adaptions which have occurred when a person's body has become addicted to a drug are revealed. The result is rebound withdrawal symptoms which can include a whole host of withdrawal symptoms which are seen in benzodiazepine withdrawal. See http://www.bcnc.org.uk/symptoms.html.

Contents

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[edit] History

Zopiclone was first developed and introduced in 1986 by Rhône-Poulenc S.A., now part of Sanofi-Aventis, the main worldwide manufacturer of the drug. Initially it was promoted as being an improvement on benzodiazepines. A recent meta analysis found that zopiclone had no superiority over benzodiazepines in any of the aspects assessed.[3] On April 4, 2005, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration listed zopiclone under Schedule IV, due to evidence that the drug has addictive properties similar to benzodiazepines.

Zopiclone, as traditionally sold worldwide, is a racemic mixture of two stereoisomers, only one of which is active.[4][5] In 2005, the pharmaceutical company Sepracor of Marlborough, Massachusetts began marketing the active stereoisomer eszopiclone under the name Lunesta in the United States. This had the consequence of placing what is a generic drug in most of the world under patent control in the United States, although it is expected to be available in generic form in that country by 2010[dated info]. It is already available off-patent in a number of European countries as well as Brazil and Canada. The eszopiclone/zopiclone difference is in the dosage—the strongest eszopiclone derivative dosage contains 3 mg of the therapeutic stereoisomer, whereas, the highest zopiclone dosage (7.5 mg) contains 3.75 mg of the active stereoisomer. The two agents have not yet been studied in head-to-head clinical trials to determine the existence of any potential clinical differences (efficacy, side effects, developing dependence on the drug, safety, etc.); the significant possibility that the two drugs have identical effects and only differ in dosing and the simple fact that investing in clinical trials is a very expensive undertaking may be responsible for this line of inquiry thus far remaining unpursued.[citation needed]

[edit] Indications

Zopiclone is indicated for the short term treatment of insomnia where sleep initiation or sleep maintenance are prominent symptoms. Long term use is not recommended as tolerance, dependence, addiction can occur with prolonged use.[6][7]

[edit] Availability

Generic Zopiclone 7.5 mg, as manufactured by Merck & Co

Zopiclone is sold under a wide variety of brand names world wide.[8]

  • Zalepla - Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama
  • Zimovane - United Kingdom
  • Zimovane, Zileze, Zimoclone, Zopitan, Zorclone - Ireland
  • Imovane, Apo-Zopiclone, pms-Zopiclone, Ran-Zopiclone, Rhovane, Pro Zopiclone - Canada
  • Imovane or Imrest - Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Italy, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Brazil.
  • Nocturno and Imovane - Israel
  • Imovane (Имован); Relaxon (Релаксон); Somnol (Сомнол) - Russia
  • Alchera, Imovane, Z-Dorm, Zopimed, Zopivane - South Africa
  • Imoclone, Imozop or Imovane - Denmark
  • Limovan - Spain
  • Ximovan - Germany
  • Zopiclon - Netherlands, Bulgaria
  • Zopiclona - Argentina
  • Zetix - Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador
  • Hypnor - Egypt
  • Amoban - Japan

[edit] Adverse reactions

The side effect most commonly seen in clinical trials is taste alteration or dysgeusia (bitter, metallic taste, which is usually fleeting in most users but can persist until the drug's half-life has expired). Palpitations may occur in the daytime following withdrawal from the drug after prolonged periods of use (especially when taken for more than two weeks).

Zopiclone induces amnesia type memory impairments similar to triazolam[9] and Rohypnol. Impairment of driving skills with a resultant increased risk of road traffic accidents is probably the most important side effect. This side effect is not unique to zopiclone but also occurs with other hypnotic drugs.[10][11]

[edit] More common reactions

Gastrointestinal: taste disturbances including bitter metallic taste, dry mouth.[12][13] Nervous system: disruption of REM sleep, double vision, drowsiness, memory impairments, visuospatial impairments, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.[14][15][16][17][18] Unexpected mood changes have been noted, which if experienced should lead to the drug being withdrawn from the patient.

[edit] Less common reactions

[edit] Tolerance, dependence and withdrawal

Zopiclone, a benzodiazepine-like drug was introduced and initially promoted as having less dependence and withdrawal than traditional benzodiazepine drugs. However, zopiclone may have an even greater addictive potential than benzodiazepines and has been described as a "benzodiazepine in disguise".[26][27][28] Tolerance to the effects of zopiclone can develop after a few weeks. Long term use should be avoided. Abrupt withdrawal particularly with prolonged and high doses can in severe cases cause seizures and delirium.[29][30]

Publications in the British Medical Journal do not give any evidence to the claim that zopiclone has a low dependence potential. In fact, physical dependence and recreational abuse and withdrawal syndromes similar to those seen in benzodiazepine withdrawal are frequently encountered. Withdrawal symptoms included anxiety, tachycardia, tremor, sweats, flushes, palpitations, derealisation, and further insomnia.[31] Suspected withdrawal convulsions during detoxification from zopiclone has been reported, however the individual was a high dose zopiclone misuser.[32]

The risk of dependency on zopiclone when used for less than 2 weeks or only used occasionally is low.[33] However, this is disputed by one study of low dose zopiclone taken for only 7 nights. It found that discontinuation of zopiclone caused significant rebound insomnia. Furthermore when midazolam taken for 7 nights was discontinued no rebound insomnia occurred suggesting that zopiclone may have even more significant problems of tolerance and dependence than the benzodiazepines.[34] After 3 weeks of use mild to moderate rebound withdrawal symptoms appear upon discontinuation of zopiclone.[35] Due to the risk of tolerance and physical dependence, zopiclone is only recommended for short term (1–4 weeks max) relief of insomnia, or alternatively, long term infrequent use.[36] Long-term zopiclone users who have become physically dependent should not discontinue their medication abruptly as severe withdrawal symptoms may occur such as delirium.[37] If zopiclone has been taken for more than a few weeks then the medication should be gradually reduced or preferably to cross over to an equivalent dose of diazepam (Valium), which has a much longer half-life which makes withdrawal easier and then gradually taper their dosage over a period of several months in order to avoid extremely severe and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (e.g., inner restlessness, psychomotor agitation, abdominal pain, hypertension, hallucinations, seizures, anxiety, depression, psychosis, etc.) which can last up to two years after withdraw if the withdrawal is done too abruptly.[38][39][40] After 4 weeks of nightly use of zopiclone day time withdrawal related anxiety begin to emerge in some users. However, the day time withdrawal anxiety does not appear to be as intense as that seen with the much shorter acting triazolam which provokes even more profound day time withdrawal anxiety symptoms in long term users.[41]

