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Active ingredient

Zopiclone

What is zopiclone?

Zopiclone is a prescription-only sleeping tablet in the EU/EEA for short-term treatment of insomnia in adults, used only when the insomnia is severe, disabling or very distressing. It is a benzodiazepine-like 'Z-drug'. Treatment should be as short as possible — at most four weeks including tapering off — because tolerance and dependence can develop.

Reviewed by the Kam4eu editorial team on 13 August 2026 · Next review August 2027

Zopiclone medicines we deliver

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2 generic Zopiclone products — same molecule, different brands, formats and pack sizes.

What zopiclone is used for

  • Short-term treatment of insomnia in adults.
  • Only when the insomnia is severe, disabling or causing extreme distress.
  • Not for children or adolescents under 18.

Source: HPRA (Ireland) — Zimovane (zopiclone) 7.5 mg film-coated tablets

How zopiclone compares with other insomnia options

  • Zopiclone is benzodiazepine-like: it shares the benzodiazepines' risks of dependence, withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia when stopped.
  • The EU product information sets the usual adult dose at 7.5 mg, not to be exceeded; older people and those with liver problems or chronic breathing problems start at 3.75 mg.
  • Treatment usually lasts a few days to two weeks, and no more than four weeks including tapering off; any longer use needs a fresh medical assessment.
  • Modafinil, in the same range, does the opposite job — it keeps people with narcolepsy awake — and the two are not interchangeable.

Safety essentials

  • Not for people with myasthenia gravis, severe breathing problems, severe sleep apnoea or severe liver impairment, or for children.
  • Taking it with opioids can cause sedation, breathing depression, coma and death; alcohol increases its sedative effect and is not recommended.
  • Sleep-walking, 'sleep driving', preparing food or making phone calls while not fully awake, with no memory afterwards, have been reported — stop and tell your doctor if this happens.
  • Take it only when you can sleep 7 to 8 hours uninterrupted, and do not drive until you know you are not impaired.
  • After longer use, stop gradually: withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia can occur.

Source: HPRA (Ireland) — Zimovane (zopiclone) 7.5 mg film-coated tablets

Interactions

  • Opioids: increased risk of sedation, breathing depression, coma and death — the dose and duration of any combination should be limited.
  • Alcohol: not recommended — it enhances sedation and affects driving.
  • Other sedating medicines (antipsychotics, other sleeping tablets, anxiety medicines, antidepressants, strong painkillers, antiepileptics, anaesthetics, sedating antihistamines): enhanced sedation.
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole or ritonavir raise zopiclone levels — erythromycin increased exposure by 80% in a study.
  • CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin or St John's wort lower zopiclone levels.

Source: HPRA (Ireland) — Zimovane (zopiclone) 7.5 mg film-coated tablets

How it works

Zopiclone works on the brain and central nervous system to promote sleep. It enhances the effect of a natural calming chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which reduces the activity of nerve cells. This produces a sedative effect that can help you fall asleep more quickly, reduce night-time waking and improve overall sleep quality for a short time.

How it is taken

Always take zopiclone exactly as prescribed and as described in the patient information leaflet. It is taken by mouth just before going to bed, and only when you can sleep uninterrupted for 7 to 8 hours. The EU product information says treatment usually lasts from a few days to two weeks, and no more than four weeks including tapering off. Do not take more than prescribed, and do not take a second dose during the same night.

Zopiclone side effects

The EU product information notes that no modern clinical documentation exists to give frequencies, and names a bitter taste as the most common side effect. Drowsiness, reduced alertness, confusion, tiredness, headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, unsteadiness and double vision occur mainly at the start of treatment and usually fade with repeated use.

