{"id":92,"date":"2026-10-19T10:29:47","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T09:29:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/2026\/10\/19\/zopiclone\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T12:26:11","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T12:26:11","slug":"zopiclone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone\/","title":{"rendered":"Zopiclone: what it is, how it works and how it&#8217;s used"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"ym-article\">\n<p class=\"ym-answer\">Zopiclone is a prescription-only sleeping tablet used in the UK for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. It belongs to a group of medicines called Z-drugs and works by boosting a calming chemical signal in the brain. It is usually prescribed for a few days to a few weeks, and it is a Class C controlled drug.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ym-facts\">\n<h2>Key facts<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>What it is:<\/strong> A hypnotic (sleep-inducing) medicine from the cyclopyrrolone family, often called a Z-drug.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Licensed use (UK):<\/strong> Short-term treatment of insomnia in adults aged 18 and over.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal status:<\/strong> Class C under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and Schedule 4 Part 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Needs a prescription:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n<li><strong>Last checked:<\/strong> October 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>In this guide:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-zopiclone\">What zopiclone is<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#used-for\">What zopiclone is used for (and what it is not for)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-it-works\">How zopiclone works<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-taken\">How zopiclone is taken<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#nice\">Where it fits in insomnia treatment<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#side-effects\">Side effects and safety<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#who-should-not\">Who should not take it<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#dependence\">Dependence and stopping<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#legal-status\">Legal status, travel and driving<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-zopiclone\">What is zopiclone?<\/h2>\n<p>Zopiclone is a sleeping tablet, or hypnotic. It belongs to a small group of sleeping tablets known as &#8220;Z-drugs&#8221;, which also includes zolpidem.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicines.org.uk\/emc\/product\/10590\/smpc\">official prescribing information for zopiclone 7.5 mg tablets<\/a> describes it as a cyclopyrrolone hypnotic. That chemical family is different from the benzodiazepines. Even so, both groups act on the same brain receptor system, which is why their risks overlap.<\/p>\n<p>In the UK, zopiclone comes as 3.75 mg, 5 mg and 7.5 mg film-coated tablets. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone-dose\/\">zopiclone dose guide<\/a> explains each strength and who starts lower. You can only get it on a prescription from a doctor or other qualified prescriber, who will decide whether it is right for you.<\/p>\n<p>If you are still working out what is behind your poor sleep, our <a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/insomnia\/\">guide to insomnia<\/a> explains the common causes and the treatments that do not involve medicine.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"used-for\">What is zopiclone used for?<\/h2>\n<p>Zopiclone has one licensed use in the UK: the <strong>short-term treatment of insomnia in adults<\/strong>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/zopiclone\/\">NHS describes this<\/a> as trouble falling asleep, waking in the night or waking too early, when it affects your daily life.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicines.org.uk\/emc\/product\/10590\/pil\">patient leaflet<\/a> adds that this can include sleep problems linked to mood or mental health. In that case the medicine is treating the sleeplessness, not the underlying condition.<\/p>\n<p>Zopiclone is not licensed for children or teenagers under 18. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.<\/p>\n<h3>Can zopiclone be used for anxiety?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Zopiclone is <strong>not licensed to treat anxiety<\/strong> in the UK. It is licensed only for short-term insomnia, taken once, just before bed.<\/p>\n<p>Taking it during the day is outside its licence and is unsafe. It is designed to make you sleep, so daytime use would leave you drowsy, slow to react and at risk of falls or accidents. The leaflet also lists anxiety as a possible withdrawal symptom when zopiclone is stopped suddenly.<\/p>\n<p>If anxiety is keeping you awake or affecting your day, speak to your GP. There are licensed treatments and talking therapies for anxiety, and your GP can help you choose the right one.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-it-works\">How does zopiclone work?<\/h2>\n<p>Your brain uses a chemical messenger called GABA to calm nerve activity. GABA works by opening tiny channels on nerve cells, which makes those cells less likely to fire.<\/p>\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicines.org.uk\/emc\/product\/10590\/smpc\">zopiclone summary of product characteristics (SmPC)<\/a>, zopiclone binds strongly to the GABA receptor complex and helps these channels open. It binds at a different site from benzodiazepines, but the end result is similar: the brain quietens and sleep comes more easily.<\/p>\n<p>The SmPC also notes that zopiclone helps you fall asleep quickly and maintains deep, slow-wave sleep without reducing total dream (REM) sleep.