According to the World Health Organisation, zopiclone, although molecularly is not a benzodiazepine, binds unselectively with high affinity to the same benzodiazepine sites that the benzodiazepine class of drugs do. The World Health Organisation also stated that zopiclone is cross tolerant with benzodiazepines and one can substitute one for the other. In the review of zopiclone by the World Health Organisation they found that the appearance of withdrawal symptoms usually occurred either when the drug was misused in excessive doses or when use of zopiclone was prolonged. The withdrawal symptoms from zopiclone reported included anxiety, tachycardia, tremor, sweating, rebound insomnia, derealisation, convulsions, palpitations and flushes.[42]

Zopiclone is cross tolerant with benzodiazepines.[43] Alcohol has cross tolerance with GABAA receptor positive modulators such as the benzodiazepines and the nonbenzodiazepine drugs. For this reason alcoholics or recovering alcoholics may be at increased risk of physical dependency on zopiclone. Also, alcoholics and drug abusers may be at increased risk of abusing and or becoming psychologically dependent on zopiclone. Zopiclone should be avoided in those with a history of Alcoholism, drug misuse (illicit or prescription misuse), or in those with history of physical dependency or psychological dependency on sedative-hypnotic drugs.

To withdraw from Zopiclone sleeping tablets cross over to an equivalent dose of diazepam, the equivalency table by Professor Heather Ashton can be used.[44] To withdraw and reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, including interdose withdrawal symptoms, it is important that the blood levels of a drug remain constant throughout a 24 hour period. This is not possible with zopiclone as it is a short acting drug, therefore users of Zopiclone should cross over to an equivalent dose of diazepam to begin their dose taper.[45] While it acts on the same benzodiazepine receptors as the benzodiazepine family of drugs it is not classed as a benzodiazepine (with which it shares a number of characteristics and effects) due to its differing molecular structure. Zopiclone is classed as a cyclopyrrolone derivative.[46]

[edit] Carcinogenicity

Zopiclone may be carcinogenic and mutagenic according to rat, mice and hamster studies. At 100 mg per kg of bodyweight per day, the experimental dosage was considerably higher than the therapeutic dose for humans. The authors of an uncontrolled study of zopiclone said that it may take decades in immunocompetent people before carcinogenic effects from past zopiclone use develops. It was suggested that further research and monitoring was required into the potential for zopiclone to cause cancer in immunocompetent patients.[47]

A recent analysis of both U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data and clinical trial data shows that nonbenzodiazepine Z-drugs at prescribed doses cause an increased risk of developing cancer in humans. There have been 15 epidemiological studies which have shown that hypnotic drugs cause increased mortality, mainly due to increased cancer deaths. The cancers included those of the brain, lung, bowel, breast, and bladder. One possible explanation for the increased cancer deaths is that the Z-drugs have an adverse effect on the immune system. The fact that clinical trial subjects taking other Z-drugs (zolpidem, zaleplon and eszopiclone) had an increased rate of infections seems to support this theory. Benzodiazepine hypnotic agents are also associated with an increased risk of cancer in humans, namely ovarian cancer.[dubious – discuss] Development of malignancy has been associated with zolpidem usage, but the incidence of neoplasm in zolpidem users is as yet unknown.

Indiplon, another nonbenzodiazepine drug has also shown an increased rate of cancers in clinical trials. The review author concluded by saying: "The likelihood of cancer causation is sufficiently strong now that physicians and patients should be warned that hypnotics possibly place patients at higher risk for cancer".[48]

[edit] Contraindications

Zopiclone causes impaired driving skills which are similar to benzodiazepines. Long term users of hypnotic drugs for sleep disorders only develop partial tolerance to adverse effects on driving with users of hypnotic drugs even after 1 years use still showing an increased motor vehicle accident rate.[49] Patients who drive motor vehicles should not take zopiclone unless they stop driving due to a significant increased risk of road traffic accidents in zopiclone users.[50] Zopiclone induces impairment of psychomotor function.[51][52] Driving or operating machinery should be avoided after taking zopiclone as effects can carry over to the next day including impaired hand eye coordination.[53][54] Patients with a history of substance abuse should not be prescribed zopiclone, as it has a very high potential for problematic drug misuse.[55] Zopiclone is known to, in some case, induce a state of amnesia, which is largely related (and not too dissimilar to 'sleep-walking'). This can extend to sleep-eating, sleep-talking (quite naturally), to dangerously 'sleep driving'. It is therefore usually not used as an anti-anxiety drug (such as Benzodiazepines), as the patient may be liable to make very poor judgment decisions (as they are essentially mentally 'asleep') and attempt dangerous activities. - With absolutely no recollection at all of the events.[citation needed]

[edit] Special precautions

Alcohol should be avoided when using zopiclone as alcohol and zopiclone enhance the effects of each other.[56]

Patients with liver disease eliminate zopiclone much slower than normal patients and in addition experience exaggerated pharmacological effects of the drug.[57]

Zopiclone increases sway and increases the number of falls in older people as well as cognitive side effects. Falls are a significant cause of death in older people.[58][59][60]

Patients who suffer from muscle weakness due to myasthenia gravis or have poor respiratory reserves due to severe chronic bronchitis, emphysema or other lung disease, or have sleep apnoea cannot safely take zopiclone, nor can a patient with any untreated abnormality of the thyroid gland.[61]

[edit] Elderly

Zopiclone, similar to other benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic drugs causes impairments in body balance and standing steadiness in individuals who wake up at night or the next morning. Falls and hip fractures are frequently reported. The combination with alcohol increases these impairments. Partial, but incomplete tolerance develops to these impairments.[62]

An extensive review of the medical literature regarding the management of insomnia and the elderly found that there is considerable evidence of the effectiveness and lasting benefits of non-drug treatments for insomnia. Compared with the benzodiazepines, the nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, such as zopiclone, offer little if any advantages in efficacy or tolerability in elderly persons. It was found that newer agents such as the melatonin agonists may be more suitable and effective for the management of chronic insomnia in elderly people. Long-term use of sedative-hypnotics for insomnia lacks an evidence base and is discouraged for reasons that include concerns about such potential adverse drug effects as cognitive impairment (anterograde amnesia), daytime sedation, motor incoordination, and increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and falls. In addition, the effectiveness and safety of long-term use of nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic drugs remains to be determined. It was concluded that further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of treatment and the most appropriate management strategy for elderly persons with chronic insomnia.[63]

