What is Zopiclone?

Zopiclone (brand name Zimovane) is a hypnotic, which is commonly known as a sleeping tablet and is usually prescribed for short-term use only as a sleep aid. It is a ‘Z drug’ licensed for the short-term management of insomnia (NICE, 2024). If you don't currently have a prescription, you can get one through EU Meds. Simply click the "start consultation" button and a doctor from Europe will assess your prescription request, and if accepted an EU licensed pharmacy will ship the medication to you.

Video: A Doctor Explains Zopiclone

In the video below, Dr Jaleel Mohammed (GMC reference no: 7130232) explains what the sleeping tablet Zopiclone is, how it works, how it is typically used and the potential risks.

@drjaleelmohammed Zopiclone is a commonly prescribed sleeping tablet #zopiclone #mentalhealth #sleep #sleepingpills #psychiatry ♬ original sound - Dr Jaleel Mohammed

This video is for informational use only and is not a substitute for medical advice from your own doctor or healthcare provider.

How does Zopiclone work?

A Zopiclone tablet works by affecting the way in which signals are sent to the brain causing you to feel sleepy. It reduces the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep and increases the length of time you spend sleeping, making it an effective treatment for a sleep disorder such as insomnia.

What are the benefits of taking Zopiclone?

Insomnia and poor sleep are a common sleep problem and usually don't last very long. However, ongoing sleep deprivation can have negative effects such as; mental health changes, changes in mood, lack of motivation, irritability and lack of energy. Drowsiness during the day may affect your social life and occupation as the ability to concentrate will be reduced.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be a potential trigger for altered sleep patterns (Swanson et al, 2011).

If recommended by your healthcare provider or doctor, taking the prescription drug zopiclone allows your body to receive the rest it needs, resulting in a fewer or no negative effects experienced due to lack of sleep.

How do I take Zopiclone?

Zopiclone Tablets

Take the tablet as a whole with a glass full of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it. The tablet can be taken with or without meals.

If you forget to take a dose immediately before bed but remember later in the night, only take the missed dose if you are still able to have 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. If this is not possible, do not take a dose. The next dose may be taken as normal the following night.

Do not take double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Every patient suffering from a sleep disorder / insomnia has a unique individual experience when taking Zolpiclone as a treatment.

User Reviews for Zopiclone

There are many Zopiclone user reviews available at Drugs.com and iWantGreatCare.org.

What is the dosage for Zopiclone Tablets?

Typically, one Zopiclone tablet should be taken immediately before bed. You may be advised only to take a tablet 2 or 3 times a week to prevent your body from becoming dependent on the drug. Your doctor or healthcare provider will be able to offer expert advice on Zopiclone usage prior to starting any treatment which is why it is important to always consult them first.

Zopiclone 7.5mg

Zopiclone is available in one strength, Zopiclone 7.5mg. Depending on the severity, your doctor will decide on a suitable strength for you to take.

Zopiclone 3.75mg

Elderly patients who are over 65 years old or have kidney and/or liver problems may be recommended a lower dose of 3.75mg Zopiclone (NHS, 2022).

Zopiclone 15mg

Typically, the starting maximum dose for adults is 7.5mg daily. If your doctor prescribes 15mg, two 7.5mg tablets could be taken. A higher Zopiclone dose will only be considered as a last resort for patients with severe or persistent insomnia, and if no response is seen for the lower doses (Stewart, M., 2023) .

What are the potential side effects of Zopiclone?

Common side effects of Zopiclone according to the NHS (2022):

• Tiredness / daytime sleepiness the following day after taking Zopiclone
• Dry mouth and/or a bitter / metallic taste in your mouth

Serious side effects are less common but include:

• Amnesia (poor memory)
• Hallucinations / delusions
• Falling over (particularly in the elderly)
• Depression (sadness)
• Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Suicidal ideation (Drugs.com, 2023)

Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience any adverse effects and prior to starting a treatment to ensure that the medication is suitable and safe for your individual health problem.

Zopiclone and the Risk of Respiratory Depression

Zopiclone should not be used as a treatment by patients with respiratory failure breathing problems and should be used with caution by patients suffering from pulmonary insufficiency because of the increased risk of respiratory depression (NIHR, 2021).

Zopiclone and Herbal Supplements

There is a risk of Zopiclone interacting with herbal supplements, increasing the sedative effects of the medicine and increasing the chances of feeling sleepy (NHS, 2022). You should always discuss any current medications or supplements that are being taken prior to starting treatment with Zopiclone by consulting with your doctor or healthcare provider. The same care should be taken when taking Zopiclone with other medications such as those for hay fever (NHS, 2022).

Zopiclone and Alcohol

Zopiclone can interact with alcohol increasing the sedative effects of the medicine, forcing you into a deep sleep, along with experiencing breathing difficulties and struggling to wake up (NHS, 2022).

What are the potential withdrawal symptoms of Zopiclone?

According to NHS Somerset (2022), Zopiclone can have numerous withdrawal symptoms, these include (but aren't limited to):

• Headache
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle pains
• Rebound insomnia
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Tremor
• Sweating
• Confusion

To avoid experiencing a withdrawal effect, dependence or drug addiction when stopping Zopiclone treatment you should always consult your doctor or healthcare professional to ensure that a Zopiclone detox is done in the safest way possible.