<\/p>\n<h3>How quickly does zopiclone work and how long does it last?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Start of effect:<\/strong> the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/zopiclone\/\">NHS zopiclone page<\/a> says it takes around 30 to 60 minutes to work.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Peak level in the blood:<\/strong> about 1.5 to 2 hours after a dose, according to the SmPC.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Half-life:<\/strong> about 5 hours in adults, and about 7 hours in older people. The half-life is the time it takes for the level in your body to fall by half.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Because the effect can last into the next morning, the official advice is not to drive or use machinery for 12 hours after a dose. We cover this in more detail in the <a href=\"#legal-status\">driving section<\/a> below. Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone-how-long-does-it-take-to-work\/\">how long zopiclone takes to work and how long it lasts<\/a> explains each of these timings.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-taken\">How zopiclone is taken<\/h2>\n<p>Always take zopiclone exactly as your prescriber tells you. The information below is what the official UK product information states. It is not a guide to changing your own dose.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Group<\/th>\n<th>What the SmPC and leaflet state<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Adults<\/td>\n<td>7.5 mg once, shortly before bedtime. This should not be exceeded.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Older people<\/td>\n<td>Start at 3.75 mg. The prescriber may increase it only if clinically needed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Liver, kidney or long-term breathing problems<\/td>\n<td>Usually start at 3.75 mg, as decided by the prescriber.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Under 18s<\/td>\n<td>Not to be used.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>A few practical points come from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicines.org.uk\/emc\/product\/10590\/pil\">patient information leaflet<\/a> and the NHS:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Swallow the tablet whole with water, once a night, just before bed.<\/li>\n<li>Never take a second dose in the same night.<\/li>\n<li>If you forget a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at bedtime the following night, and never take two doses together.<\/li>\n<li>Only take it when you can have 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. This lowers the risk of memory problems the next day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How long can you take zopiclone for?<\/h3>\n<p>Zopiclone is meant for short courses. The SmPC states that the total treatment, including the time spent reducing the dose, should not exceed four weeks. The leaflet says the usual course is 2 days to 3 weeks.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/zopiclone\/common-questions-about-zopiclone\/\">NHS explains why<\/a>: your body can become used to the medicine, so it may work less well over time. This is called tolerance. If your sleep problems continue, your prescriber should review your treatment rather than simply continuing it.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"nice\">Where zopiclone fits in insomnia treatment<\/h2>\n<p>Sleeping tablets are not the first step for most people with insomnia. UK guidance puts non-drug approaches first.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nice.org.uk\/guidance\/ta77\/chapter\/1-Guidance\">NICE technology appraisal on Z-drugs (TA77)<\/a> says hypnotics should be considered only after non-drug measures. It reserves them for severe insomnia that interferes with normal daily life. It also says they should be prescribed for short periods, strictly within their licence.<\/p>\n<p>The same NICE guidance makes two points that people rarely hear about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Switching:<\/strong> you should only be switched from one of these hypnotics to another if you have side effects clearly linked to that specific medicine.<\/li>\n<li><strong>No response:<\/strong> if one of these medicines has not worked for you, NICE says you should not be prescribed another one of them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>CBT-I: the main long-term treatment<\/h3>\n<p>Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a structured programme that changes the thoughts and habits that keep you awake. In its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nice.org.uk\/guidance\/HTG624\/chapter\/the-technology\">guidance on the digital CBT-I programme Sleepio<\/a>, NICE describes a stepped approach. Sleep hygiene advice comes first. If symptoms are unlikely to settle soon, face-to-face or digital CBT-I should be offered.<\/p>\n<p>The same NICE page says a 3 to 7 day course of a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic should only be considered if symptoms are likely to resolve quickly, for example after a short-term stressful event. It adds that a short course alongside CBT-I should not be offered routinely.<\/p>\n<p>In short, zopiclone can help you through a few bad nights. It does not fix the causes of long-term insomnia. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/insomnia\/\">insomnia hub<\/a> covers sleep hygiene and how to ask your GP about CBT-I.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"side-effects\">Zopiclone side effects and safety<\/h2>\n<p>Like all medicines, zopiclone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The SmPC groups them by how often they are reported.