[edit] Pharmacology

The therapeutic pharmacological properties of zopiclone include hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and myorelaxant properties.[64] Both zopiclone and benzodiazepines act indiscriminately at the benzodiazepine binding site on α1, α2, α3 and α5 GABAA containing receptors as full agonists causing an enhancement of the actions of GABA to produce the therapeutic and adverse effects of zopiclone. The metabolite of zopiclone called desmethylzopiclone is also pharmacologically active although it has predominately anxiolytic properties. Like benzodiazepines zopiclone and its active metabolite desmethylzopiclone also inhibit N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and nicotinic acetylcholine (nAChRs) receptors which might play a role in the addictive properties of these drugs.[65][66] One study however, found some slight selectivity for zopiclone on α1 and α5 subunits.[67] Although it is regarded as being unselective in its binding to alpha1, alpha1, alpha3 and alpha5 GABAA benzodiazepine receptor complexes. Desmethylzopiclone has been found to have partial agonist properties unlike the parent drug zopiclone which is a full agonist.[68] The mechanism of action of zopiclone is similar to benzodiazepines, with similar effects on locomotor activity and on dopamine and serotonin turnover.[69][70] A meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials which compared benzodiazepines to zopiclone or other Z Drugs such as zolpidem, zaleplon has found that there are few clear and consistent differences between zopiclone and the benzodiazepines in terms of sleep onset latency, total sleep duration, number of awakenings, quality of sleep, adverse events, tolerance, rebound insomnia and daytime alertness.[71] Zopiclone is in the cyclopyrrolone family of drugs. Other cyclopyrrolone drugs include suriclone. Zopiclone although molecularly different from benzodiazepines, shares an almost identical pharmacological profile as benzodiazepines including anxiolytic properties. Its mechanism of action is via binding to the benzodiazepine site and acting as a full agonist which in turn positively modulates benzodiazepine sensitive GABAA receptors and enhances GABA binding at the GABAA receptors to produce zopiclone's pharmacological properties.[72][73][74] In addition to zopiclone's benzodiazepine pharmacological properties it also has some barbiturate like properties.[75][76]

In EEG studies, zopiclone significantly increases the energy of the beta frequency band and shows characteristics of high-voltage slow waves, desynchronization of hippocampal theta waves and an increase in the energy of the delta frequency band. Zopiclone increases both stage 2 and slow wave sleep (SWS), while zolpidem, an α1-selective compound, increases only SWS and causes no effect on stage 2 sleep. Zopiclone is less selective to the α1 site and has higher affinity to the α2 site than zaleplon. Zopiclone is therefore very similar pharmacologically to benzodiazepines.[77]

[edit] EEG and sleep

Similar to other sedative hypnotic drugs zopiclone causes a decrease in the core body temperature and is effective in decreasing sleep latency.[78] Zopiclone causes similar alterations on EEG readings and sleep architecture as benzodiazepines and causes disturbances in sleep architecture on withdrawal as part of its rebound effect.[79][80] Zopiclone reduces both delta waves and the number of high-amplitude delta waves whilst increasing low-amplitude waves.[81] Zopiclone reduces the total amount of time spent in REM sleep as well as delaying its onset.[82][83] Cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be superior to zopiclone in the treatment of insomnia and has been found to have lasting effects on sleep quality for at least a year after therapy.[84][85][86][87]

[edit] Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, zopiclone is rapidly absorbed, with a bioavailability of approximately 80%. The plasma protein binding of zopiclone has been reported to be between 45 and 80%. Zopiclone is rapidly and widely distributed to body tissues including the brain, and is excreted in urine, saliva and breast milk. Zopiclone is partly metabolised in the liver to form an inactive N-demethylated derivative and an active N-oxide metabolite. In addition, approximately 50% of the administered dose is decarboxylated and excreted via the lungs. In urine, the N-demethyl and N-oxide metabolites account for 30% of the initial dose. Between 7 and 10% of zopiclone is recovered from the urine indicating extensive metabolism of the drug before excretion. The terminal elimination half-life (t1/2z) of zopiclone ranges from 3.5 to 6.5 hours. The pharmacokinetics of zopiclone in humans are stereoselective. After oral administration of the racemic mixture, Cmax (time to maximum plasma concentration), AUC (area under the plasma time-concentration curve) and t1/2z values are higher for the dextrorotatory enantiomer owing to the slower total clearance and smaller volume of distribution (corrected by the bioavailability), compared with the levorotatory enantiomer. In urine, the concentrations of the dextrorotatory enantiomers of the N-demethyl and N-oxide metabolites are higher than those of the respective antipodes. The pharmacokinetics of zopiclone are altered by aging and are influenced by renal and hepatic functions.[88]

[edit] Interactions

Zopiclone also interacts with trimipramine and caffeine.[89][90] Alcohol has an additive effect when combined with zopiclone, enhancing the adverse effects including the overdose potential of zopiclone significantly.[91][92] A study assessing the impact of zopiclone on driving skills the next day found that the impairments on driving skills are double that of a social dose of alcohol. Zaleplon had no detrimental effects on driving skills the next day.[93] Carbamazepine also has additive effects when combined with zopiclone with both drugs enhancing the side effects of each other.[94] Erythromycin appears to increase the absorption rate of zopiclone and prolong the elimination half-life of zopiclone leading to increased plasma levels and more pronounced effects. Itraconazole has a similar effect on zopiclone pharmacokinetics as erythromycin. The elderly may be particularly sensitive to the erythromycin and itraconazole drug interaction with zopiclone. Temporary dosage reduction during combined therapy may be required especially in the elderly.[95][96] Rifampicin causes a very notable reduction in half-life of zopiclone and peak plasma levels which results in a large reduction in the hypnotic effect of zopiclone. Phenytoin and carbamazepine may also provoke similar interactions.[97] Ketoconazole and sulfaphenazole interfere with the metabolism of zopiclone.[98] Nefazodone impairs the metabolism of zopiclone leading to increased zopiclone levels and marked next day sedation.[99]

