ZOPICLONE — 3.75 mg / 7.5 mg tablets
Non‑benzodiazepine hypnotic • cyclopyrrolone • short‑term insomnia • Rx‑only • C‑IV
Prescription‑only medicine. Controlled substance (Schedule IV in many countries). Educational content: strengths, brand examples, safety notes, FAQ, and official references. Always follow your local leaflet and clinician guidance.
🔎 Quick Links
📦 Product Snapshot
Active substanceZopiclone
Strengths3.75 mg · 7.5 mg tablets
Dosage formFilm‑coated tablets · oral solution (some markets)
Do not crush or chew tablets (very bitter taste). Bioavailability may be affected.
Reference brandsImovane® · Zimovane® · Zimovane LS®
India brand examplesSliprex Fast® (Taj Pharma) · Zopiwin® · Zolfresh® · Zopicon® · many generics
Primary indicationShort‑term treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling asleep, nocturnal awakening, early waking)
Approved in UK, Europe, Australia, India, and many other countries. NOT FDA‑approved in the USA (eszopiclone is used instead).
Request verified information
Use our inquiry form to request official leaflet links, verify common strengths, and ask general authenticity/packaging questions. We do not provide medical advice.
International visitors: our informational support and inquiry form are available to users in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Rx‑only • short‑term use • monitor for dependence
🧠 Overview
Zopiclone is a non‑benzodiazepine hypnotic agent from the cyclopyrrolone class, used for the short‑term management of insomnia in adults. It was introduced in the 1980s and is available in over 100 countries. While structurally unrelated to benzodiazepines, it exerts its effects by binding to the GABAA receptor at a site distinct from benzodiazepines, enhancing the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and producing sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic effects.
Onset and duration: Zopiclone is rapidly absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1–2 hours and an elimination half‑life of approximately 5–6 hours. It reduces sleep latency, decreases nocturnal awakenings, and increases total sleep time. The standard adult dose is 7.5 mg taken immediately before bedtime, with at least 7–8 hours of sleep remaining.
Critical limitation – short‑term use: Zopiclone is indicated for short‑term use only, typically 2–4 weeks. Tolerance to the hypnotic effect may develop after repeated use, and prolonged use is associated with dependence, abuse, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. It is not recommended for chronic insomnia.
Note on eszopiclone (Lunesta®): In the United States, zopiclone itself is not FDA‑approved. Instead, its active stereoisomer, eszopiclone, is available as a schedule IV controlled substance. Eszopiclone has similar pharmacology but different dosing (1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg).
🏷️ Strengths & Brand Examples
Available strengths
- 3.75 mg tablets (low‑strength, often for elderly or hepatic/renal impairment)
- 7.5 mg tablets (standard adult dose)
- Oral solution (5 mg/5 mL) available in some countries for patients with swallowing difficulties
UK / Europe / Australia reference brands
- Zimovane® 7.5 mg (original UK brand)
- Zimovane LS® 3.75 mg (low strength)
- Imovane® (France, Canada, Australia)
India brands (examples)
- Sliprex Fast® 7.5 mg (Taj Life Sciences / Taj Pharma) — manufactured in USFDA, EU-GMP, PICs approved facilities [
- Zolfresh® 7.5 mg (Sun Pharma)
- Zopicon® 7.5 mg (Cipla)
- Zopiwin® 7.5 mg (Win-Medicare)
- Zodorm® 7.5 mg (Abbott)
- Numerous generic versions from Zydus, Alkem, Intas, Torrent, Mankind, etc.
US equivalent (eszopiclone)
- Lunesta® 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg (brand and generic) — Schedule C‑IV
Note: brand availability changes. Verify manufacturer and on‑pack labeling for current listings. Always obtain with valid prescription.
⚠️ Safety, Side Effects & Monitoring
Commonly discussed effects
- Bitter or metallic taste (dysgeusia) — very characteristic, up to 30%
- Drowsiness / somnolence (next‑day)
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness, headache
- Nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset
- Coordination problems, ataxia (especially in elderly)
- Nightmares, abnormal dreams
Serious risks & label‑first warnings
• Complex sleep behaviors (boxed‑level warning): Sleepwalking, sleep‑driving, preparing/eating food, making phone calls, having sex while not fully awake — with amnesia for the event. Risk increases with alcohol and other CNS depressants. Discontinue immediately if occurs.
• Next‑day impairment: Can impair driving, operating machinery even when feeling fully awake. Risk increased with doses >7.5 mg, <7–8 h sleep, or with other CNS depressants.
• Dependence and tolerance: Physical and psychological dependence may develop after >4 weeks use. Abrupt withdrawal causes rebound insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, confusion, palpitations, sweating, nightmares, hallucinations, seizures (rare).
• Withdrawal symptoms: Include anxiety, shaking, irritability, agitation, confusion, panic attacks, sweating, headache, faster heartbeat, sensitivity to light/noise/touch, numbness/tingling, muscle aches, seizures (rare).