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>How common<\/th>\n<th>Examples listed in the SmPC<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Common (up to 1 in 10 people)<\/td>\n<td>Bitter or metallic taste, dry mouth, drowsiness the next day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Uncommon (up to 1 in 100 people)<\/td>\n<td>Nightmares, agitation, dizziness, headache, feeling sick, being sick, tiredness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Very rare (up to 1 in 10,000 people)<\/td>\n<td>Severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face or throat (angioedema) and anaphylaxis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The full list is in the leaflet that comes with your tablets. You can report any suspected side effect through the MHRA <a href=\"https:\/\/yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk\/\">Yellow Card scheme<\/a>. Our full guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone-side-effects\/\">side effects of zopiclone<\/a> covers every listed effect, next-day drowsiness and driving.<\/p>\n<h3>Sleepwalking and other complex sleep behaviours<\/h3>\n<p>Some people have done things while not fully awake after taking zopiclone. The leaflet lists driving, eating, making phone calls and having sex, often with no memory of it afterwards. Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone-what-happens-if-you-stay-awake\/\">what happens if you take zopiclone and stay awake<\/a> explains why staying up after a dose raises this risk.<\/p>\n<p>If this happens, stop taking zopiclone and contact your doctor. The SmPC now says that anyone who has had a complex sleep behaviour after zopiclone must not take it again.<\/p>\n<h3>Memory and mood changes<\/h3>\n<p>Short-term memory loss (amnesia) is rare. It is more likely if your sleep is interrupted or you go to bed later than planned after taking a dose.<\/p>\n<p>Rarely, zopiclone can cause unexpected reactions such as agitation, aggression, hallucinations or confusion. The SmPC notes these are more likely in older people. The NHS also lists low mood and suicidal thoughts among the rare serious side effects. Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of these changes.<\/p>\n<h3>Alcohol and other sedating medicines<\/h3>\n<p>Do not drink alcohol while taking zopiclone. The NHS warns that alcohol strengthens its effects, which can cause breathing problems and make you very hard to wake.<\/p>\n<p>Opioid painkillers are a particular concern. In March 2020 the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/drug-safety-update\/benzodiazepines-and-opioids-reminder-of-risk-of-potentially-fatal-respiratory-depression\">MHRA reminded prescribers<\/a> that taking benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine-like medicines with opioids can cause potentially fatal breathing problems. The zopiclone SmPC carries the same warning about sedation, slowed breathing, coma and death.<\/p>\n<p>Other medicines that may interact include antidepressants, antipsychotics, epilepsy medicines, sedating antihistamines, and some antibiotics and antifungals. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about everything you take, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies. Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone-interactions\/\">what you cannot take with zopiclone<\/a> covers each group in detail.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-should-not\">Who should not take zopiclone?<\/h2>\n<p>According to the SmPC, zopiclone must not be used if you have:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes muscle weakness)<\/li>\n<li>respiratory failure<\/li>\n<li>severe sleep apnoea<\/li>\n<li>severe liver problems<\/li>\n<li>an allergy to zopiclone or any of the tablet&#8217;s ingredients<\/li>\n<li>had a complex sleep behaviour, such as sleepwalking, after taking zopiclone before<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The NHS adds that it may not be suitable if you have a history of addiction, especially to opioids. Extra care is also needed if you have kidney problems or a mental health condition.<\/p>\n<h3>Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/h3>\n<p>The SmPC says zopiclone is not recommended in pregnancy. It crosses the placenta, and babies exposed late in pregnancy or during labour have shown floppiness and breathing problems. The NHS says a short course may still be considered if sleep problems are severe and other treatments have not worked.<\/p>\n<p>Zopiclone passes into breast milk in small amounts. Speak to your doctor before taking it if you are breastfeeding. The NHS also advises against sharing a bed with your baby after taking it.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dependence\">Is zopiclone addictive? Dependence and stopping<\/h2>\n<p>Zopiclone can cause physical and psychological dependence. The SmPC says the risk rises with higher doses and longer treatment. It is also higher in people with a history of alcohol or drug misuse or a psychiatric disorder. Our guide <a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/is-zopiclone-addictive\/\">is zopiclone addictive?<\/a> explains the warning signs and where to get help.<\/p>\n<p>This is the main reason it is prescribed at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible time. The SmPC notes that withdrawal effects are unlikely if treatment is limited to four weeks.<\/p>\n<h3>Stopping zopiclone safely<\/h3>\n<p>Do not stop taking zopiclone suddenly, especially after regular use. Your prescriber will tell you how to reduce it gradually. The leaflet says this reduction can take weeks to months for some people. Our guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone-withdrawal\/\">withdrawal symptoms of zopiclone<\/a> explains what to expect and where to get support.<\/p>\n<p>Stopping abruptly can bring back your sleep problems, sometimes worse than before. This is called rebound insomnia. The leaflet lists other withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, a racing heartbeat and nightmares. Rarely, fits (seizures) can happen. See a doctor straight away if you have these symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>If you are worried about how much you rely on zopiclone, talk to your GP or pharmacist. Asking for help early is a sensible step, not a failure.