[edit] Abuse

Zopiclone is a drug with the potential for misuse with the potential for causing dosage escalation, drug abuse and drug dependence. Zopiclone is well known amongst drug addicts as a drug of abuse and they commonly seek it from their doctors. [One addiction centre found that 5.1% of drug addicts at their treatment center reported a zopiclone addiction.] It is abused orally and sometimes intravenously and often combined with alcohol to achieve a combined sedative hypnotic - alcohol euphoria. Patients who do abuse the drug are also at risk of dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can be seen after long term use of normal doses even after a gradual reduction regime. The Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties recommends that zopiclone prescriptions do not exceed 7 – 10 days due to concerns of addiction, drug tolerance and physical dependence.[100] Two types of drug misuse can occur; either recreational misuse, where the drug is taken to achieve a high, or when the drug is continued long term against medical advice.[101][102] Zopiclone may be more addictive than benzodiazepines.[103] Those with a history of substance misuse or mental health disorders may be at an increased risk of high dose zopiclone misuse.[104] High dose misuse of zopiclone and increasing popularity amongst drug abusers who have been prescribed with zopiclone[105] The symptoms of zopiclone addiction can include depression, dysphoria, hopelessness, slow thoughts, social isolation, worrying, sexual anhedonia and nervousness.[106]

Zopiclone and other sedative hypnotic drugs are detected frequently in cases of people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. Other drugs including the benzodiazepines and zolpidem are also found in high numbers of suspected drugged drivers. Many drivers have blood levels far exceeding the therapeutic dose range and often in combination with other alcohol, illegal or prescription drugs of abuse suggesting a high degree of abuse potential for benzodiazepines, zolpidem and zopiclone.[107][108] Zopiclone which at prescribed doses causes moderate impairment the next day has been estimated to increase the risk of vehicle accidents by 50%, causing an increase by 503 excess accidents per 100,000 persons. It was recommended that zaleplon or other non-impairing sleep aids are used instead of zopiclone to reduce road traffic accidents.[109] Zopiclone as with other hypnotic drugs is sometimes abused to carry out criminal acts such as sexual assaults.[110]

Zopiclone has cross tolerance with barbiturates and is able to suppress barbiturate withdrawal signs. Zopiclone is frequently self administered intravenously in studies on monkeys suggesting a high risk of abuse potential.[111]

Zopiclone is in the top ten medications obtained using false prescription in France.[42]

[edit] Overdose

Zopiclone is sometimes used as a method of suicide.[112] Zopiclone has a similar fatality index as benzodiazepine drugs, apart from temazepam which is particularly toxic in overdosage.[113][114][115] Deaths have occurred from zopiclone overdose, alone or in combination with other drugs.[116][117][118] Overdose of zopiclone may present with excessive sedation, depressed respiratory function which may progress to coma and possibly death.[119] Zopiclone combined with alcohol, opiates or other CNS depressants may be even more likely to lead to fatal overdoses. Zopiclone overdosage can be treated with the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil which displaces zopiclone from its binding site on the benzodiazepine receptor thereby rapidly reversing the effects of zopiclone.[120][121] Serious effects on the heart may also occur from a zopiclone overdose[122][123] when combined with piperazine.[124]

Death certificates show the number of zopiclone related deaths is on the rise.[125] Zopiclone when taken alone usually is not fatal, however, when mixed with alcohol or other drugs such as opioids, or in patients with respiratory, or hepatic disorders, the risk of a serious and fatal overdose increases.[126][127]

