Zopiclone: What You Need to Know
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Important: Zopiclone is a prescription-only medicine (POM) and a Class C controlled drug in the UK. It is not available to buy over the counter or without a clinical assessment. This page provides general information only and is not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine without speaking to a prescriber.
What is zopiclone?
Zopiclone is a hypnotic medicine licensed in the UK for the short-term treatment of insomnia - difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep that is severe enough to cause distress or impair daily functioning. It works on the central nervous system to help initiate and sustain sleep. It is available as 3.75mg and 7.5mg tablets.
Zopiclone is a prescription-only medicine and, since 2014, has been classified as a Class C, Schedule 4 Part I controlled drug because of concerns about dependence and misuse.
How is it used?
Zopiclone is intended for short-term use only. UK guidance is clear that hypnotics should be prescribed for the shortest period necessary - usually no more than two weeks, and preferably less - because tolerance and dependence can develop with continued use.
It is taken as a single dose just before bedtime. You should be able to have an uninterrupted sleep of at least 7-8 hours afterwards, and should not drive or operate machinery for at least 12 hours, as zopiclone can impair alertness and coordination.
Key safety considerations
Tolerance and dependence: prolonged use can lead to drug dependence and addiction, even with short-term use at recommended doses. The risk is greater in people with a history of substance misuse or mental health disorders.
Withdrawal: stopping abruptly after regular use can cause rebound insomnia, anxiety, tremor, sweating, and in severe cases confusion or hallucinations. Treatment should be tapered gradually under medical supervision.
Next-day impairment: leftover drowsiness can affect driving and skilled tasks. The risk increases with alcohol, other sedatives, or higher than recommended doses.
Unusual sleep behaviours: sleepwalking and other complex behaviours (sometimes with no memory) have been reported. If this happens, stop the medicine and seek medical advice.
Who should avoid it: zopiclone is not suitable for everyone - including people with severe breathing problems, myasthenia gravis, or severe liver impairment. It should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common side effects
The most commonly reported side effect is a bitter or metallic taste, which affects many people who take zopiclone. Other common effects include leftover drowsiness, dry mouth, and headache. Less common effects include dizziness, nausea, and memory problems. Older people are particularly susceptible to confusion, falls, and next-day sedation. Any suspected side effect can be reported to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Availability in the UK
Zopiclone is not available to buy from a pharmacy counter, supermarket, or any legitimate website without a prescription. It is a controlled drug, and supply without a valid prescription is unlawful.
Legitimate access is through your GP or a specialist prescriber, following a clinical assessment of your insomnia and medical history; or through a registered online pharmacy or doctor service, where a genuine consultation takes place and a prescriber decides whether treatment is appropriate. A legitimate service will sometimes decline to prescribe - this is a sign of safe practice, not a failed transaction.
Beware of illegal sellers: websites offering to sell zopiclone without any prescription or clinical assessment are operating illegally and are not supplying UK-regulated medicines. Counterfeit sleep tablets have been found to contain incorrect or dangerous ingredients. Check whether a website is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and listed on the MHRA register of authorised online sellers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy zopiclone online in the UK? No - not legally without a prescription. Zopiclone is a prescription-only controlled drug. Any website offering to sell it without a consultation is acting unlawfully.
How long can I take zopiclone for? Short-term only - typically no more than two weeks, and preferably less. It is not intended for long-term insomnia management.
Is zopiclone the same as zolpidem? They are different medicines with similar effects. Both are Z-drugs used for short-term insomnia and both are controlled drugs in the UK. They are not interchangeable without medical advice. See our zolpidem page for details.
Can I drink alcohol with zopiclone? No. Alcohol increases the sedative effects and the risk of serious impairment and breathing problems.
What if I want to stop taking zopiclone? Speak to your prescriber first. Stopping suddenly after regular use can cause withdrawal symptoms. A gradual tapering plan is usually recommended.
Does Day & Night Pharmacy prescribe zopiclone? Our pharmacists can provide advice and support, but prescribing decisions are made by a prescriber following a clinical assessment. We do not sell prescription-only medicines without a valid prescription.
Speak to our team
If you are struggling with sleep, our pharmacists at Day & Night Pharmacy can offer advice and, where appropriate, help you access the right care. Call in or phone us - no appointment needed for a conversation. For urgent medical help when we are closed, call NHS 111.
This information is for general education and does not replace the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine or advice from your prescriber.
