Zopiclone is a prescription medicine for short-term sleeping problems, or insomnia, in adults. It belongs to a group called hypnotics, which act on the brain to help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night.
This medication comes as tablets, most often in strengths of 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg.
Doctors prescribe zopiclone for people who struggle to get enough restful sleep. Usually, they recommend it only for a short period.
Long-term use can lead to dependence, so it’s important to follow your healthcare professional’s advice when taking zopiclone.
What Is Zopiclone?
Zopiclone is a prescription sedative-hypnotic mainly for treating insomnia in adults. As a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic, it acts on specific receptors in the brain to help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep.
Mechanism of Action
Zopiclone increases the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter in the brain. When GABA attaches to its receptors, it reduces nerve activity, leading to relaxation and sleepiness.
Unlike benzodiazepines, zopiclone belongs to the cyclopyrrolone class but still targets the GABA-A receptor complex. This slows down brain activity, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
Zopiclone’s effects usually kick in about an hour after taking a tablet. Doctors typically prescribe it for short-term use, since long-term use can cause dependence and tolerance.
Types of Zopiclone Formulations
Zopiclone is most commonly available as an oral tablet. Tablets usually come in 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg strengths, letting the healthcare provider adjust the dose as needed.
Brand names include Imovane and Zimovane. Each tablet is meant to be swallowed with water, usually right before bed.
There’s no common liquid or injectable form for this medication. Some related medications, like eszopiclone (the S-enantiomer, sold as Lunesta in some countries), are derived from zopiclone.
Eszopiclone isn’t widely used in the UK but may be prescribed elsewhere for similar reasons.
Comparison to Other Hypnotic Medications
Zopiclone falls under non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, which also include zolpidem and zaleplon. These drugs are sometimes called “Z-drugs.”
They have similar effects as traditional benzodiazepines (like diazepam) but are different at the molecular level. Compared to older benzodiazepines, zopiclone is less likely to cause next-day drowsiness if you use it correctly.
Still, side effects like dry mouth and a bitter taste can happen. Zopiclone, zolpidem, and eszopiclone (Lunesta) all act on the GABA system to promote sleep, but they differ a bit in how long they last and their risk of dependence.
This table sums up those differences:
| Medicine | Class | Brand Names | Duration of Effect | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zopiclone | Non-benzodiazepine | Imovane, Zimovane | 6–8 hours | Insomnia |
| Zolpidem | Non-benzodiazepine | Stilnoct | 6–8 hours | Insomnia |
| Eszopiclone | Non-benzodiazepine | Lunesta | 6–8 hours | Insomnia |
Doctors recommend all of these only for short-term use to lower the risk of addiction and tolerance.
Medical Uses and Effectiveness
Zopiclone is mainly prescribed as a sleep aid for insomnia. It’s meant for short-term use and can help people fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
Treatment of Insomnia
Doctors use zopiclone to treat insomnia in adults who can’t fall asleep, wake up a lot, or wake up too early. It’s also given to those who need help staying asleep through the night.
Most doctors recommend zopiclone for short-term relief—usually up to 2–4 weeks. They don’t advise long-term use because of dependence risks.
Elderly patients often get lower doses, since they’re more sensitive to the medicine’s effects and side effects. Zopiclone shouldn’t be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a doctor says it’s necessary.
Efficacy for Sleep Duration and Quality
Zopiclone helps people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It can increase total sleep time and improve sleep quality, especially for those with serious sleep troubles.
Benefits of zopiclone include:
- Reduced time to fall asleep
- Fewer night-time awakenings
- Better sleep continuity
Some users feel drowsy or less alert the next day, which can make driving or using machines risky. These effects get worse if you drink alcohol at the same time.
Short-Term Versus Long-Term Uses
Zopiclone is meant for short-term treatment. If you use it longer than 2–4 weeks, your body can get used to it and you might become dependent.
Doctors might consider longer use if insomnia is severe and nothing else works, but that’s rare. Anyone on long-term zopiclone needs close monitoring.
Stopping zopiclone suddenly after long use can bring on withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or sleep problems. Tapering the dose slowly with a doctor’s help manages these risks.
Over time, repeated use can make it less effective for sleep. It’s important to have regular check-ins with your healthcare provider if you’re using it for a while.
Dosage, Administration, and Precautions
Zopiclone is prescription-only and usually comes as tablets. Dosage and precautions vary for adults, elderly people, and those with liver or kidney issues.
Standard Dosages
The usual adult dose for insomnia is 7.5 mg right before bed. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water.
Some adults, especially those sensitive to medication or with mild health issues, may start with 3.75 mg. Don’t take zopiclone more than once in 24 hours.
It’s for short-term use—typically no longer than 2–4 weeks. Using it longer increases the risk of dependence and lessens its effect.
Your doctor decides the right dose based on your needs and any other medicines you’re taking. Don’t change your dose without asking your doctor first.
Special Populations
Elderly patients and those with liver or kidney problems need extra care with zopiclone. Doctors usually recommend a lower starting dose of 3.75 mg to lower the risk of side effects like confusion or drowsiness.
People with severe liver impairment or severe kidney problems should avoid zopiclone or use it only under strict medical supervision. Zopiclone isn’t suitable for people with myasthenia gravis, severe respiratory failure, sleep apnoea, or other serious breathing problems.
Adults with mild to moderate renal or hepatic impairment may need dose changes and careful monitoring. Children and teenagers shouldn’t take zopiclone.
Administration Guidelines
Take zopiclone shortly before bed. Don’t take it during the day or if you can’t get at least 7–8 hours of sleep.