[edit] Detection in biological fluids

Zopiclone may be measured in blood, plasma or urine by chromatographic methods. Plasma zopiclone concentrations are typically less than 100 μg/L during therapeutic usage, but frequently exceed 100 μg/L in automotive vehicle operators arrested for impaired driving ability and may exceed 1000 μg/L in acutely poisoned patients. Postmortem blood concentrations are usually in a range of 0.4-3.9 mg/L in victims of fatal acute overdosage.[128][129][130]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.drugs.com/cons/zopiclone.html
  2. ^ Van, Der, Kleijn, E (1989). "Effects of zopiclone and temazepam on sleep, behaviour and mood during the day". European journal of clinical pharmacology 36 (3): 247–51. doi:10.1007/BF00558155. ISSN 0031-6970. PMID 2744064. 
  3. ^ Holbrook AM, Crowther R, Lotter A, Cheng C, King D (January 2000). "Meta-analysis of benzodiazepine use in the treatment of insomnia". CMAJ 162 (2): 225–33. PMC 1232276. PMID 10674059. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=1232276. 
  4. ^ Blaschke, G; Hempel, G; Müller, We (1993). "Preparative and analytical separation of the zopiclone enantiomers and determination of their affinity to the benzodiazepine receptor binding site.". Chirality 5 (6): 419–21. doi:10.1002/chir.530050605. ISSN 0899-0042. PMID 8398600. 
  5. ^ Fernandez, C; Maradeix, V; Gimenez, F; Thuillier, A; Farinotti, R (Nov 1993). "Pharmacokinetics of zopiclone and its enantiomers in Caucasian young healthy volunteers.". Drug metabolism and disposition: the biological fate of chemicals 21 (6): 1125–8. ISSN 0090-9556. PMID 7905394. 
  6. ^ "What's wrong with prescribing hypnotics?". Drug Ther Bull 42 (12): 89–93. December 2004. doi:10.1136/dtb.2004.421289. PMID 15587763. 
  7. ^ Touitou Y (July 2007). "[Sleep disorders and hypnotic agents: medical, social and economical impact]" (in French). Ann Pharm Fr 65 (4): 230–8. PMID 17652991. 
  8. ^ "Benzodiazepine Names". http://www.non-benzodiazepines.org.uk/benzodiazepine-names.html#Zopiclone. Retrieved 26 July 2008. 
  9. ^ Gorenstein C, Tavares SM, Gentil V, Peres C, Moreno RA, Dreyfus JF (1990). "Psychophysiological effects and dose equivalence of zopiclone and triazolam administered to healthy volunteers. Methodological considerations". Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. 23 (10): 941–51. PMID 2101059. 
  10. ^ Gustavsen I, Bramness JG, Skurtveit S, Engeland A, Neutel I, Mørland J (December 2008). "Road traffic accident risk related to prescriptions of the hypnotics zopiclone, zolpidem, flunitrazepam and nitrazepam". Sleep Med. 9 (8): 818–22. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2007.11.011. PMID 18226959. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1389-9457(07)00424-8. 
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  12. ^ Giercksky, Ke; Wickstrom, E (1980). "A dose-response study in situational insomnia with zopiclone, a new tranquilizer". Clinical therapeutics 3 (1): 21–7. ISSN 0149-2918. PMID 6996815. 
  13. ^ Ratrema M, Guy C, Nelva A, et al. (2001). "[Drug-induced taste disorders: analysis of the French Pharmacovigilance Database and literature review]" (in French). Therapie 56 (1): 41–50. PMID 11322016. 
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  105. ^ Sikdar S (July 1998). "Physical dependence on zopiclone. Prescribing this drug to addicts may give rise to iatrogenic drug misuse". BMJ 317 (7151): 146. PMC 1113504. PMID 9657802. http://bmj.com/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=9657802. 
  106. ^ Kuntze MF, Bullinger AH, Mueller-Spahn F (September 2002). "Excessive use of zopiclone: a case report" (PDF). Swiss Med Wkly 132 (35-36): 523. PMID 12506335. http://www.smw.ch/docs/pdf200x/2002/35/smw-10074.pdf. 
  107. ^ Jones AW; Holmgren A, Kugelberg FC. (April 2007). "Concentrations of scheduled prescription drugs in blood of impaired drivers: considerations for interpreting the results". Ther Drug Monit. 29 (2): 248–60. doi:10.1097/FTD.0b013e31803d3c04. PMID 17417081. 
  108. ^ Bramness JG, Skurtveit S, Mørland J (August 1999). "[Detection of zopiclone in many drivers—a sign of misuse or abuse]" (in Norwegian). Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. 119 (19): 2820–1. PMID 10494203. 
  109. ^ Menzin J, Lang KM, Levy P, Levy E (January 2001). "A general model of the effects of sleep medications on the risk and cost of motor vehicle accidents and its application to France". Pharmacoeconomics 19 (1): 69–78. doi:10.2165/00019053-200119010-00005. PMID 11252547. 
  110. ^ Kintz P, Villain M, Ludes B (April 2004). "Testing for the undetectable in drug-facilitated sexual assault using hair analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry as evidence". Ther Drug Monit 26 (2): 211–4. doi:10.1097/00007691-200404000-00022. PMID 15228167. 
  111. ^ Yanagita T. (1982). "Dependence potential of zopiclone studied in monkeys". International pharmacopsychiatry. 17 (2): 216–27. PMID 6892368. 
  112. ^ Mannaert E, Tytgat J, Daenens P (November 1996). "Detection and quantification of the hypnotic zopiclone, connected with an uncommon case of drowning". Forensic Sci. Int. 83 (1): 67–72. doi:10.1016/0379-0738(96)02018-X. PMID 8939015. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/0379-0738(96)02018-X. 
  113. ^ Relative toxicity of benzodiazepines in overdose
  114. ^ Buckley NA, Dawson AH, Whyte IM, McManus P, Ferguson N.Correlations between prescriptions and drugs taken in self-poisoning: Implications for prescribers and drug regulation.Med J Aust (in press)
  115. ^ Buckley NA, Dawson AH, Whyte IM, O'Connell DL. (1995). "[Relative toxicity of benzodiazepines in overdose."]. BMJ 310 (6974): 219–21. PMC 2548618. PMID 7866122. http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/310/6974/219. 
  116. ^ Meatherall RC (March 1997). "Zopiclone fatality in a hospitalized patient". J. Forensic Sci. 42 (2): 340–3. PMID 9068198. 
  117. ^ Van Bocxlaer J, Meyer E, Clauwaert K, Lambert W, Piette M, De Leenheer A (1996). "Analysis of zopiclone (Imovane) in postmortem specimens by GC-MS and HPLC with diode-array detection". J Anal Toxicol 20 (1): 52–4. PMID 8837952. 
  118. ^ Yamazaki M, Terada M, Mitsukuni Y, Yoshimura M (August 1998). "[An autopsy case of poisoning by neuropsychopharmaceuticals including zopiclone]" (in Japanese). Nihon Hoigaku Zasshi 52 (4): 245–52. PMID 9893443. 
  119. ^ Boniface PJ, Russell SG (1996). "Two cases of fatal zopiclone overdose". J Anal Toxicol 20 (2): 131–3. PMID 8868406. 
  120. ^ Cienki, JJ; Burkhart KK, Donovan JW. (2005). "Zopiclone overdose responsive to flumazenil". Clin Toxicol (Phila). 43 (5): 385–6. PMID 16235515. 
  121. ^ Pounder, Dj; Davies, Ji (May 1994). "Zopiclone poisoning: tissue distribution and potential for postmortem diffusion.". Forensic science international 65 (3): 177–83. doi:10.1016/0379-0738(94)90273-9. ISSN 0379-0738. PMID 8039775. 
  122. ^ Regouby Y, Delomez G, Tisserant A (1990). "[First-degree heart block caused by voluntary zopiclone poisoning]" (in French). Therapie 45 (2): 162. PMID 2353332. 
  123. ^ Regouby Y, Delomez G, Tisserant A (1989). "[Auriculo-ventricular block during voluntary poisoning with zopiclone]" (in French). Therapie 44 (5): 379–80. PMID 2814922. 
  124. ^ Dart, Richard C. (2003). Medical Toxicology. p. 889. ISBN 978-0781728454. 
  125. ^ Carlsten, A; Waern M, Holmgren P, Allebeck P. (2003). "The role of benzodiazepines in elderly suicides". Scand J Public Health. 31 (3): 224–8. doi:10.1080/14034940210167966. PMID 12850977. 
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  127. ^ Bramness JG, Arnestad M, Karinen R, Hilberg T (September 2001). "Fatal overdose of zopiclone in an elderly woman with bronchogenic carcinoma". J. Forensic Sci. 46 (5): 1247–9. PMID 11569575. 
  128. ^ Kratzsch C, Tenberken O, Peters FT et al. Screening, library-assisted identification and validated quantification of 23 benzodiazepines, flumazenil, zaleplone, zolpidem and zopiclone in plasma by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. J. Mass Spec. 39: 856-872, 2004.
  129. ^ Gustavsen I, Al-Sammurraie M, Mørland J, Bramness JG. Impairment related to blood drug concentrations of zopiclone and zolpidem compared to alcohol in apprehended drivers. Accid. Anal. Prev. 41: 462-466, 2009.
  130. ^ R. Baselt, Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, 8th edition, Biomedical Publications, Foster City, CA, 2008, pp. 1677-1679.

