Wat 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-lidstaten.
Hoe werkt 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.
Voor wie 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
Dosering
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 |
| Maximum duration | 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.
Bijwerkingen
Very common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people)
- 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)
Veel voorkomende bijwerkingen
- 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 alternatieven
| 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.
Hoe krijgt u toegang tot sleep treatment online in Europa krijgen
Zopiclone is a prescription-only controlled medicine in all EU-lidstaten. It cannot be legally dispensed without a valid prescription from a qualified medical professional.
Prescrivia operates as a technology intermediary, connecting patients with independent EU-registered doctors for online health assessments. We do not prescribe medicines, employ doctors, or sell medicines directly.
The process:
- Vul een gezondheidsbeoordeling in: Answer structured questions about your sleep problems, medical history, and current medications.
- Beoordeling door arts: An independent EU-registered doctor evaluates your assessment. Where a prescription sleep medicine is clinically appropriate, a prescription may be issued.
- Recept en levering: If a prescription is issued, it is sent to a licensed EU pharmacy partner for dispensing and direct delivery.
Important: Prescrivia garandeert niet that a prescription will be issued. All prescribing decisions are made independently by qualified medical professionals.
Belangrijke veiligheidsinformatie
Do not take 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.
Driving: 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.
Bronnen
Medical information on this page is based on the following sources:
- Europees Geneesmiddelenbureau (EMA). Scientific conclusions and grounds for the variation to the terms of the marketing authorisations for zopiclone-containing products. EMA/CHMP/2014.
- Wereldgezondheidsorganisatie (WHO). Guidelines for the Management of Slaapstoornissen. who.int
- European Sleep Research Society (ESRS). European Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Insomnia. J Sleep Res. 2017;26(6):675-700.
This content is reviewed periodically to reflect updated clinical guidance. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your individual health circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
- Wat 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 receptplichtig geneesmiddel in EU-lidstaten.
- 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.
Behandelingen
Prescrivia is uitsluitend een bemiddelingsplatform. Wij bieden geen medische diensten aan, schrijven geen behandelingen voor en verstrekken geen medicijnen. Alle medische beslissingen worden genomen door onafhankelijke EU-geregistreerde artsen. Alle medicijnen worden verstrekt door erkende EU-apotheken. Dit platform faciliteert verbindingen tussen patiënten en zorgverleners.