What is Zopiclone used for?

Zopiclone can be used to help patients who suffer from temporary, and in certain cases, longer lasting severe insomnia (NHS, 2022).

Is Zopiclone available as a branded medication?

Yes, Zopiclone can also be prescribed under the branded name 'Zimovane' (Mind, 2021), which can help you to fall asleep without leaving you feeling drowsy the next day in exactly the same way as Zopiclone (the active ingredient in Zimovane).

Is Zopiclone addictive?

Provided that you only take it for up to 4 weeks (as advised by your doctor or healthcare provider), you are unlikely to become addicted to Zopiclone (NHS, 2022). Zopiclone will usually be prescribed for less than 4 weeks to avoid Zopiclone addiction, as prolonged use may cause the medicine to not work as well and you may become dependent on it. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for advice on stopping Zopiclone usage to avoid Zopiclone withdrawal symptoms.

Is Zopiclone a controlled drug?

Depending on your location Zopiclone can be a controlled drug. In the UK Zopiclone is a Class C controlled drug / substance (GOV.UK, 2022). Controlled drugs / controlled substances are medications that are subjected to high levels of regulation because of their potential for harm and/or addiction (NHS England, 2024). You can read more additional information about the common question on EU Med's dedicated blog on the topic: Is Zopiclone a controlled drug?.

Are there alternative sleeping treatments to Zopiclone?

Yes. Another popular sleeping medication is diazepam. If you are suffering from anxiety which causes insomnia, a doctor may prescribe diazepam (Valium) sleeping pills if they feel that this is more suitable to your individual needs. You can also buy diazepam UK here at EU Meds.

Alternatively, the NHS app, Sleepio, is a digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) designed to help manage sleep problems such as insomnia (Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, 2019), reducing the need for dependence forming medication such as Zopiclone and Zolpidem, whilst also helping the NHS to reduce costs for primary care when comparing Sleepio to sleeping pills and sleep hygiene (NICE, 2022).

How long does Zopiclone take to work?

A 7.5mg tablet of Zopiclone usually takes around 1 hour to work (NHS, 2022).

How long does Zopiclone stay in your system?

Zopiclone will not usually stay in your system for more than 12 hours, although you can feel sleepy the next morning when you wake up, according to NHS (2022).

Does Zopiclone cause erectile dysfunction?

No. There is currently little evidence or research to suggest that Zopiclone causes erectile dysfunction or impacts on sexual health directly.

Does Zopiclone cause hair loss?

No. There is currently little evidence or research to suggest that Zopiclone causes hair loss.

Does Zopiclone provide pain relief?

No. Zopiclone does not demonstrate any pain-relieving effects (Andersson et al, 2023). However, improving overall sleep quality may help to achieve better pain relief (Haack et al, 2019).

Is Zopiclone a benzo?

Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug (Wheatley, D.; 1985). Whilst it is not a benzodiazepine, Zopiclone and other Z drugs act in a similar way to benzos, having a similar effect on brain cells (Tidy, C.; 2022) as benzodiazepines do.

Can Zopiclone interact with Melatonin?

Yes. Zopiclone can interact with Melatonin (BNF, 2023).

Are Zopiclone and Zolpidem the same?

No. Zopiclone and Zolpidem are not the same. Whilst they are both non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, they have different effects on sleep structure. Your doctor can help you to make an informed decision on whether Zopiclone or Zolpidem is the best sleep medication to suit your individual needs.

Google Web Story - Is Zolpidem Better Than Zopiclone?

EU Meds have created a Google Web Story explaining the differences between the two sleep medications, Zolpidem and Zopiclone. you can view it below:

Is Zopiclone safe to take when pregnant?

No, Zopiclone is not usually recommended during pregnancy (NHS, 2022). You should always consult your doctor prior to starting any medication to ensure that it is safe for your individual needs.

Can I buy Zopiclone online?

Buy Zopiclone UK

Zopiclone is a sleep medication that requires a prescription in the UK. If you do not have a prescription for Zopiclone, our online doctor service may be able to assist you in getting one. You can buy prescription medication sleeping tablets such as Zopiclone online from EU Meds if your online consultation is approved by a doctor. If approved, your order will be sent out to you by a licensed EU pharmacy. For a repeat prescription, the same process will apply, to ensure your safety and suitability for the prescription medicine.

Is Zopiclone for sale in the UK?

If you need to order Zopiclone online and live in the UK, you can purchase Zopiclone from EU Meds. Because you need a prescription to purchase prescription drugs such as Zopiclone, our online independent pharmacist prescribers can assist you in getting a prescription (if it is deemed as a suitable medication for your requirements). If approved, your order will be shipped by an EU licensed pharmacy, with full tracking information and discreet packaging.

• Drugs.com - Zopiclone
• I Want Great Care - Zopiclone
• BNF - Zopiclone
• Patient.info - Zopiclone Tablets
• NHS - Zopiclone
• Netdoctor - Zimovane (Zopiclone)
• ScienceDirect - Zopiclone
• Controlled drugs in social care homes - Care Quality Commission
• Zopiclone Addiction - Signs, Symptoms, Effects & Treatment - Primrose Lodge
• Zopiclone Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Effects - Oasis Runcorn
• Benzodiazepine abuse and addiction in the UK - Sanctuary Lodge