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GABAA Agonists/PAMs
Barbiturates: Allobarbital • Amobarbital • Aprobarbital • Barbital • Butabarbital • Butobarbital • Cyclobarbital • Ethallobarbital • Heptabarbital • Hexobarbital • Mephobarbital • Methohexital • Pentobarbital • Phenobarbital • Proxibarbal • Reposal • Secobarbital • Talbutal • Thiamylal • Thiopental • Vinbarbital • Vinylbital; Benzodiazepines: Brotizolam • Cinolazepam • Climazolam • Doxefazepam • Estazolam • Flunitrazepam • Flurazepam • Flutoprazepam • Haloxazolam • Loprazolam • Lormetazepam • Midazolam • Nimetazepam • Nitrazepam • Quazepam • Temazepam • Triazolam; Carbamates: Carisoprodol • Ethinamate • Hexapropymate • Meprobamate • Methocarbamol • Procymate • Tybamate; Neuroactive Steroids: Acebrochol • Allopregnanolone • Alphadolone • Alphaxolone • Eltanolone • Ganaxolone • Hydroxydione • Minaxolone • Org 20599 • Org 21465 • Tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone; Nonbenzodiazepines: CL-218,872 • Eszopiclone • Indiplon • JM-1232 • Lirequinil • Necopidem • Pazinaclone • ROD-188 • Saripidem • Suproclone • Suriclone • SX-3228 • U-89843A • U-90042 • Zaleplon • Zolpidem • Zopiclone; Phenols: Fospropofol • Propofol; Piperidinediones: Glutethimide • Methyprylon • Pyrithyldione • Piperidione; Quinazolinones: Afloqualone • Cloroqualone • Diproqualone • Etaqualone • Mebroqualone • Mecloqualone • Methaqualone • Methylmethaqualone • Nitromethaqualone; Others: 2-Methyl-2-butanol • Acetophenone • Acetylglycinamide chloral hydrate • Bromide (Lithium bromide, Potassium bromide, Sodium bromide) • Centalun • Chloral hydrate • Chloralose • Chloralodol • Clomethiazole • Dichloralphenazone • Ethanol (Alcohol) • Ethchlorvynol • Etomidate • Gaboxadol • Loreclezole • Methylpentynol • Metomidate • Paraldehyde • Petrichloral • Sulfonmethane • Trichloroethanol • Triclofos • Valerenic acid (Valerian)
GABAB Agonists
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An Open Letter to the Citizens of Oakland from the Oakland Police Officers’ Association « Oakland Police Officer's Association

Oakland Police Officers’ Association

1 November 2011 – Oakland, Ca.

We represent the 645 police officers who work hard every day to protect the citizens of Oakland. We, too, are the 99% fighting for better working conditions, fair treatment and the ability to provide a living for our children and families. We are severely understaffed with many City beats remaining unprotected by police during the day and evening hours.

As your police officers, we are confused.

On Tuesday, October 25th, we were ordered by Mayor Quan to clear out the encampments at Frank Ogawa Plaza and to keep protesters out of the Plaza. We performed the job that the Mayor’s Administration asked us to do, being fully aware that past protests in Oakland have resulted in rioting, violence and destruction of property.

Then, on Wednesday, October 26th, the Mayor allowed protesters back in – to camp out at the very place they were evacuated from the day before.

To add to the confusion, the Administration issued a memo on Friday, October 28th to all City workers in support of the “Stop Work” strike scheduled for Wednesday, giving all employees, except for police officers, permission to take the day off.

That’s hundreds of City workers encouraged to take off work to participate in the protest against “the establishment.” But aren’t the Mayor and her Administration part of the establishment they are paying City employees to protest? Is it the City’s intention to have City employees on both sides of a skirmish line?

It is all very confusing to us.

Meanwhile, a message has been sent to all police officers: Everyone, including those who have the day off, must show up for work on Wednesday. This is also being paid for by Oakland taxpayers. Last week’s events alone cost Oakland taxpayers over $1 million.

The Mayor and her Administration are beefing up police presence for Wednesday’s work strike they are encouraging and even “staffing,” spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars for additional police presence – at a time when the Mayor is also asking Oakland residents to vote on an $80 parcel tax to bail out the City’s failing finances.

All of these mixed messages are confusing.

We love Oakland and just want to do our jobs to protect Oakland residents. We respectfully ask the citizens of Oakland to join us in demanding that our City officials, including Mayor Quan, make sound decisions and take responsibility for these decisions. Oakland is struggling – we need real leaders NOW who will step up and lead – not send mixed messages. Thank you for listening.

via opoa.org

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Wednesday, 2 November 2011

DALE FARM – THE FIGHT

Candy Sheridan

Dale Farm – The Fight Continues

31/10/2011

The operation had begun at 7.30 am on October 19th when heavily armoured police firing Tazers – projectiles carrying a 6,000 volt electric charge – broke through fencing in a dawn raid and pushed through the site until brought to a halt by residents, burning barricades and supporters locked onto lorries and scaffolding.

The police defended their use of Tazers - which are potentially lethal and not designed for crowd control - saying that they had come under attack from the protestors. The protestors and residents say that the police tactics were heavy-handed and aggressive from the start and likened the police operation to a “commando raid”.

After a tense stand-off as police and bailiffs attempted to remove protestors from the barricades and scaffolding tower, the residents and the protestors took the decision to end resistance to the police operation and marched out of the site together.

“You can’t take away our dignity”

Resident Kathleen Sheridan said, “Leaving together is about our own dignity and our appreciation of the support we’ve received. We’re leaving together as one family, and we are proud of that - you can’t take away our dignity”.

With the protestors gone, the second part of the operation began with bailiffs using heavy diggers and machinery moving in to clear the unauthorized plots watched by worried residents.

With five remaining authorized plots containing many caravans and refugees from the evicted plots, the clearance is complicated and Gypsy Council representative Candy Sheridan and campaigning lawyer Marc Willers had to intervene on several occasions to remind Basildon council that the bailiffs could only act under the powers of the court judgment and not go beyond it.

“It’s disgraceful,” says Mary Sheridan. “We always knew the bailiffs would breach their court orders, they always do.”

