Complete Medical Guide to Effectiveness, Safety & Side Effects in the UK
Medical illustration of zopiclone’s role in sleep medicine
Zopiclone is a prescription sleeping medication belonging to the “Z-drug” family, developed as a safer alternative to benzodiazepines for treating insomnia. Known by the brand name Zimovane in the UK, it was introduced in the 1980s and has become one of the most commonly prescribed sleep aids.
Zopiclone enhances the effectiveness of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that calms brain activity. This mechanism helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Takes effect within 1 hour with a half-life of 5 hours (3.5-6.5 hours range). In elderly patients, the half-life extends to approximately 7 hours.
Zopiclone is classified as a “short-acting hypnotic” due to its relatively quick elimination from the body, making it less likely to cause next-day drowsiness compared to longer-acting sleep medications.
| Patient Group | Initial Dose | Maximum Duration | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18-64) | 7.5mg | 4 weeks | Standard dosing |
| Elderly (65+) | 3.75mg | 4 weeks | Can increase to 7.5mg if necessary |
| Liver impairment | 3.75mg | 2-4 weeks | Use with caution |
| Kidney impairment | 3.75mg | 2-4 weeks | Monitor for accumulation |
Meta-Analysis Findings (155 studies):
| Medication | Class | Strength Rating | Half-life | Addiction Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zopiclone | Z-drug | Moderate-Strong | 5 hours | Moderate |
| Zolpidem | Z-drug | Moderate-Strong | 2.5 hours | Moderate |
| Temazepam | Benzodiazepine | Strong | 8-15 hours | High |
| Melatonin | Hormone | Mild | 20-45 minutes | None |
Zopiclone is classified as a moderate to strong sleeping pill. It’s more potent than over-the-counter options like melatonin but generally considered safer than benzodiazepines with lower dependency risk when used short-term.
Older adults experience more pronounced side effects due to slower metabolism and increased sensitivity:
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
If withdrawal symptoms occur, they typically include:
To minimize withdrawal risk, healthcare providers may recommend gradually reducing the dose rather than stopping abruptly. This should always be done under medical supervision.
Multiple studies confirm that zopiclone significantly impairs driving ability:
Recommendation: Do not drive within 12 hours of taking zopiclone
Considered the gold standard for insomnia treatment with lasting benefits:
| Alternative | Type | Effectiveness | Side Effects | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melatonin (Circadin) | Natural hormone | Mild-Moderate | Minimal | Prescription (55+) |
| Zolpidem | Z-drug | Moderate-Strong | Similar to zopiclone | Prescription only |
| Promethazine | Antihistamine | Mild | Drowsiness, dry mouth | Over-the-counter |
| Trazodone | Antidepressant | Moderate | Weight gain, dizziness | Prescription only |
While not as potent as prescription medications, some people find relief with:
Clinically proven to improve sleep onset and duration when used appropriately
Designed for 2-4 weeks maximum use to prevent tolerance and dependency
Lower addiction risk than benzodiazepines but still requires careful monitoring
Zopiclone is indeed a moderately strong sleeping pill that can be highly effective for short-term insomnia treatment. With its 7.5mg standard dose and 5-hour half-life, it offers a good balance between effectiveness and safety when compared to other sleep medications.
However, it’s crucial to understand that zopiclone is not a long-term solution. The medication works best when used as part of a comprehensive approach that includes good sleep hygiene and, where appropriate, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).
If you’re considering zopiclone for sleep problems, consult with your GP to discuss whether it’s appropriate for your specific situation. They can assess your sleep history, current health status, and determine if this medication aligns with your treatment goals while monitoring for any potential risks or side effects.
Zopiclone typically takes around 1 hour to start working. It’s recommended to take it just before bedtime when you can dedicate 7-8 hours to sleep.
Zopiclone should not be taken every night for extended periods. It’s prescribed for short-term use (2-4 weeks maximum) to prevent tolerance and dependency. Daily use beyond this period requires careful medical supervision.
Taking more than prescribed can lead to dangerous sedation, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention.
No, alcohol should be completely avoided while taking zopiclone. The combination significantly increases the risk of dangerous sedation, breathing problems, and complex sleep behaviors.
Yes, zopiclone can be detected in drug tests. It may remain detectable in urine for 3-5 days and in blood for up to 12-24 hours after the last dose.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your GP or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Individual responses to medication can vary significantly.
1. NHS UK. (2024). “About zopiclone”. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/zopiclone/about-zopiclone/
2. Noble, S., Langtry, H.D., Lamb, H.M. (1998). “Zopiclone: an update of its pharmacology, clinical efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of insomnia”. Drugs, 55(2):277-302.
3. Sleepstation UK. (2021). “Zopiclone and Sleep: Should You Take It for Insomnia?”. Available at: https://www.sleepstation.org.uk/articles/medicines/zopiclone/
4. Sivertsen, B., et al. (2009). “Sleep and sleep disorders in chronic users of zopiclone and drug-free insomniacs”. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 5(4):349-354.
5. Cimolai, N. (2007). “Zopiclone: Is it a pharmacologic agent for abuse?”. Canadian Family Physician, 53(12):2124-2129.
6. Richardson, K., et al. (2020). “Adverse effects of Z-drugs for sleep disturbance in people with dementia: population based cohort and nested case-control study”. BMC Medicine, 18:351.