Source: HPRA (Ireland) — Zimovane (zopiclone) 7.5 mg film-coated tablets

Reported side effects (no frequencies are given in the EU product information):

  • A bitter or metallic taste in the mouth
  • Daytime drowsiness, tiredness or feeling 'hungover' the next day
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or light-headedness

Stop and seek medical help if you experience:

  • Memory problems (amnesia), or carrying out activities such as walking, eating or driving while not fully awake with no memory of it afterwards
  • Changes in mood or behaviour, such as agitation, aggression, confusion, hallucinations or worsening depression
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing
  • Dependence (addiction) and withdrawal symptoms when stopping, especially after prolonged use
  • Falls, particularly in older people

Safety & who should not take it

  • Do not drink alcohol while taking zopiclone; combining the two greatly increases drowsiness and the risk of serious breathing problems.
  • Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how zopiclone affects you, as next-day impairment is common; it is an offence to drive while impaired.
  • Tell your doctor about all other medicines, especially other sedatives, strong painkillers (opioids), muscle relaxants or medicines for anxiety.
  • Use is intended for short-term treatment only; long-term use can lead to tolerance, dependence and difficult withdrawal.
  • Tell your doctor before use if you have breathing problems, liver or kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, sleep apnoea, or a history of alcohol or drug misuse or depression.
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for children.
  • Older adults may be more sensitive and are at greater risk of drowsiness, confusion and falls.

Storage

Store in the original packaging below 25°C, away from direct heat, light and moisture, and out of the sight and reach of children. Return any unused tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Frequently asked questions

What is zopiclone used for?+

Short-term treatment of insomnia in adults, and only when it is severe, disabling or causing extreme distress. The EU product information says treatment usually lasts a few days to two weeks, with a maximum of four weeks including tapering off, and that it is taken just before bed.

Is zopiclone 10 mg above the usual dose?+

Yes. The EU product information for Zimovane sets the recommended adult dose at 7.5 mg and says it should not be exceeded; older people start at 3.75 mg. Tablets of 10 mg are above that dose, so only a doctor should decide whether such a strength is appropriate.

What are the side effects of zopiclone?+

A bitter taste is the most common. Drowsiness, reduced alertness, confusion, headache, dizziness, muscle weakness and double vision occur mainly at the start. Memory loss for events after taking it, sleep-walking, agitation or hallucinations mean stop and tell a doctor, and dependence can develop even at therapeutic doses. Older people are at risk of falls.

Is zopiclone addictive?+

It can be. Tolerance and dependence can develop, especially with regular use beyond a few weeks. To reduce this risk it is prescribed for short periods only, and your doctor may lower the dose gradually rather than stopping suddenly.

Can I drive the morning after taking zopiclone?+

Not necessarily. Zopiclone can cause drowsiness and slowed reactions that last into the next day. Do not drive if you feel in any way impaired, and allow enough time for a full night's sleep first.

Can I drink alcohol while taking zopiclone?+

No. Alcohol adds to the sedative effect and can cause excessive drowsiness and dangerous breathing problems. You should avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine.

Important: This information is general and not a substitute for medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine and consult a doctor or pharmacist before use — especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medication.

Sources

Zopiclone health guides

Zopiclone 7.5mg vs 10mg: the honest guide to sleeping-tablet doses

Summary: 7.5mg is the standard adult dose of zopiclone for short-term insomnia. 10mg is a higher strength that adds sedation and side effects rather than better sleep. Zopiclone is a short-course medicine, usually two to four weeks at most, not a long-term habit. Expect possible next-day drowsiness, don't drive if affected, and never combine it with alcohol.

Read guide

Zopiclone for Insomnia: A Short-Term Guide

Summary: Zopiclone is a prescription 'Z-drug' sleeping tablet that helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep. It is only for a short course for severe, short-lived insomnia, usually a few days to a few weeks. Longer use risks tolerance and dependence. Your doctor sets the dose and timing; never combine it with alcohol or drive the next morning if drowsy.

Read guide

Zopiclone vs Other Sleep Aids: Understanding Short-Term Insomnia Options

Summary: Zopiclone is a prescription-only 'Z-drug' for short-term insomnia that, like benzodiazepines, can cause dependence, so courses are kept short. Melatonin and sedating antihistamines are milder options with their own limits. For lasting results, better sleep habits and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia come first, with medicines as a short-term aid.

Read guide

Related conditions & treatments

Conditions Zopiclone treats

Insomnia

See also

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