Disruption to the children

The clearance could take weeks and the disruption to the lives of the remaining residents in both the five legal plots and the official half of the site that still remains is immense. With half-term starting, the children are unable to escape the ongoing eviction by going to school.

“A muddy hole in the ground”

Matthew Brindley from the Irish Traveller Movement in Britain describes what is happening: “There are diggers and low-loader lorries on site and bailiffs in high-visibility jackets and hard hats. There are also a few legal monitors witnessing the clearances. The diggers are pulling up illegal hard-standing and building banks of earth around the site to stop future access. This concerns us because the court order is only meant to stop residential use and remove some of the structures and the land still belongs to the Travellers,” he says. “The Council and Bailiffs are also planning to dig up the main access road which will isolate the five legal plots - which currently have about 10-15 caravans parked on them housing families with children. On three of these plots the court order allows the hard-standing to be removed but the caravans can stay. This will mean the bailiffs digging it out from under the caravans making life untenable for the remaining residents and reducing them to living in a muddy hole in the ground.”

Prejudice and ignorance

As the site is cleared, The Traveller’s Times can reveal that the Chairman of Essex County Council has sent a letter to the Mayor of Basildon thanking him on “behalf of the people of Essex and the County Council” for evicting the site which he says was “occupied” by “travellers” and “Irish criminals”.

Basildon Deputy Leader and Conservative Councillor Stephen Horgan used the eviction as an opportunity to score political points and claimed on his blog that the local Labour Party had betrayed the ”forgotton” local settled residents of Crays Hill because they “hate some parts of the Basildon community.” He also described Dale Farm as a “slum” and said that that Travellers needed to “change their culture” as they were living “in conditions that the settled community largely moved on from a century ago.”

“Dignity and peace”

Meanwhile, as the politicians claim victory and gloat, Candy Sheridan (pictured) is on site every day amidst the bailiffs and council workmen, the noise and the machinery. She is there working with the residents to help them cope with the clearance operation and make sure that the bailiffs do not overstep the mark.  “This happens to my community every month, every week, every day,” she says. “The media have now gone but the fight continues,” she says. “There are families living in the middle of all this. They have nowhere else to go. The court order allows for a small site to remain here and we will make sure that happens and that the residents can live here with dignity and in peace.”

Making History?

In December’s issue of the Magazine, The Traveller’s Times talks to Gypsy and Traveller rights campaigner Marc Willers and Gypsy Council representative Candy Sheridan about what Dale Farm means for the Romany Gypsy and Traveller communities

via travellerstimes.org.uk

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Facebloke - The Wall / Idiots of Ants - BBC Three - YouTube

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Tuesday, 1 November 2011

Occupy Oakland Demonstrators Plan General Strike Wednesday - Alameda, CA Patch

Bay City News Service — Occupy Oakland organizers are calling for work stoppages, school walkouts and the closure of banks and corporations during a general strike and mass day of action that's planned for Wednesday.

Organizers held a news conference Monday at the intersection of Broadway and Telegraph Avenue in downtown Oakland, which was the center of the city's last general strike in 1946.

Tim Simmons of Occupy Oakland said demonstrations will converge at the corner of 14th Street and Broadway at three different times: 9 a.m., noon and 5 p.m.

Part of the action will involve a 5 p.m. action march to the Port to Oakland to support longshore workers in Longview, Washington, who are involved in a labor dispute with the grain exporter EGT.

Joseph Haraburda, the president and chief executive of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce, said he considers it threatening that Occupy Oakland posters and pamphlets state that "all banks and corporations must close down for the day or demonstrators will march on them."

Haraburda expressed frustration that the city's leadership hasn't clearly said how it will respond.

"What's the city going to do?" he said. "We need to hear a message from the city."

The office of Mayor Jean Quan issued a statement late Monday saying city offices and services will remain open on Wednesday, adding "we are not urging businesses to close."

Instead, businesses should "use common sense precautions," Quan's office said, describing this as "a fluid situation."

via alameda.patch.com

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The Occupations Report: 11/01 | Occupy Together

We’ve recently seen this report posted and shared through social media, but we thought it might be helpful to have another place on the web it can be published and accessed daily. We’ll be posting the archives of this report soon. This Occupation Report is compiled by Rebuild the Dream. 

 

This report includes updates from Occupy sites and related efforts across the country and the globe. It includes big wins, local organizing efforts, protests/events, police activity reports and calls to action where additional support from allies/general public may be needed.

For more updates from occupations around the country, listen to the Occupation America podcast at http://soundcloud.com/occupation-america

Nationwide: Occupy Oakland has called for a GENERAL STRIKE tomorrow – thousands are expected to participate including Occupy sites across the country.

Occupy Atlanta:  Occupy Atlanta held a press conference at 10 am at the Fulton County Court to address the sell-off of foreclosed homes and businesses in Fulton County. “Occupy Atlanta will stand in solidarity with those for whom the banks, after receiving bailout funds from tax payers, refused to refinance or re-structure their loans.” This afternoon Occupy Atlanta issued a statement saying they will be staying on the 4th floor of Peachtree and Pine until they are ready to re-occupy public space. The General Assembly decided to re-occupy Troy Davis/Woodruff Park on November the 5th. And tonight at 7pm Joe Beasley will be speaking for “Homeless Memorial Day” at the Cathedral of St. Philip.

Occupy Boston: Occupy Boston issued a statement earlier today saying they will stand in solidarity with Occupy Oakland and the General Strike tomorrow. The group is planning several events to make up their Day of Action.

Occupy Cincinnati: Early Voting Today at 4:30pm. Occupy Cincinnati joins the UFCW, Amos Project and other allies to encourage the community to come out for early voting and celebrate Cincinnati’s Voter Rights heroes.

Occupy Cleveland: Occupy Cleveland is holding an International Student Break-Out from 1-9pm today. The city has extended Occupy Cleveland’s Sidewalk Permit through November 14 – allowing the group to have a canopy on the sidewalk. The group is still not allowed to sleep in the square, use heaters or store any personal belongings at the site.

Occupy Colleges:  Occupy Colleges is staging National Solidarity Teach-Ins on November 2nd and 3rd. The purpose in holding these teach-ins is to educate interested university community members about Occupy Wall Street, cultivate new ideas and possible solutions and ways to contribute, and effectively participate in steering the course of the largest social movement our generation has yet to see. Find out more at http://occupycolleges.org/.

