Zopiclone is a prescription sleeping medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It can help people fall asleep more quickly and may help them stay asleep for longer.
For people in the UK researching zopiclone sleeping tablets, it is important to understand not only how the medicine may help with insomnia, but also its possible side-effects, interactions, next-day drowsiness, tolerance and risk of dependence.
This guide explains the main uses and safety considerations associated with zopiclone in straightforward terms.
Zopiclone at a Glance
- Medicine type: Hypnotic sleeping tablet
- Main use: Short-term treatment of insomnia
- Active ingredient: Zopiclone
- Common brand: Zimovane
- Availability in the UK: Prescription medicine
- Common side-effects: Sleepiness, tiredness, dry mouth and bitter or metallic taste
- Important considerations: Alcohol, driving, medicine interactions, tolerance and dependence
Zopiclone should only be taken when prescribed for you and according to the instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
What Is Zopiclone?
Zopiclone is a hypnotic medicine used to help treat insomnia. It belongs to a group of medicines commonly known as Z-drugs.
Insomnia can affect people in different ways. Some people have difficulty falling asleep, while others wake repeatedly during the night or wake earlier than they intend to.
Zopiclone works on signalling in the brain associated with relaxation and sleep. Its sedative effects can make it easier to fall asleep and may help improve sleep continuity.
Zopiclone is also available under the brand name Zimovane.
Because the body can become accustomed to the medicine, zopiclone is generally intended for short-term treatment rather than long-term management of persistent insomnia.
What Are Zopiclone Sleeping Tablets Used For?
The primary use of zopiclone is the short-term treatment of insomnia.
Insomnia may involve:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking frequently during the night
- Remaining awake for long periods
- Waking earlier than intended
- Poor-quality or disrupted sleep
Sleeping tablets such as zopiclone may be considered when insomnia is particularly troublesome and other approaches have not been sufficient.
Treatment decisions should be made by a qualified healthcare professional after considering the individual’s symptoms, medical history and other medicines.
Improving sleep habits can also be an important part of managing insomnia. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, reducing stimulating activities before bedtime and creating a comfortable sleeping environment may support better sleep.
How Does Zopiclone Work?
Zopiclone affects chemical signalling in the brain involved in calming and sleep.
Its hypnotic action can help reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. It may also help people remain asleep for longer during the night.
Because zopiclone can cause sedation, it is generally taken shortly before going to bed according to the prescription instructions.
The medicine does not necessarily address the underlying cause of insomnia. Persistent sleep difficulties can be associated with stress, anxiety, lifestyle factors, other medicines, medical conditions or sleep disorders.
For this reason, people experiencing ongoing insomnia should discuss the problem with a healthcare professional.
Zopiclone Side-Effects
Like all medicines, zopiclone can cause side-effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Some side-effects are relatively common and may become less troublesome as the body adjusts to the medicine.
Common Side-Effects
Common side-effects associated with zopiclone can include:
- Feeling sleepy or tired
- Reduced alertness
- Feeling dazed
- Dry mouth
- Bitter or metallic taste
If side-effects continue, become troublesome or concern you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Bitter or Metallic Taste
One of the recognised side-effects of zopiclone is an unpleasant bitter or metallic taste.
Some people may also experience a dry mouth.
Drinking water and maintaining good oral hygiene may help with dry mouth. Sugar-free chewing gum or sugar-free sweets can also sometimes help stimulate saliva production.
If the problem persists or becomes particularly troublesome, discuss it with a pharmacist or doctor.
Sleepwalking and Unusual Sleep-Related Behaviour
Some people taking zopiclone or similar sleeping medicines have reported unusual activities while they were not fully awake.
These behaviours can include sleepwalking or other activities that the person may not remember afterwards.
If you experience unusual behaviour during sleep or have no memory of activities that occurred after taking zopiclone, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Zopiclone and Next-Day Drowsiness
Zopiclone can cause drowsiness after the night-time dose.
Some people may still feel sleepy, tired, dizzy, dazed or less alert the following day.
This is important because reduced alertness can affect driving, cycling, operating machinery and other activities requiring concentration and quick reactions.
Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel sleepy or impaired.
Always follow the specific advice provided with your prescription and medicine information leaflet.
Can You Drink Alcohol With Zopiclone?
Alcohol should be avoided while taking zopiclone.
Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of zopiclone and may make you considerably more sleepy or impaired.
Combining alcohol with zopiclone may also increase the risk of unusual sleep-related behaviour and other adverse effects.
If you are unsure whether a particular drink, medicine or supplement is safe to use with zopiclone, speak with a pharmacist or doctor.
Zopiclone Interactions
Before taking zopiclone, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, supplements and other products you use.
Some medicines can increase sedation or otherwise affect how zopiclone works.
Particular care may be required when zopiclone is taken alongside other medicines that cause drowsiness or affect the central nervous system.
This includes prescription medicines, medicines bought from a pharmacy or shop, and some herbal or complementary products.
Always check with a healthcare professional before combining zopiclone with another medicine.
Who Should Discuss Zopiclone With a Doctor First?
Zopiclone may not be suitable for everyone.
