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Active ingredient

Zopiclone

Zopiclone is a prescription medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night, or early-morning waking). It belongs to a group of medicines often called 'Z-drugs' (non-benzodiazepine hypnotics), which act in a similar way to benzodiazepines. Because of the risk of tolerance and dependence, it is normally prescribed only for a short period and is a controlled drug in many European countries.

Reviewed by the Kam4eu Pharmacy Team on 13 August 2026 · Next review August 2027

Zopiclone medicines we deliver

Browse the full Sleep Aids & Wakefulness range

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

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, usually just before going to bed, and only when you are able to get a full night's sleep. Do not take more than the prescribed amount, do not take it for longer than recommended (usually no more than 2-4 weeks including any tapering), and do not take a second dose during the same night.

Side effects

Common (usually mild and temporary):

  • 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. As a controlled medicine, return any unused tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Frequently asked questions

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.

Zopiclone health guides

Zopiclone and alcohol: why the combination is a hard no

Summary: Alcohol and zopiclone both depress the central nervous system, and together they multiply rather than add — deeper sedation, suppressed breathing, memory blackouts, sleepwalking and next-morning impairment. The NHS position is unambiguous: do not drink while taking zopiclone. Here's the pharmacology behind the rule and how to handle the real-world situations around it.

Read guide

Can you take zopiclone every night? What tolerance really does

Summary: No — zopiclone is licensed for short courses of up to 4 weeks because nightly use breeds tolerance (the dose stops working), dependence (sleep collapses without it) and rebound insomnia on stopping. Here's the honest timeline of what nightly use does, how to use zopiclone so it keeps working, and the exit route if you're already past the guideline.

Read guide

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

Summary: 7.5mg is the standard adult dose of zopiclone — the dose the evidence supports for short-term insomnia — and 10mg is a higher strength that adds sedation (and side effects) rather than better sleep architecture. Zopiclone is a 2–4 week medicine, not a lifestyle; here's how the doses differ, the next-day effects, and the rules that keep Z-drugs safe.

Read guide

Zopiclone: uses, dosage, side effects and how to take it safely

Summary: zopiclone is a short-term sleeping tablet (a 'Z-drug') for insomnia — usual dose 7.5mg at bedtime, works in about an hour. It's for short courses only (7–14 days) because it can cause dependence. Here's how to use it, the side effects, and the safety rules.

Read guide