Zopiclone: a Sleeping Pill Used to Treat Bouts of Insomnia

Insomnia can make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or feel rested in the morning. A few poor nights may leave you tired, irritable and unable to concentrate during the day. When sleep problems become severe and start affecting everyday life, a doctor may prescribe zopiclone for short-term relief.

Zopiclone is a prescription sleeping pill used to treat serious bouts of insomnia. It can help people fall asleep faster and reduce waking during the night. However, it is normally prescribed only for a short period because the body can quickly become used to it.

What Is Zopiclone?

Zopiclone belongs to a group of medicines called hypnotics. It is also known as a Z-drug.

The medicine increases the calming effect of a natural chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. This reduces excessive brain activity and helps the body relax before sleep.

Zopiclone usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes. It is generally taken once at night, immediately before going to bed.

Doctors may prescribe it when a person:

• Struggles to fall asleep
• Wakes several times during the night
• Wakes too early in the morning
• Has severe insomnia affecting daily activities

Zopiclone can improve sleep temporarily, but it does not always treat the reason behind insomnia. Stress, anxiety, depression, pain, medication, alcohol, caffeine and poor sleep habits may all contribute to sleeping difficulties.

Zopiclone Dosage and Tablet Options

The correct dosage must be decided by a doctor. Never choose a dose based only on tablet colour, appearance or information found online.

Zopiclone 7.5 mg Blue

Zopiclone 7.5 mg Blue contains 7.5 mg of the active ingredient. The usual adult dose commonly listed in UK and Irish medicine guidance is 7.5 mg taken once before bedtime.

Zopiclone 7.5 mg White

Zopiclone 7.5 mg White contains the same strength as the blue version. The colour may be different because manufacturers use different coatings and inactive ingredients. The colour does not change how much zopiclone the tablet contains.

Zopiclone 10 mg Blue

Zopiclone 10 mg Blue is a higher-strength tablet that may be available in certain countries or from specific manufacturers. However, 10 mg is higher than the usual maximum adult dose recommended in standard UK and Irish guidance.

Zopiclone 10 mg White

Zopiclone 10 mg White also contains 10 mg of zopiclone. It should only be taken when specifically prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional who has considered the patient’s health, other medicines and local prescribing rules.

For adults, the usual recommended dose is 7.5 mg before bedtime. Older adults and people with liver, kidney or breathing problems may be started on 3.75 mg. Treatment should use the lowest effective dose.

Important: Tablet colour is not a reliable way to identify a medicine. Always check the original packaging, manufacturer, tablet markings and patient leaflet. Speak to a pharmacist if the tablet looks different from the one normally supplied.

How to Take Zopiclone Safely

Swallow the tablet whole with water immediately before going to bed. Do not crush or chew it unless a doctor or pharmacist advises you to do so.

Only take zopiclone when you can have a full night of uninterrupted sleep. Do not take another tablet during the same night.

If you forget to take it at bedtime, skip the missed dose. Do not take it the following morning and never take two doses together. Taking more than the prescribed amount can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, poor balance, breathing problems or unconsciousness.

How Long Can You Take Zopiclone?

Zopiclone is intended for short-term use. Treatment may last from a few days to a few weeks and is generally not recommended for longer than four weeks, including any period used to gradually reduce the dose.

Long-term use may lead to:

• Tolerance, where the medicine becomes less effective
• Physical dependence
• Addiction
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Rebound insomnia after stopping

Do not increase the dosage if the medicine appears to stop working. Speak to your doctor instead. Zopiclone should not be stopped suddenly after regular use because this may cause anxiety, shaking, sweating, restlessness or worse sleeping problems.

Common Side Effects

Not everyone experiences side effects, but common ones include:

• Bitter or metallic taste
• Dry mouth
• Daytime sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Reduced concentration
• Feeling tired or less alert the following morning

Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery when feeling sleepy, dizzy or mentally affected. Current NHS guidance advises avoiding driving and similar activities for at least 12 hours after taking zopiclone.

Rare but serious side effects can include breathing problems, hallucinations, severe confusion, allergic reactions and unusual behaviour while not fully awake. Some people may walk, eat, make phone calls or perform other activities while asleep and have no memory of them later.

Seek urgent medical assistance if there is difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, extreme confusion or unusual sleep behaviour.

Can You Drink Alcohol with Zopiclone?

Alcohol must be avoided while taking zopiclone.

Combining alcohol with zopiclone can cause dangerously deep sleep, slow breathing and difficulty waking up. The risk is also greater when zopiclone is taken with opioid painkillers, anxiety medicines, sedating antihistamines, antidepressants or other sleeping pills.

Tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement or herbal product you use before starting treatment.

Who Should Speak to a Doctor First?

Zopiclone may not be suitable for people with:

• Sleep apnoea
• Serious breathing problems
• Severe liver disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Previous drug or alcohol dependence
• Certain mental health conditions
• A history of unusual behaviour after sleeping pills

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should obtain medical advice before using zopiclone. It is also not normally prescribed to anyone under 18.

Final Thoughts

Zopiclone can provide temporary relief during a serious bout of insomnia. It may help a person fall asleep faster and remain asleep for longer, but it should not become a permanent solution.

Take only the dose prescribed by your doctor, avoid alcohol and never choose a tablet based solely on whether it is blue or white. Zopiclone 7.5 mg is the usual maximum adult dose in UK and Irish guidance, while 10 mg products require particular caution and should never be taken without clear medical instructions.

Healthy sleep habits, stress management and treatment of the underlying cause of insomnia are usually more effective for long-term improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zopiclone