• CNS depression: Additive effects with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines. May cause severe sedation, respiratory depression, coma, death.
• Anaphylaxis / angioedema: Rare but serious — discontinue immediately if swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat occurs.
• Worsening of depression / suicidality: Monitor patients with depression; prescribe minimal quantity to reduce overdose risk.
• Next‑day impairment: Can impair driving, operating machinery even when feeling fully awake. Risk increased with doses >7.5 mg, <7–8 h sleep, or with other CNS depressants.
• Dependence and tolerance: Physical and psychological dependence may develop after >4 weeks use. Abrupt withdrawal causes rebound insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, confusion, palpitations, sweating, nightmares, hallucinations, seizures (rare).
• Withdrawal symptoms: Include anxiety, shaking, irritability, agitation, confusion, panic attacks, sweating, headache, faster heartbeat, sensitivity to light/noise/touch, numbness/tingling, muscle aches, seizures (rare).
• CNS depression: Additive effects with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines. May cause severe sedation, respiratory depression, coma, death.
• Anaphylaxis / angioedema: Rare but serious — discontinue immediately if swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat occurs.
• Worsening of depression / suicidality: Monitor patients with depression; prescribe minimal quantity to reduce overdose risk.
⛔ CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Hypersensitivity to zopiclone or any excipient
- Myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness)
- Respiratory failure (severe COPD, sleep apnoea)
- Severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh C)
- Age <18 years (safety not established)
- History of complex sleep behaviors after taking zopiclone
Use in specific populations
- Elderly (>65 years): Start with 3.75 mg (half tablet). Increased risk of falls, cognitive impairment, next‑day sedation. Max dose 3.75–7.5 mg based on response.
- Hepatic impairment: Mild‑moderate: consider 3.75 mg. Severe: contraindicated (exposure doubled).
- Renal impairment: No dose adjustment needed (<10% excreted unchanged), but caution.
- Pregnancy: Avoid — limited safety data; crosses placenta. Neonatal withdrawal reported with long‑term use.
- Breastfeeding: Zopiclone excreted in milk — avoid or use with caution; monitor infant for sedation.
⚕️ Critical drug interactions
- Alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, gabapentinoids, antipsychotics, TCAs, antihistamines: Additive CNS depression — respiratory depression, coma, death. Avoid.
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir): Increase zopiclone levels — may need dose reduction.
- CYP3A4 inducers (rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St John’s wort): Decrease zopiclone efficacy — may need dose increase.
- Caffeine: Opposite effect — reduces hypnotic efficacy. Avoid before bedtime.
Overdose management
- Symptoms: Drowsiness, confusion, ataxia, depressed reflexes, coma, respiratory depression, hypotension, death (especially with co‑ingestants).
- Management: Supportive care, monitoring of vital signs, flumazenil may reverse CNS depression (but not always recommended). Activated charcoal if recent ingestion.
❓ FAQ
FAQ question #1: Is zopiclone a sleeping pill? How long does it take to work?
Answer: Yes, zopiclone is a prescription sleeping pill (hypnotic) for short‑term insomnia. It starts working within about 1 hour, so take it immediately before bedtime. Ensure you have at least 7–8 hours to sleep.
FAQ question #2: Can I become addicted to zopiclone?
Answer: If taken exactly as prescribed for up to 4 weeks, addiction risk is low. However, using it for longer than 4 weeks increases the risk of physical and psychological dependence. Tolerance may develop, meaning the same dose stops working, and withdrawal symptoms (rebound insomnia, anxiety, agitation) can occur if stopped suddenly.
FAQ question #3: What is the difference between zopiclone and eszopiclone?
Answer: Eszopiclone (Lunesta®) is the active stereoisomer (purified form) of zopiclone. It is approved in the USA, while zopiclone itself is not. Eszopiclone is dosed at 1 mg, 2 mg, or 3 mg (max 3 mg), whereas zopiclone is dosed at 3.75 mg or 7.5 mg. Both are schedule IV controlled substances.
FAQ question #4: Can I drink alcohol with zopiclone?
Answer: No, absolutely not. Alcohol dramatically increases the sedative effects, leading to very deep sleep, difficulty waking, respiratory depression, and increased risk of complex sleep behaviors (sleepwalking, sleep‑driving). The combination can be fatal.
FAQ question #5: Why do I have a bitter/metallic taste after taking zopiclone?
Answer: A bitter or metallic taste (dysgeusia) is a very common side effect of zopiclone, affecting up to 30% of users. It is harmless but can be unpleasant. It occurs because the drug is excreted in saliva and activates taste receptors.
FAQ question #6: What should I do if I forget a dose?
Answer: If you forget to take zopiclone at bedtime, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time the following night. Never take two doses at the same time. Taking it too late may not leave enough time for sleep and increases next‑day drowsiness.