What is Zopiclone?
Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic medicine — commonly referred to as a Z-drug — used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. Unlike zolpidem, which is primarily effective for sleep onset insomnia, zopiclone has a slightly longer duration of action that makes it suitable for both difficulty falling asleep and waking during the night.
It is available under brand names including Imovane and Zimovane across Europe and is a prescription-only controlled medicine in all EU member states.
How does Zopiclone work?
Zopiclone, like benzodiazepines, acts by enhancing the inhibitory effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor — the brain’s primary inhibitory receptor system. By binding to the benzodiazepine site on the GABA-A receptor complex, zopiclone increases chloride ion conductance across neuronal membranes, producing widespread neuronal inhibition.
The clinical effects include:
- Reduced sleep onset latency: Faster time to fall asleep
- Increased total sleep time: Including improved sleep maintenance through the night
- Reduced nocturnal awakenings: Fewer episodes of waking during the night
- Some reduction in deep sleep (slow-wave sleep): This is a common effect of hypnotics and may affect sleep quality with prolonged use
Zopiclone has a half-life of approximately 5 hours (longer in older adults and those with liver impairment, up to 7–8 hours), which contributes to its effectiveness for sleep maintenance while still carrying some risk of next-morning sedation at higher doses.
Who is Zopiclone for?
Zopiclone is indicated for short-term treatment of insomnia in adults, particularly where:
- Both sleep onset and sleep maintenance are affected
- The insomnia is sufficiently severe to significantly impair daytime functioning
- Non-pharmacological approaches (particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia, CBT-I) have been tried or are not available
Clinical guidelines across EU countries position zopiclone and other Z-drugs as second-line pharmacological options for insomnia, after CBT-I.
Zopiclone is not appropriate for:
- People with sleep apnoea syndrome
- Those with myasthenia gravis
- Patients with severe respiratory insufficiency
- Patients with severe hepatic impairment
- Those with a current or previous history of substance dependence
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Posología
Zopiclone is taken orally as a tablet, immediately before bedtime.
| Group | Recommended Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 7.5 mg at bedtime | Standard dose |
| Adults over 65 | 3.75 mg at bedtime | Start low; longer half-life in older adults |
| Hepatic impairment | 3.75 mg at bedtime | Reduced clearance |
| Duración máxima | 2–4 weeks | Including tapering period |
The 3.75 mg tablet (half the standard dose) should be used as the starting dose in older adults and those with liver problems, as the drug is cleared more slowly in these populations, increasing the risk of accumulation and next-morning impairment.
Efectos secundarios
Efectos secundarios muy frecuentes (pueden afectar a más de 1 de cada 10 personas)
- Bitter or metallic taste: The most commonly reported side effect; caused by partial secretion of zopiclone through saliva
- Drowsiness or somnolence (may extend into the following day at higher doses)
Efectos secundarios frecuentes
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Anterograde amnesia (difficulty forming new memories after taking the dose)
- Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort
Serious risks
- Dependence and withdrawal: Physical and psychological dependence can develop with regular use; withdrawal symptoms may include rebound insomnia, anxiety, tremor, and sweating
- Rebound insomnia: Sleep may temporarily worsen after stopping treatment, sometimes more severely than the original insomnia
- Complex sleep behaviours: Sleep-walking, sleep-eating, and other behaviours with no memory of the event have been reported with hypnotic medicines as a class
- Respiratory depression: Particularly when combined with alcohol, opioids, or other CNS depressants
- Falls and fractures: Due to next-morning sedation and impaired coordination, particularly in older adults
Zopiclone vs alternatives
| Medicine | Class | Sleep Onset | Sleep Maintenance | Half-Life | Rx Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zopiclone | Z-drug | Yes | Yes | ~5–6 hours | Yes |
| Zolpidem | Z-drug | Yes | Partial | ~2–3 hours | Yes |
| Lormetazepam | Benzodiazepine | Yes | Yes | ~10–12 hours | Yes |
| Melatonin | Hormone | Yes | Limited | ~1–2 hours | Low dose: No |
| Diphenhydramine | Antihistamine | Yes | Limited | ~9 hours | No |
Zopiclone may be preferred over zolpidem for patients who experience both sleep onset and maintenance difficulties, given its longer duration of action. A doctor should determine which medicine, if any, is appropriate for each individual patient.
