Zopiclone

Generic name

Zopiclone

Active ingredient

Zopiclone

Product type

Small-molecule medicine

Drug class

Z-drugs

Brand names

UK Zimovane

Routes

Oral

Dosage forms

Tablet

Also known as

Zimovane

Monitoring

The NHS says zopiclone is usually prescribed for only 2 to 4 weeks, because the body gets used to it quickly. The summary of product characteristics says long-term use of zopiclone is not recommended, as with all sleeping medicines.

Availability by country

Legal status differs between countries and can change; each row cites the document it was taken from and applies only to the country named.

What it is used for

• Short-term treatment of insomnia in adults.
• NICE says sleeping medicines such as zopiclone should be considered only for severe insomnia that interferes with daily life, and only for short periods.

How it works in the body

The NHS says zopiclone boosts the effect of GABA, a calming chemical in the brain, which helps with sleep. The NHS says caffeine has the opposite effect to zopiclone in the body and stops it working.

Cautions and interactions

• The NHS says alcohol with zopiclone can cause very deep sleep, so that breathing is not normal and waking is very difficult.
• The NHS says combining it with opioid painkillers or other sedating medicines can cause problems, and that cannabis, heroin or methadone can intensify its sedative effects.
• The NHS says most adults over 18 can take zopiclone, and lists a past allergic reaction, liver or kidney problems, myasthenia gravis, breathing problems or sleep apnoea, a history of mental health problems and past alcohol or drug misuse as reasons for care.
• A UK leaflet and the summary of product characteristics say it should not be used by anyone who has previously had complex sleep behaviours with it.
• The NHS says taking it in pregnancy may cause drowsiness or withdrawal symptoms such as agitation or shaking in the newborn.
• The NHS says zopiclone can be taken while breastfeeding if a doctor or health visitor confirms the baby is healthy, and that it is important not to share a bed with the baby while taking it.
• The NHS says stopping suddenly can bring back insomnia, with anxiety and restlessness, although withdrawal symptoms are unlikely after less than a month of use.

Interactions

Interactions documented in the official sources cited on each card. The list covers the medicines represented on this site and is not exhaustive; how the interaction data is compiled.

No pair records for this medicine are in the sources currently represented by Anatomy Nexus. Absence from this list does not mean no interaction exists.

Same-class and related medicines

Same class: Z-drugs

Medicines that share the class of Zopiclone. They are separate medicines with their own licences, doses and interactions, not alternative names for Zopiclone.

What is zopiclone used for?

The NHS describes zopiclone as a medicine used to treat insomnia. The summary of product characteristics gives short-term treatment of insomnia in adults as its licensed use. The NHS says it is usually prescribed for only 2 to 4 weeks, because the body gets used to it quickly.

Dependence and stopping

The NHS says someone taking zopiclone for up to 4 weeks is unlikely to become addicted, and may become dependent if it is taken for longer. The NHS says it should not be stopped suddenly without speaking to a doctor. Withdrawal can bring back insomnia, with anxiety and restlessness, but symptoms are unlikely in people who have taken it for less than a month. A GP appointment is the route for questions about stopping, and NHS 111 or 999 if symptoms are severe.

Driving, alcohol and sleep behaviours

The NHS advises against driving, riding a bike or using machinery for 12 hours after taking zopiclone. Alcohol with zopiclone can cause very deep sleep, with breathing that is not normal and great difficulty waking. Some people have sleepwalked or made phone calls while asleep, and the summary of product characteristics says treatment should stop immediately if a complex sleep behaviour happens. Caffeine has the opposite effect to zopiclone and can stop it working, the NHS says.

Side effects and who needs extra care

Common side effects listed by the NHS are a metallic taste, a dry mouth and daytime sleepiness. The NHS says a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is a rare possible side effect of zopiclone. Liver or kidney problems, myasthenia gravis, breathing problems or sleep apnoea, a history of mental health problems and past alcohol or drug misuse are listed by the NHS as reasons for care. Zopiclone is a Class C drug in Schedule 4 Part 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations.

Frequently asked questions