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"legal-status\">Is zopiclone a controlled drug in the UK?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes. Zopiclone has been a controlled drug since 2014.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Class C:<\/strong> the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/2014\/1106\/note\/made\">Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Ketamine etc.) (Amendment) Order 2014<\/a> brought zopiclone, zaleplon and tramadol under control as Class C drugs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Schedule 4 Part 1:<\/strong> the <a href=\"https:\/\/legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/2014\/1274\/pdfs\/uksiem_20141274_en.pdf\">explanatory memorandum to the 2014 regulations<\/a> confirms zopiclone was placed in Part 1 of Schedule 4 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This brings extra rules for pharmacies on record-keeping and destroying stock.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The change followed <a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/media\/5a7c8177e5274a559005a561\/ACMD_advice_Z_drugs.pdf\">advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in September 2013<\/a>. The council noted that zopiclone acts on the same receptor system as benzodiazepines and was being misused. It also pointed to harms such as coma and breathing problems when it is taken in excess or with alcohol. Zolpidem was already controlled, so the council recommended matching controls for zopiclone.<\/p>\n<p>Zopiclone is also a prescription-only medicine. Only take zopiclone that has been prescribed for you, and never share it with anyone else.<\/p>\n<h3>Travelling with zopiclone<\/h3>\n<p>Under the Home Office <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/controlled-drugs-personal-licences\">guidance on controlled drugs personal licences<\/a>, you can carry up to 3 months&#8217; supply of a Schedule 2 to 4 (Part 1) medicine lawfully prescribed to you without a personal licence. For a larger supply, you need a licence before you travel.<\/p>\n<p>The Home Office recommends carrying a letter from your prescriber. It should show your name, the medicine, its strength and dose, and the prescriber&#8217;s signature and registration details. Other countries have their own rules on controlled medicines, so check them before you go.<\/p>\n<h3>Driving after taking zopiclone<\/h3>\n<p>Zopiclone is not on the list of named medicines in the UK drug-driving limits. But the <a href=\"https:\/\/gov.uk\/drug-driving-law\">GOV.UK drug-driving law page<\/a> is clear that it is illegal to drive if any legal or illegal drug impairs your driving.<\/p>\n<p>A conviction can bring a minimum 1-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison and a criminal record. The NHS and the SmPC both advise not driving, cycling or using machinery for 12 hours after a dose, and for longer if you still feel drowsy.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ym-help\">\n<h2>When to get help<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Call 999 or go to A&amp;E<\/strong> if someone who has taken zopiclone:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>is very hard to wake, or cannot be woken<\/li>\n<li>has slow, shallow or difficult breathing<\/li>\n<li>has swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or a sudden rash with breathing difficulty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Call NHS 111 or speak to your doctor<\/strong> if you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>have taken more than your prescribed dose<\/li>\n<li>notice sleepwalking or other activities you do not remember<\/li>\n<li>have hallucinations, confusion, low mood or thoughts of harming yourself<\/li>\n<li>get withdrawal symptoms after reducing or stopping zopiclone<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you are told to go to hospital, do not drive yourself. Take the medicine packet and leaflet with you. Report suspected side effects to the <a href=\"https:\/\/yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk\/\">MHRA Yellow Card scheme<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ym-faq\">\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>What is zopiclone used for?<\/h3>\n<p>Zopiclone is licensed in the UK for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. This covers trouble getting to sleep, waking in the night or waking too early, when it affects your daily life. It is usually prescribed for a few days to a few weeks.<\/p>\n<h3>Is zopiclone a strong sleeping pill?<\/h3>\n<p>Zopiclone is a prescription-only hypnotic that acts on the same brain receptor system as benzodiazepines. That is why it is prescribed for short periods, at the lowest dose that works, and with warnings about alcohol, driving and dependence. Your prescriber will decide whether it suits you.<\/p>\n<h3>How does zopiclone make you sleep?<\/h3>\n<p>It boosts the effect of GABA, the brain&#8217;s main calming messenger, by helping GABA receptor channels open. This quietens nerve activity so you fall asleep more easily. It usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you take zopiclone during the day for anxiety?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Zopiclone is not licensed for anxiety, and it should only be taken once, just before bed, when you can sleep for 7 to 8 hours. Daytime use can cause dangerous drowsiness. Speak to your GP about licensed treatments and talking therapies for anxiety.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you drink alcohol with zopiclone?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Alcohol increases zopiclone&#8217;s effects and can cause breathing problems and very deep sleep that is hard to wake from. The NHS advises not drinking alcohol at all while you are taking it.