If you don’t get enough sleep after taking it, you might feel drowsy or have memory problems the next day. Store tablets in a cool, dry place, away from children.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. If you miss a dose, skip it and just take the next one at bedtime—don’t double up.
Don’t stop zopiclone suddenly without talking to your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms can occur. Return unused tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Precautionary Measures
Zopiclone can interact with other medicines and substances. Don’t mix it with other sedatives, certain antihistamines, antibiotics, supplements, or herbal remedies that cause drowsiness.
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of severe drowsiness and should be avoided. People with a history of alcohol or drug abuse should only use zopiclone if a doctor says it’s okay.
If you’re taking HIV medicines or treatments that affect the liver, let your health professional know. Be careful with vitamins, supplements, or any new medication.
If you notice breathing problems, allergic reactions, or unusual side effects, contact your doctor right away. Keep all medicines away from heat and moisture, and never share your prescription tablets with others.
Side Effects, Risks, and Interactions
Zopiclone can cause mild and severe side effects. Patients should know about risks like dependence, drug interactions, and warnings before starting this medication.
Common and Severe Side Effects
A lot of people taking zopiclone notice side effects. The most common are drowsiness, dry mouth, and a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth.
These may start soon after you take the medicine and often get better with time. Some people have headaches, dizziness, or feel unsteady.
Less commonly, blurred vision or digestive issues like nausea can happen. Serious side effects such as memory loss (especially after night-time doses), mood changes, confusion, sleepwalking, or hallucinations are rare but possible.
Allergic reactions might appear as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing. If you have any severe reaction, get medical help immediately to avoid complications or overdose.
Risk of Dependence and Withdrawal
Doctors intend zopiclone for short-term use because of the risk of dependence and addiction. Using it regularly, especially in higher doses or for more than 4 weeks, increases the chance of dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Dependence can develop even if you take it as prescribed, but it’s more likely in people with a history of addiction or mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Signs of dependence include needing higher doses for the same effect and feeling unable to stop.
Withdrawal can bring on anxiety, agitation, sweating, rebound insomnia, muscle cramps, irritability, tremors, and rarely, seizures. Rebound insomnia means your sleep problems come back worse after stopping the drug. Tolerance might also develop, making zopiclone less effective over time.
Drug Interactions
Zopiclone can interact with a lot of other medications and substances. Mixing it with alcohol often leads to more drowsiness, suppressed breathing, and a much higher risk of overdose or nasty side effects.
If you combine zopiclone with other central nervous system depressants—like antipsychotics, antidepressants, opioids, muscle relaxants, or antihistamines—it can push sleepiness, confusion, or breathing problems even further.
Some antifungal medications (think ketoconazole or itraconazole) and antiretrovirals (such as ritonavir) can cause strong interactions. These can raise zopiclone levels in your body and bump up the risk of side effects.
A table showing potential drug interactions:
| Substance/Drug | Effect |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Increased sedation & breathing risk |
| Antipsychotics | Greater drowsiness, confusion |
| Antidepressants | Worsened mental health symptoms |
| Muscle relaxants | Enhanced muscle weakness |
| Antifungals | Higher zopiclone levels |
Contraindications and Warnings
Zopiclone just isn’t right for everyone. People with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, severe breathing problems, muscle weakness, or depression with suicidal thoughts should avoid it.
Doctors need to be extra careful with elderly patients. They’re more likely to have drowsiness, falls, or confusion.
Those with mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression, might be at higher risk for psychiatric side effects. Sometimes hallucinations or a worsening of symptoms can show up.
Don’t stop zopiclone suddenly if you’ve been taking it a while. Suddenly quitting can bring on withdrawal symptoms, so it’s better to taper off slowly with a doctor’s help.
Always talk to your doctor before mixing zopiclone with other medicines. If you notice allergic reactions, sleepwalking, or odd behaviors, get medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zopiclone is a prescription drug people usually get for severe insomnia. It’s worth knowing about its side effects, how much to take, and what risks come with it if you’re thinking about using it or already are.
What are the potential side effects of taking Zopiclone?
Some folks feel groggy the next day. Dry mouth, a weird bitter or metallic taste, or headaches can pop up too.
Other side effects might include stomach pain or nausea. Rarely, someone could feel confused or notice memory issues.
For what conditions is Zopiclone commonly prescribed?
Doctors usually prescribe Zopiclone for insomnia, especially when sleep problems are really messing with someone’s life. It helps people fall asleep faster and—hopefully—stay asleep all night.
What is the recommended dosage for Zopiclone to ensure safety and efficacy?
The typical adult dose is 7.5 mg before bed. Older adults or people with certain health issues might get a lower dose, like 3.75 mg.
Doctors usually want people to use it short-term, no longer than two to four weeks.
How much Zopiclone is considered safe to take in one instance?
Taking more than your prescription can be dangerous. The max safe amount is what your doctor says—usually 7.5 mg per night for most adults.
Taking extra won’t help you sleep better and just raises your risk of harm.
What are the possible consequences of taking Zopiclone and not going to sleep?
If you take Zopiclone and try to stay awake, you might feel extremely drowsy, confused, less alert, or just plain unsteady. That can make accidents—like falling or getting hurt—way more likely, and driving? Definitely not a good idea.
Is Zopiclone considered to be a potent sleeping medication?
Zopiclone works pretty well for people who struggle with severe sleep issues. Most folks find they fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night.
Doctors usually prescribe it for short stretches since there’s a risk of getting dependent on it. It’s not something you’d want to use long-term unless you have no other options.