How to access sleep treatment online in Europe
Zopiclone is a prescription-only controlled medicine in all EU member states. It cannot be legally dispensed without a valid prescription from a qualified medical professional.
Prescrivia opera como intermediario tecnológico, conectando a los pacientes con médicos independientes registrados en la UE para evaluaciones de salud en línea. No prescribimos medicamentos, no empleamos médicos ni vendemos medicamentos directamente.
El proceso:
- Complete una evaluación de salud: Answer structured questions about your sleep problems, medical history, and current medications.
- Revisión médica: An independent EU-registered doctor evaluates your assessment. Where a prescription sleep medicine is clinically appropriate, a prescription may be issued.
- Prescripción y dispensación: Si se emite una receta, se envía a una farmacia asociada autorizada de la UE para su dispensación y entrega directa.
Importante: Prescrivia no garantiza que se emita una receta. Todas las decisiones de prescripción son tomadas de forma independiente por profesionales médicos cualificados.
Información importante de seguridad
No tome Zopiclone if you have:
- Sleep apnoea syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
- Severe respiratory insufficiency
- Severe liver disease
- A history of alcohol or drug dependence
Alcohol and drug interactions: Never combine zopiclone with alcohol — the combination dramatically enhances CNS depression and increases the risk of respiratory failure. Zopiclone also interacts with opioids, other benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.
Conducción: Do not drive or operate machinery after taking zopiclone, or if you wake earlier than 7–8 hours after your dose. The bitter taste in the mouth the following morning does not indicate the sedating effects have fully worn off.
Fuentes
La información médica de esta página se basa en las siguientes fuentes:
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Scientific conclusions and grounds for the variation to the terms of the marketing authorisations for zopiclone-containing products. EMA/CHMP/2014.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Guidelines for the Management of Sleep Disorders. who.int
- European Sleep Research Society (ESRS). European Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Insomnia. J Sleep Res. 2017;26(6):675-700.
Este contenido se revisa periódicamente para reflejar las directrices clínicas actualizadas. Se proporciona únicamente con fines informativos y no constituye asesoramiento médico. Consulte siempre a un profesional sanitario cualificado para obtener asesoramiento relevante para sus circunstancias de salud individuales.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Zopiclone used for?
- Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic (Z-drug) prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia, including both difficulty falling asleep (sleep onset insomnia) and waking during the night (sleep maintenance insomnia). It is a prescription-only medicine in EU member states.
- What does Zopiclone taste like, and is that normal?
- A bitter or metallic taste is a very common and well-documented side effect of zopiclone. It occurs because zopiclone is partially excreted through saliva and the lungs. The taste typically begins a few hours after taking the tablet and may persist into the following day. It is unpleasant but not a sign of a serious problem.
- How long should I take Zopiclone?
- Zopiclone is intended for short-term use only, typically 2 to 4 weeks. Longer treatment durations significantly increase the risk of tolerance (the medicine becoming less effective) and physical and psychological dependence. If sleep problems persist beyond this period, a doctor should reassess the underlying cause.
- Can Zopiclone cause dependence?
- Yes. Zopiclone carries a meaningful risk of dependence, especially with prolonged use beyond the recommended treatment period. While it is often described as having a lower dependence potential than classical benzodiazepines, zopiclone dependence is well-documented and can involve both physical withdrawal symptoms and psychological craving.
- Is Zopiclone the same as Zimovane?
- Yes. Zimovane is one of several brand names for zopiclone, alongside Imovane and Datolan. All contain the same active ingredient (zopiclone) and work in the same way. The brand name may differ depending on the EU country in which it is dispensed.
Tratamientos
Prescrivia es únicamente una plataforma intermediaria. No prestamos servicios médicos, no prescribimos tratamientos ni dispensamos medicamentos. Todas las decisiones médicas son tomadas por médicos independientes registrados en la UE. Todos los medicamentos son dispensados por farmacias autorizadas de la UE. Esta plataforma facilita la conexión entre pacientes y profesionales sanitarios.