Tell your doctor if you:
- Have breathing problems
- Have sleep apnoea
- Have a condition associated with muscle weakness
- Have liver problems
- Have kidney problems
- Have previously experienced drug or alcohol dependence
- Have certain mental health conditions
- Are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- Are breastfeeding
- Have previously experienced an allergic reaction to a medicine
- Take other prescription or non-prescription medicines
Providing your doctor with a complete medical history helps them decide whether zopiclone is appropriate for you.
Zopiclone, Tolerance and Dependence
An important consideration with zopiclone is the potential for tolerance and dependence.
Tolerance means that the body can become accustomed to a medicine, potentially making it less effective over time.
Dependence can also develop. This is one reason why zopiclone is normally prescribed for a short period rather than as a long-term treatment for insomnia.
Do not increase your dose because you feel that the medicine is becoming less effective.
Do not extend your treatment without speaking with your doctor.
If you have been taking zopiclone regularly, discuss how treatment should be stopped with your healthcare professional. Depending on the circumstances, they may recommend gradually reducing treatment rather than stopping suddenly.
How to Use Zopiclone Safely
If zopiclone has been prescribed for you, follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
Important safety principles include:
- Take zopiclone exactly as prescribed.
- Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not take an additional dose because you feel it has not worked quickly enough.
- Avoid alcohol while taking zopiclone.
- Do not drive if you feel sleepy, dizzy or impaired.
- Tell healthcare professionals about all other medicines you take.
- Do not give your prescription medicine to another person.
- Do not change your treatment without speaking with your prescriber.
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
How Long Is Zopiclone Usually Used?
Zopiclone is intended for short-term treatment of insomnia.
Healthcare professionals generally avoid prolonged use because the body can become accustomed to the medicine and dependence may develop.
The appropriate treatment duration depends on the individual’s circumstances and should be determined by the prescribing healthcare professional.
If insomnia continues after the prescribed treatment period, speak with your doctor rather than continuing to take zopiclone without medical advice.
Zopiclone and Sleep Quality
Zopiclone may help improve sleep by reducing the time required to fall asleep and supporting sleep continuity.
However, medication is only one part of managing sleep difficulties.
Good sleep habits can also be helpful. These may include maintaining consistent sleeping and waking times, limiting stimulating activities before bed and creating a quiet, comfortable bedroom environment.
Persistent insomnia may require assessment to identify an underlying cause.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if:
- Side-effects are persistent or troublesome.
- You experience unusual behaviour during sleep.
- You are concerned about dependence.
- You think zopiclone is becoming less effective.
- You are taking other medicines and are unsure about interactions.
- You want to stop regular treatment.
- Your insomnia continues or becomes worse.
Seek urgent medical assistance if you experience severe or potentially serious symptoms, such as significant breathing difficulties or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
If you believe that you or someone else has taken too much zopiclone, seek urgent medical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zopiclone
What is zopiclone used for?
Zopiclone is a prescription sleeping medicine used primarily for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and may support sleep continuity.
What are the common side-effects of zopiclone?
Common side-effects can include sleepiness, tiredness, reduced alertness, dry mouth and a bitter or metallic taste.
Can zopiclone cause dependence?
Yes. Tolerance and dependence can develop with zopiclone, which is why it is generally prescribed for short-term use.
Can you drink alcohol while taking zopiclone?
Alcohol should be avoided while taking zopiclone because it can increase sedation and the risk of adverse effects.
Can you drive after taking zopiclone?
Zopiclone can cause drowsiness and reduced alertness. You should not drive, cycle or operate machinery if you feel sleepy, dizzy, dazed or otherwise impaired.
How long is zopiclone normally prescribed?
Zopiclone is generally used for short-term treatment. The duration of treatment should be determined by the prescribing healthcare professional.
Can you stop zopiclone suddenly?
If you have been taking zopiclone regularly, speak with your doctor before stopping. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may advise gradually reducing treatment.
Is zopiclone available in the UK?
Yes. Zopiclone is a prescription medicine in the UK and should only be used by the person for whom it has been prescribed.
Key Takeaways
Zopiclone is a prescription sleeping medicine used primarily for short-term insomnia.
It may help people fall asleep more quickly and support sleep continuity, but it is not normally intended as a long-term solution for persistent sleep problems.
The most important safety considerations include:
- Next-day sleepiness and reduced alertness
- Possible dry mouth and bitter or metallic taste
- Avoiding alcohol
- Avoiding driving when impaired
- Checking for medicine interactions
- The possibility of tolerance and dependence
- Following the prescribed treatment duration
- Seeking professional advice about stopping regular treatment
If you have questions about zopiclone, its side-effects or whether it is appropriate for you, speak with a doctor or pharmacist.
Related Reading
For additional information about zopiclone and sleep, readers may also find these guides useful:
- Learning Guide to Zopiclone
- Practical Guide to Zopiclone
- Zopiclone and Short-Term Insomnia
- Zopiclone Interactions: What to Avoid
- Zopiclone and Improved Sleep Continuity
- Zopiclone and Sleep Quality
- Sleep Anxiety Decoded
- Digital Detox for Better Sleep
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes only. It does not provide a diagnosis, prescribe medicine or recommend an individual dose.
Zopiclone is a prescription medicine and should only be taken according to the instructions of a qualified healthcare professional.
Individual circumstances, medical conditions and other medicines can affect the suitability and safety of treatment. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about zopiclone, its side-effects, interactions or stopping treatment.
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