Zopiclone dose: 3.75 mg, 5 mg and 7.5 mg explained

The usual zopiclone dose for adults in the UK is one dose at bedtime, normally 7.5 mg, and some newer products start at 5 mg. Older adults and people with liver, kidney or long-term breathing problems usually start on 3.75 mg. You take it once a night only, and UK product information says the dose should not go above 7.5 mg.

This guide explains the zopiclone dose exactly as the official UK product information sets it out. It covers each tablet strength, who starts lower, why you should never take a second dose in the night, and the warning signs of taking too much. Always take zopiclone exactly as your prescriber tells you. For a wider overview, read our complete guide to zopiclone.

What strengths does zopiclone come in?

In the UK, zopiclone comes as film-coated tablets in three strengths. Most people know the 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg tablets. A 5 mg tablet has also been added to the electronic medicines compendium (eMC), with its Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for zopiclone 5 mg last revised in March 2026.

Strength	How it is usually used
3.75 mg	The usual starting dose for older adults and for people with liver, kidney or long-term breathing problems.
5 mg	The usual starting dose for adults in the newer 5 mg-based product information.
7.5 mg	The usual adult dose in most UK product information, and the highest dose stated.

When we checked the eMC in October 2026, we found no UK-licensed 10 mg zopiclone tablet. If you see other strengths offered online, treat that as a warning sign. We explain why further down.

What is the usual zopiclone dose for adults?

The SmPC for zopiclone 7.5 mg tablets recommends one 7.5 mg tablet by mouth shortly before going to bed. The patient leaflet for zopiclone 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg says the same, and adds that this dose should not be exceeded.

Some newer products take a slightly different approach. The Grindeks SmPC for zopiclone 7.5 mg gives a usual starting dose of 5 mg at bedtime, which may be raised if needed. It also states that the dose should not exceed 7.5 mg per day.

So your prescriber may start you on 5 mg or 7.5 mg, depending on the product and on you. Neither approach is wrong. What matters is that you take the dose on your label and nothing more.

Who starts on a lower dose?

UK product information starts some people on the lowest strength, 3.75 mg. This lets the prescriber see how you respond before any change.

Group	Usual starting dose	Notes
Older adults	3.75 mg at bedtime	Your doctor may raise it later if needed.
Liver problems	3.75 mg at bedtime	A lower dose is recommended.
Kidney problems	3.75 mg at bedtime	Advised as a starting dose.
Long-term breathing problems	3.75 mg at bedtime	A lower dose is recommended.
Under 18s	Not used	Zopiclone is not licensed for children or teenagers.

The SmPC for zopiclone 3.75 mg says an older adult’s dose may later go up to 5 mg and, if necessary, up to 7.5 mg. Only your prescriber should make that change.

For some people zopiclone is not suitable at any dose. The SmPC lists myasthenia gravis, respiratory failure, severe sleep apnoea and severe liver problems. Tell your doctor about any health condition before you start.

How many zopiclone tablets can you take?

You take one dose a night, just before bed. For most adults that is one 7.5 mg tablet, or two 3.75 mg tablets if that is how your prescription is written. The patient leaflet is clear that you take it “in a single intake” and do not take it again during the same night.

What is the maximum dose in 24 hours?

Zopiclone is only taken at bedtime, so there is one dose in 24 hours. The highest dose stated in UK product information is 7.5 mg per day. Your own maximum is whatever your prescriber has written on your label, which may be lower.

Why you should not take a second dose if you wake up

It can be tempting to take another tablet if you wake at 3am. Please don’t. A second dose leaves more medicine in your body when you need to get up. That makes next-day drowsiness and unsafe driving more likely. The NHS advice on taking zopiclone says never to take more than one dose in the same night.

Is 15 mg of zopiclone safe?

No UK product information supports a 15 mg dose. It is twice the highest dose any UK zopiclone licence states. Taking more than prescribed raises the risk of overdose effects, especially with alcohol or other sedating medicines. If zopiclone no longer seems to work at your usual dose, speak to your doctor rather than taking more.

How long can you take zopiclone for?

Zopiclone is a short-term treatment. The 7.5 mg SmPC says a single course should not last longer than 4 weeks, including the time spent reducing the dose. The Grindeks product information goes further and aims for a few days to 2 weeks.

The length of treatment matters because the risk of dependence rises with both dose and duration. Your body can also get used to zopiclone, so it may work less well over time. Our guide to zopiclone side effects covers the other effects to watch for while you take it.

Do not stop suddenly after taking it every night for a while. Your doctor will usually reduce the dose gradually. They will plan this with you, so please don’t change your dose on your own.

How to take your dose safely

• Timing: take it just before bed. The NHS says it usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes. Read more about how long zopiclone takes to work.
• How: swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew it.
• Alcohol: do not drink alcohol with zopiclone. The SmPC says alcohol can increase its sedative effect.
• Other medicines: tell your prescriber about every medicine you take. Taking zopiclone with opioid painkillers raises the risk of deep sedation and breathing problems.
• Driving: the SmPC recommends at least 12 hours between taking zopiclone and driving. It is also illegal to drive if any medicine impairs your driving.

What if you miss a dose?

Skip it and take your next dose at bedtime the following night. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Never take it in the middle of the night or in the morning.

Signs you have taken too much zopiclone

Taking more zopiclone than prescribed can be dangerous. The patient leaflet lists these warning signs:

• feeling very drowsy or confused, sleeping very deeply, or falling into a coma
• floppy, weak muscles
• feeling dizzy, light-headed or faint
• losing your balance or falling over
• shallow breathing or difficulty breathing

The SmPC says breathing problems are more likely when zopiclone is combined with alcohol or other medicines that slow the brain (see what you cannot take with zopiclone). Other illnesses or being frail can also make symptoms worse.

What to do: if you have taken more than your prescribed dose, call NHS 111 for advice. If someone is very hard to wake, is confused or has slow or difficult breathing, call 999 straight away. Take the medicine box or leaflet with you to hospital. Do not drive yourself.

Why unusual strengths sold online are a red flag

Many websites advertise zopiclone in strengths that do not match any UK product, such as 10 mg. A tablet that does not match a UK licence has not been checked by the UK regulator. You cannot be sure what it contains or how strong it is.

In January 2026 the MHRA reported seizing 9.9 million doses of sedatives in 2025. It warned that medicines sold illegally online may contain harmful substances or the wrong dose.

Zopiclone is a Class C controlled drug and has been in Schedule 4 Part 1 since June 2014. In the UK it is only legally supplied with a prescription. Read our guides to controlled drugs in the UK and how to check a UK online pharmacy to learn more.

This article is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Read our medical disclaimer.