zopiclone at a glance
Medicine class
Benzodiazepine-related hypnotic, commonly called a Z-drug.
Main use
Treatment of severe insomnia in adults.
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol because it can markedly increase sedation, breathing problems and next-day impairment.
Driving
Do not drive or use machinery if sleepy, dizzy, less alert or otherwise impaired; effects can persist the next day.
What is zopiclone used for?
Zopiclone is licensed for insomnia in adults when the sleep disorder is severe, disabling or causing extreme distress.
Difficulty falling asleep.
Repeated waking during the night.
Waking too early.
How does zopiclone work?
Zopiclone binds within the GABA-A receptor complex and strengthens inhibitory GABA signalling. This reduces central nervous system activity, helping sleep, but also explains sedation, impaired coordination and breathing risks with other depressants.
zopiclone preparations and strengths
How to take zopiclone
Follow the prescription label and product leaflet.
Swallow the tablet with liquid while upright; lying down may delay absorption.
Food does not materially affect absorption.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice with the selected product.
zopiclone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Bitter or metallic taste.
- Drowsiness or reduced alertness, including the next day.
- Dry mouth.
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, tongue or throat, wheezing, breathing difficulty or trouble swallowing.
- Slow or shallow breathing, profound sedation, collapse or inability to wake.
- Sleepwalking, sleep-driving or other complex behaviour while not fully awake.
- Severe agitation, aggression, hallucinations, psychosis or suicidal thoughts.
- Withdrawal symptoms or marked rebound insomnia, particularly confusion, hallucinations or seizures.
zopiclone in pregnancy
The selected product does not recommend zopiclone during pregnancy. It is occasionally considered when a severe sleep problem has not responded to other approaches. Available evidence does not strongly show an increased risk of birth defects after early exposure. Use near delivery may affect the newborn’s breathing, feeding, muscle tone or temperature and may cause withdrawal. Discuss pregnancy, planned pregnancy or later-pregnancy exposure with the prescriber.
zopiclone while breastfeeding
The selected product advises avoiding zopiclone during breastfeeding. NHS specialist guidance considers it an option when breastfeeding a full-term, healthy infant because only small amounts appear in milk. The infant should be monitored for unusual drowsiness, poor feeding, reduced weight gain, dry mouth or slowed breathing. Review individual circumstances with the prescriber and avoid sharing a bed with the baby after taking a sedating medicine.
zopiclone interactions
Zopiclone has additive sedative effects and is affected by medicines that alter CYP3A4 activity.
Alcohol
Can markedly increase sedation, impaired coordination, breathing problems and difficulty waking; avoid alcohol.
Opioids, including codeine, morphine and oxycodone
Can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death.
Common questions about zopiclone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can zopiclone make me drowsy the next day?
Yes. Drowsiness, dizziness, reduced alertness, memory problems and poor concentration can persist into the next day, especially with alcohol, other sedatives or insufficient sleep.
Can I drive after taking zopiclone?
Do not drive if sleepy, dizzy, less alert or otherwise impaired. UK law makes it illegal to drive when a prescribed medicine impairs your ability.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.