Zopiclone in the UK: a clear, pharmacist-reviewed guide

Zopiclone is one of the most commonly prescribed short-term sleeping tablets in the UK. It belongs to a group of medicines called Z-drugs (cyclopyrrolone hypnotics) and is used to help adults with significant, short-lasting sleep problems where non-medicine approaches have not been enough.

This page is for adults in the UK who want to understand what zopiclone is, when it might be appropriate, and how it can be supplied safely through a regulated UK pharmacy. It is not a recommendation to take zopiclone — any decision to prescribe is made by a UK-registered clinician on a case-by-case basis after a full assessment.

What is zopiclone?

Zopiclone is a short-acting hypnotic medicine that helps people fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep through the night. It works on GABA-A receptors in the brain — the same calming pathway used by benzodiazepines such as diazepam — to produce a sedative effect.

In the UK it is licensed under brand names including Zimovane as well as many generic versions. It is available as 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg film-coated tablets.

What is zopiclone used for?

• Short-term treatment of insomnia in adults — typically where sleep difficulties are severe, disabling, or causing significant distress.
• Situational insomnia — for example, after a major life event — where a brief course can break the cycle of poor sleep.
• Cases where sleep hygiene and CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) have been tried first or are being arranged in parallel.

NICE specifically recommends that hypnotics like zopiclone are not used for long-term insomnia, mild sleep difficulties, or as a first-line option.

Who may be prescribed zopiclone?

A UK prescriber will usually only consider zopiclone for adults who:

• Have severe insomnia significantly affecting daily functioning.
• Have already tried non-medicine measures or are willing to try them alongside.
• Do not have a history of sedative, alcohol or substance dependence.
• Do not have severe respiratory problems, sleep apnoea, myasthenia gravis or severe liver disease.
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Can have a full 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep after each dose.

Older adults, people with reduced liver or kidney function, and those at higher risk of falls are usually started on the lower 3.75 mg dose.

How is zopiclone prescribed in the UK?

Zopiclone is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) and a Schedule 4 controlled drug under the UK Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. That means it can only be supplied:

• On a valid prescription from a UK-registered prescriber.
• By a UK-registered pharmacy.
• In a quantity considered clinically appropriate — usually a short course.

Any UK website offering zopiclone without a consultation, or claiming to ship it without a prescription, is operating illegally. The MHRA actively warns against buying prescription medicines from such sources.

Typical UK adult doses

• Adults under 65: usually 7.5 mg taken immediately before bed.
• Older adults or those with liver/kidney impairment: usually 3.75 mg, increased only if needed and tolerated.
• Maximum recommended duration: 2–4 weeks including any tapering.

Always follow the dose written on your prescription and the patient information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

Alternatives to zopiclone

For most adults with sleep problems, alternatives are tried before a Z-drug. These include:

• Sleep hygiene — consistent schedule, wind-down routine, limiting caffeine and alcohol.
• CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) — NICE first-line treatment for ongoing insomnia, available free via NHS Talking Therapies.
• Melatonin prolonged-release (e.g. Circadin 2 mg) — often considered for adults aged 55 and over with primary insomnia.
• Sedating antihistamines (Pharmacy medicines such as promethazine or diphenhydramine) — for occasional use only, not long-term.
• Other Z-drugs such as zolpidem — clinically equivalent to zopiclone for short-term insomnia (NICE TA77).

Risks, side effects and safety

Common side effects

• A bitter or metallic taste in the mouth (very common with zopiclone).
• Daytime drowsiness or a "hangover" feeling.
• Dry mouth, headache or dizziness.

Less common but important risks

• Dependence and tolerance. Even short courses can lead to rebound insomnia when stopped, and longer use significantly increases the risk of dependence.
• Memory and complex sleep behaviours — including sleepwalking, sleep-eating or sleep-driving, particularly with alcohol or higher doses.
• Falls and fractures, particularly in older adults.
• Breathing suppression, especially when combined with opioids, benzodiazepines or alcohol.

Do not use zopiclone if you

• Have severe respiratory problems or sleep apnoea.
• Have myasthenia gravis or severe liver disease.
• Have a history of sedative, alcohol or substance dependence.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (unless specifically advised).
• Are under 18 — zopiclone is not licensed for children.

Driving: zopiclone is covered by the UK drug-driving law. It is an offence to drive if your driving is impaired the morning after a dose.

Legal and regulatory status in the UK

• POM (Prescription Only Medicine) under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
• Schedule 4 (Part I) controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 — meaning prescribing and record-keeping requirements apply.
• Travel: a personal export licence is required for trips abroad of 3 months or more.
• Supply in the UK is regulated by the MHRA.

How a RestWell Pharmacy consultation works

Zopiclone is never simply "added to a basket" and shipped. Every request goes through the same clinician-led process used in any responsible UK online pharmacy:

1. You complete a confidential online sleep assessment covering your sleep history, current symptoms, medical history, medication, and lifestyle.
2. You provide photo ID and confirm your GP details so the prescriber can verify your identity and (with your consent) notify your GP.
3. A UK-registered prescriber reviews your case. They may approve a short course, propose a safer alternative, or decline if treatment is not appropriate.
4. If approved, the medicine is dispensed by our registered pharmacy and dispatched in plain, tracked packaging.
5. You receive a written care plan, safety information, and access to a pharmacist for follow-up questions.

If our prescriber does not feel zopiclone is the right option, we will tell you why and signpost safer next steps — including CBT-I and your GP.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get zopiclone online in the UK?

Yes — but only via a UK-registered pharmacy and only after a consultation with a UK-registered prescriber. Any site offering zopiclone without a prescription is operating outside UK law.

How strong is zopiclone 7.5 mg?

7.5 mg is the standard adult dose for short-term insomnia. The 3.75 mg dose is used in older adults or where lower exposure is preferred.

Is zopiclone addictive?

Yes. Even short courses can cause rebound insomnia on stopping, and longer use is associated with physical and psychological dependence. This is why UK guidance limits courses to 2–4 weeks.

Can I drink alcohol with zopiclone?

No. Combining zopiclone with alcohol significantly increases sedation, breathing suppression and the risk of complex sleep behaviours.

Will my GP be told?

For controlled drugs we strongly recommend GP notification, in line with CQC guidance. You can decline, but this may affect the prescriber's decision to prescribe.