About zopiclone

Zopiclone is a type of sleeping pill that can be taken to treat bad bouts of insomnia.

It helps you fall asleep more quickly, and also helps stop you waking up during the night.

Zopiclone comes as tablets. It also comes as a liquid for people who find it hard to swallow tablets, but this has to be ordered specially by your doctor.

This medicine is only available on prescription.

Key facts

Zopiclone takes around 1 hour to work.
Zopiclone is usually prescribed for just 2 to 4 weeks. This is because your body gets used to it quickly and after this time it’s unlikely to have the same effect. Your body can also become dependent on it.
Common side effects are a metallic taste in your mouth, a dry mouth, and daytime sleepiness.
Do not drink alcohol while you’re on zopiclone. Having them together can make you go into a deep sleep where you find it difficult to wake up.
Zopiclon is also called by the brand name Zimovane.

Who can and can’t take zopiclone

Zopiclon can be taken by adults over the age of 18.

It’s not suitable for some people.

To make sure zopiclone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

have had an allergic reaction to zopiclone or any other medicines in the past
have liver or kidney problems
have myasthenia gravis, an illness that causes muscle weakness
have breathing problems or sleep apnoea (where you stop breathing for short bouts while sleeping)
have had mental health problems
have had issues with alcoholism or drug abuse
are trying to get pregnant, already pregnant, or breastfeeding