Occupy Denver: Police in Denver attempting to evict Occupiers this afternoon . CALL TO ACTION: Help Occupy Denver. Please call 720-913-6019, 720-713-2000 or 720-713-6010 and ask the police department to please have tolerance for the necessities of our movement and to not make arrests, not move people, not use rubber bullets, tear gas or any such actions. This movement is for all of us!

Occupy Des Moines: [CNN report] Occupy Wall Street activists plan to amass in Iowa one week before the Iowa caucuses — up to the day they’re held on Jan. 3. If the protests occur, it appears they would be unprecedented for the Iowa caucus season. They could also spark clashes between Occupy Wall Street activists and scores of conservatives.

Occupy Foreclosed Homes:  At 11 am today, a retired sheriff’s deputy in the Bayview District set out to reclaim her former home in a neighborhood that’s been plagued by foreclosures. One organizer said Supervisor John Avalos, who is running for mayor, and OccupySF protesters were set to join the retired deputy for the first take-back of a foreclosed home in San Francisco.

Occupy From Home: Check out this video explaining how you protest from home by using credit card solicitations to make banks pay: http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2011/11/01/occupy-wall-street-from-home

Occupy Nashville: [Nashville Scene report] In a victory for Occupy Nashville today, the state of Tennessee declined to defend the governor’s crackdown on protesters at Legislative Plaza and accepted a court order banning more arrests—at least for now. Federal Judge Aleta Trauger said she’d already decided to issue her temporary restraining order anyway, even if the state had opposed it. “I can’t think of any more quintessential public forum than the Legislative Plaza,” she said, calling the governor’s actions “clear prior restraint of free speech.” She said she was “most gratified” and “not too surprised” that the state was conceding the first round in the lawsuit filed this morning by Occupy Nashville and the ACLU.

Occupy Oakland: OCCUPY OAKLAND GENERAL STRIKE TOMORROW. Thousands are expected to participate including members of several unions – SEIU Local 1021, UAW, Alameda Central Labor Council, Philippine Airlines Workers, Berkeley Federation of Teachers, Oakland Teachers Union, Carpenters Local 713 and others. ILWU Local 10 President, Clarence Thomas, spoke during a press conference held by Occupy Oakland yesterday: “The reason why I and other workers will be standing in solidarity with the Occupy Oakland movement is because this is a movement about fighting corporate rule.” Unions like ILWU and SEIU are not legally allowed to ask workers to strike (because that could violate the terms of their contracts); they are instead encouraging workers to use legitimate time-off to support the General Strike.

Occupy Orlando: Occupy Orlando is holding an “Awake the State” Teach-In tonight at 5:30pm in Senator Beth Johnson Park. The focus will be on educating the community on voter rights, voter participation, voter suppression and voter protection.

Occupy Philadelphia: [Local CBS report] The Nutter administration is continuing negotiations with the “Occupy Philadelphia” protesters encamped near City Hall, trying to convince them to move before a renovation of Dilworth Plaza begins. Mayor Nutter himself met privately Sunday with a group of the protesters about the current conditions at the encampment and about the need to relocate later this month when the plaza makeover begins.

“They have been open, they have been respectful, they have been responsive, and I want to keep that kind of engagement going between the city government and Occupy Philly.”

Occupy Portland: Federal officials enlisted the help of Portland Police to remove Occupy Portland protesters from federally owned Terry D. Schrunk Plaza this morning- 10 protesters were arrested.  And this afternoon, Sierra Club held a rally at Occupy Portland this afternoon to show support for the Occupy movement and to highlight the need to end reliance on coal, oil and gas corporations.

Occupy San Francisco: [San Francisco Examiner report] “Leave Occupy SF alone,” is the message being sent from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to Mayor Ed Lee and the San Francisco Police Department. The supervisors are poised to approve a resolution Tuesday that calls for “no use of force to dislodge the Occupy SF demonstrators and confiscate their belongings.”

Occupy Seattle: Occupy Seattle organizers are asking folks to rally at Westlake Park at 6 p.m. this Wednesday. The group will march to the nearby Sheraton hotel in downtown Seattle, where Chase bank’s Jamie Dimon will be the keynote speaker at the Foster School of Business.

Occupy Tulsa: CALL TO ACTION: Twitter reports of eviction from Occupy Tulsa this afternoon.  The group is asking supporters to call 918-596-7411 to complain to the city of Tulsa.

Vacaville: VIDEO: The word “OCCUPY” with a peace sign for the O spelled out on a 30-yard section of a Vacaville hill by I-80 and Merchant Street. http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2011/10/31/occupy-message-carved-into-vacaville-hillside/

 

WORLDWIDE

Occupy Brisbane: Occupy Brisbane reported earlier today that police were en route to evict the group and that fences had been erected around the encampment.

Occupy Dunedin: Protesters camped on Dunedin’s Octagon have pledged to ignore a Dunedin City Council (DCC) trespass notice to be off the site by 8pm tonight. Read more at http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5891027/Occupy-Dunedin-protesters-refuse-to-move.

 

The Daily Occupation Report is compiled by Rebuild the Dream using information gathered from online news sites, Twitter, blogs and other sources of occupation-related updates. You are welcome to share this report and can find it at http://rebuildthedream.com/occupy-update.

 

If you have any questions, feedback or additions, please send them along with your contact information to monique@rebuildthedream.com or  lizbutlerdc@gmail.com.

via occupytogether.org

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Amazing Pumpkin Sculptures

Amazing Pumpkin Sculptures

Incredible 3D pumpkin carvings made by American sculptor Ray Villafane.

Every year for Halloween, talented artist converts pumpkins into scary three-dimensional faces. This year’s creations are truly remarkable!

Thinker

Torment Pumpkin

Pumpkins

NFL Pumpkin

Pumpkin Sculpture

Halloween Pumpkins

Bat Pig Pumpkin

Scary Pumpkins

Chucky Pumpkin

Pumpkin

Pumpkin Sculptures

Girl Pumpkin

Pumpkin Art

Pumpkin Face

Carved Pumpkin

Knockout Pumpkin

Squeeze Pumpkin

For more inspiration, check out: Scary Halloween Pumpkin Carvings

via toxel.com

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26/09/11 Open Mic night at The Goat - YouTube

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Listen to the drummer (-: Smooooth -

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