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you take zopiclone abroad?<\/h3>\n<p>Zopiclone is a Schedule 4 Part 1 controlled drug (see <a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/is-zopiclone-a-controlled-drug\/\">is zopiclone a controlled drug?<\/a> for what that means). Under Home Office guidance you can carry up to 3 months&#8217; supply prescribed to you without a personal licence. Carry a letter from your prescriber, and check the rules of the country you are visiting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ym-related\">\n<h2>Related guides<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone-dose\/\">Zopiclone dose: 3.75 mg, 5 mg and 7.5 mg explained<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone-side-effects\/\">Side effects of zopiclone, including next-day effects<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone-how-long-does-it-take-to-work\/\">Zopiclone: how long does it take to work and how long does it last?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone-what-happens-if-you-stay-awake\/\">What happens if you take zopiclone and stay awake?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone-withdrawal\/\">Withdrawal symptoms of zopiclone: how to come off it safely<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/is-zopiclone-addictive\/\">Is zopiclone addictive? Dependence, tolerance and getting help<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/is-zopiclone-a-controlled-drug\/\">Is zopiclone a controlled drug? Benzodiazepine, opioid or Z-drug explained<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/zopiclone-interactions\/\">What can you not take with zopiclone? Alcohol, painkillers and other medicines<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/insomnia\/\">Insomnia: causes, self-help and treatment options<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/modafinil\/\">Modafinil: what it is, how it works and who it&#8217;s for<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/tapentadol\/\">Tapentadol (Palexia): what it is and how it works<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/articles\/\">All Your Meds UK Insights articles<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/\">Your Meds UK Insights home<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/about\/\">About Your Meds UK Insights and how we write our guides<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/check-uk-online-pharmacy\/\">How to check an online pharmacy is legitimate in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/controlled-drugs-uk-explained\/\">Controlled drugs in the UK explained: classes, schedules and prescription rules<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ym-refs\">\n<h2>References<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicines.org.uk\/emc\/product\/10590\/smpc\">Zopiclone 7.5 mg film-coated tablets \u2013 Summary of Product Characteristics<\/a>, electronic medicines compendium (emc), accessed October 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicines.org.uk\/emc\/product\/10590\/pil\">Zopiclone 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg tablets \u2013 Patient Information Leaflet<\/a>, electronic medicines compendium (emc), accessed October 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/zopiclone\/\">Zopiclone: a medicine used to treat insomnia<\/a>, NHS, accessed October 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/zopiclone\/common-questions-about-zopiclone\/\">Common questions about zopiclone<\/a>, NHS, accessed October 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nice.org.uk\/guidance\/ta77\/chapter\/1-Guidance\">Guidance on the use of zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone for the short-term management of insomnia (TA77) \u2013 Recommendations<\/a>, NICE, accessed October 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nice.org.uk\/guidance\/HTG624\/chapter\/the-technology\">Sleepio to treat insomnia and insomnia symptoms (HTG624) \u2013 The technology<\/a>, NICE, accessed October 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/drug-safety-update\/benzodiazepines-and-opioids-reminder-of-risk-of-potentially-fatal-respiratory-depression\">Benzodiazepines and opioids: reminder of risk of potentially fatal respiratory depression<\/a>, MHRA Drug Safety Update, March 2020, accessed October 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/2014\/1106\/note\/made\">The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Ketamine etc.) (Amendment) Order 2014 \u2013 Explanatory note<\/a>, legislation.gov.uk, accessed October 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/2014\/1274\/pdfs\/uksiem_20141274_en.pdf\">Explanatory memorandum to the Misuse of Drugs (Designation) (Amendment) Order 2014 and related Regulations<\/a>, legislation.gov.uk, accessed October 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/media\/5a7c8177e5274a559005a561\/ACMD_advice_Z_drugs.pdf\">ACMD advice on Z-drugs (zopiclone and zaleplon)<\/a>, Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, September 2013, accessed October 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/controlled-drugs-personal-licences\">Controlled drugs: personal licences<\/a>, Home Office, GOV.UK, accessed October 2026<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gov.uk\/drug-driving-law\">Drugs and driving: the law<\/a>, GOV.UK, accessed October 2026<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ym-disclaimer\">This article is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/yourmedsuk.com\/insights\/medical-disclaimer\/\">medical disclaimer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Zopiclone is a prescription-only Z-drug sleeping tablet licensed in the UK for short-term insomnia in adults. 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