Important information about Zopiclone
Zopiclone is a prescription sleeping medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. It can help people fall asleep more easily and reduce waking during the night.
Zopiclone should only be taken when prescribed for you and exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
It can cause drowsiness, impaired alertness and dependence, so understanding the risks is important.
Zopiclone is a sedative-hypnotic medicine. It acts on chemical systems in the brain that help reduce brain activity and promote sleep.
It is intended for short-term treatment, rather than long-term management of insomnia.
The dose prescribed depends on the individual and their circumstances.
For commonly prescribed UK zopiclone tablets, the recommended adult dose is 7.5 mg taken shortly before going to bed. Some people, including older adults and people with certain medical conditions, may be prescribed a lower starting dose such as 3.75 mg. (Medicines.org.uk)
Zopiclone should be taken as one dose at bedtime and should not be taken again during the same night.
Treatment should normally be as short as possible and should not exceed 4 weeks, including the period used to gradually reduce the medicine. (Medicines.org.uk)
Never increase your dose because you feel the medicine is becoming less effective. Speak to your doctor instead.
Zopiclone is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18. (Medicines.org.uk)
Possible side effects include:
Not everyone experiences side effects.
If side effects are severe, persistent or concerning, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Seek urgent medical help if you experience serious symptoms such as:
Unusual behaviours can occasionally occur while someone is not fully awake, including complex activities performed during sleep.
Do not drink alcohol while taking zopiclone.
Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of Zopiclone and may make you extremely sleepy or difficult to wake.
The combination can be particularly dangerous when other medicines that cause sedation are also involved.
Taking Zopiclone together with opioid medicines such as morphine, oxycodone or codeine can significantly increase the risk of:
The UK product information specifically warns about the combination of Zopiclone and opioids. (Medicines.org.uk)
If you take opioid medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking Zopiclone.
Zopiclone can affect concentration, coordination and reaction times.
The risk of impaired driving and psychomotor performance is particularly important during the 12 hours after taking zopiclone. (Medicines.org.uk)
Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel sleepy, dizzy, confused or otherwise impaired.
Zopiclone can cause physical and psychological dependence.
The risk increases with higher doses and longer treatment. Dependence can sometimes occur even when zopiclone is taken at prescribed doses. (Medicines.org.uk)
Signs that may indicate developing dependence or tolerance include:
If you have been taking zopiclone regularly, do not suddenly stop without medical advice.
Suddenly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia. A doctor can advise on reducing the dose safely. (Medicines.org.uk)
Zopiclone is not usually recommended during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or think you may be pregnant, speak to your doctor before taking Zopiclone.
Use during the later stages of pregnancy or labour can affect the newborn baby and may cause problems including:
Severe neonatal respiratory depression has been reported. (Medicines.org.uk)
Do not stop prescribed Zopiclone suddenly without medical advice.
Zopiclone passes into breast milk.
The NHS states that it may sometimes be used for a short period while breastfeeding, but this should be discussed with a doctor because the medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. (nhs.uk)
UK product information is more cautious and states that use in nursing mothers should be avoided. (Medicines.org.uk)
If you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Zopiclone.
Never share prescribed Zopiclone with another person.
Tell your doctor before taking zopiclone if you have:
Certain medicines can also interact with Zopiclone. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and supplements you take. (nhs.uk)
Taking more than prescribed can be dangerous.
An overdose can cause extreme sleepiness and, particularly when combined with alcohol or other sedating medicines, can cause serious breathing problems or loss of consciousness.
If you have taken more Zopiclone than prescribed, seek medical advice promptly.
If someone is unconscious, having difficulty breathing or cannot be woken, call 999 immediately.
If you forget to take your Zopiclone at bedtime, do not take an extra dose later in the night.
Follow the instructions provided with your prescription or speak to your pharmacist if you are unsure.
Zopiclone is prescribed for a particular person and should never be given to somebody else.
Using someone else’s prescription medicine can be dangerous because the dose and suitability depend on the individual’s health, other medicines and circumstances.
Be particularly careful when purchasing medicines online.
A website may look professional without being a legitimate pharmacy.
Do not assume that a website is safe simply because it appears in a search engine or uses professional-looking branding.
In the UK, check that an online pharmacy is appropriately registered before purchasing medicines.
Call 999 if someone who has taken Zopiclone:
For non-life-threatening concerns, contact your GP, pharmacist or NHS 111.
Can Zopiclone become addictive?
Yes. Zopiclone can cause dependence and addiction, particularly with higher doses or longer treatment. (Medicines.org.uk)
Can I drink alcohol with zopiclone?
No. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects and may make the combination dangerous.
Can I drive after taking zopiclone?
Zopiclone can impair driving ability. Particular caution is required during the 12 hours after taking it. (Medicines.org.uk)
Can I take zopiclone during pregnancy?
It is not usually recommended during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. (nhs.uk)
Can I breastfeed while taking zopiclone?
Discuss this with your doctor. Zopiclone passes into breast milk and different official guidance should be considered for your individual circumstances. (nhs.uk)
If you have been taking it regularly, do not stop suddenly without medical advice. Withdrawal and rebound insomnia can occur. (Medicines.org.uk)
This website provides general educational information about zopiclone. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional.
Always follow the instructions on your prescription and the information supplied with your medicine.
If you are concerned about your treatment, side effects, pregnancy, breastfeeding, dependence or interactions with other medicines, speak to a healthcare professional.
Medical information should be checked regularly because prescribing guidance can change.
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