Zopiclone 10 MG

Description

Zopiclone 10 mg: Important UK Information

Quick Answer

Zopiclone is a prescription-only sleeping medicine used for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia. Standard UK prescribing information generally refers to 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg doses. A 10 mg strength is not a routine standard UK dose and should not be promoted, selected or used without clear clinical and legal justification.

This page provides general patient information. It does not replace an assessment by a doctor, pharmacist or qualified prescriber.

What Is Zopiclone?

Zopiclone belongs to a group of medicines commonly called Z-drugs or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. It acts on the brain’s GABA system, helping to reduce brain activity and support sleep.

It may be considered for adults experiencing severe short-term insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep, repeated waking during the night or waking too early. It is not intended as a routine long-term sleep treatment.

Important Information About the 10 mg Strength

UK clinical guidance generally uses lower zopiclone strengths. The appropriate treatment and dose must be decided by a qualified prescriber after reviewing the patient’s age, medical history, other medicines, previous response to treatment and risk of adverse effects.

Patients should never increase their dose because a lower dose appears to be less effective. Taking a higher dose can increase the risk of excessive sedation, confusion, falls, memory problems, impaired breathing, dependence and next-day driving impairment.

Do not split, combine or alter tablets unless specifically instructed by the prescribing clinician or pharmacist.

How Is Zopiclone Normally Used?

Zopiclone should be taken exactly as stated on the prescription label and patient information leaflet. It is normally intended for use immediately before bedtime, when the patient can obtain a full and uninterrupted night’s sleep.

Treatment should be as short as possible. Continuing use can cause tolerance, meaning the medicine becomes less effective, and can also lead to physical or psychological dependence.

Never take an additional dose during the same night unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.

Who Should Not Take Zopiclone?

Zopiclone may not be suitable for people with:

• Severe breathing difficulties
• Severe liver impairment
• Sleep apnoea
• Myasthenia gravis
• A previous allergic reaction to zopiclone or its ingredients
• A history of medicine, alcohol or substance dependence
• Certain mental health conditions
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless specifically advised by a clinician

Patients should provide their prescriber with complete and accurate health information before treatment is considered.

Zopiclone and Other Medicines

Zopiclone can interact with medicines and substances that cause sedation or affect breathing.

Particular care is required with:

• Opioid pain medicines
• Other sleeping tablets or sedatives
• Medicines for anxiety
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotic medicines
• Sedating antihistamines
• Epilepsy medicines
• Certain antibiotics and antifungal medicines
• Alcohol
• Recreational drugs
• Herbal sleep products

Patients should tell the prescriber and pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies they use.

Zopiclone and Alcohol

Alcohol should not be consumed while taking zopiclone. Combining them can cause excessive sedation, poor coordination, memory loss, abnormal behaviour and potentially dangerous breathing problems.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Zopiclone can reduce alertness, slow reaction time and impair coordination the following morning. Patients must not drive, cycle, operate machinery or perform hazardous work when they feel sleepy, dizzy, confused or less alert.

The effects may be stronger when a higher dose is used, when alcohol or other sedating medicines are taken, or when the patient does not obtain enough sleep.

Common Side Effects

Possible common side effects include:

• Bitter or metallic taste
• Dry mouth
• Daytime drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Reduced alertness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea

Not every patient experiences these effects. A doctor or pharmacist should be contacted if symptoms persist, worsen or interfere with normal activities.

Serious Side Effects

Urgent medical assistance may be needed if a patient experiences:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat
• Severe confusion
• Hallucinations
• Loss of memory
• Unusual aggression or behaviour
• Sleepwalking or performing activities while not fully awake
• Falling or serious loss of coordination
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Loss of consciousness

Do not take another dose until professional medical advice has been obtained.

Dependence, Tolerance and Withdrawal

Zopiclone can cause tolerance, dependence and withdrawal, particularly with higher doses or prolonged use.

Possible withdrawal symptoms include:

• Rebound insomnia
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Tremor
• Headache
• Muscle discomfort
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Confusion
• Seizures in severe cases

Patients should not suddenly stop regular treatment without speaking to the prescribing clinician. A gradual dose-reduction plan may be required.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using zopiclone. The prescriber should assess the potential risks and benefits and consider appropriate alternatives.

Missed Dose

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. When the normal bedtime dose has been missed, follow the instructions provided by the prescriber, pharmacist and patient information leaflet.

Suspected Overdose

Taking more zopiclone than prescribed can be dangerous. Symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination, reduced consciousness and breathing problems.

In the event of a suspected overdose, seek urgent medical help and provide details of the medicine, strength, quantity and approximate time it was taken.

How to Store Zopiclone

Keep the medicine:

• In its original packaging
• Away from moisture and excessive heat
• Out of the sight and reach of children
• Secure from anyone for whom it was not prescribed
• Within the expiry date shown on the packaging

Do not share prescription medicine with another person. Unused medicine should be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Prescription and Supply Requirements

Zopiclone is a prescription-only controlled medicine. It should only be supplied following an appropriate clinical assessment and a valid prescription.

A customer’s preferred strength or quantity will not necessarily be prescribed or supplied. The final decision must be made by the qualified prescriber and dispensing pharmacy based on safety, clinical suitability and applicable UK requirements.

About HappyMeds

HappyMeds provides UK-focused sleep-health information and access to regulated professional support where available.

Last medically reviewed:
24/08/2026

References

• NHS: Zopiclone
• NICE British National Formulary: Zopiclone
• Electronic Medicines Compendium: Zopiclone Patient Information
• Electronic Medicines Compendium: Zopiclone Summary of Product Characteristics

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 10 mg a standard UK Zopiclone dose?

Standard UK prescribing information generally refers to 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg doses. Any other strength requires specific legal and clinical verification and should not be selected by the patient without professional assessment.

Can I choose a higher dose if 7.5 mg does not work?

No. Patients should not increase the dose themselves. Reduced effectiveness may indicate tolerance, an unsuitable treatment, an interaction or another cause of insomnia requiring clinical review.

Can Zopiclone be used every night?

Zopiclone is generally intended for short-term treatment. Nightly or extended use increases the risk of tolerance, dependence and withdrawal.

Can I take Zopiclone with alcohol?

No. Alcohol can significantly increase sedation, impairment and breathing-related risks.

Can I drive the following morning?

Do not drive when sleepy, dizzy, confused or less alert. Zopiclone may impair driving ability the following morning, particularly with higher doses or insufficient sleep.

Is Zopiclone suitable for anxiety?

Zopiclone is primarily used for short-term insomnia. It should not be presented as a general treatment for anxiety.

Can I stop taking Zopiclone suddenly?

Stopping suddenly after regular use may cause rebound insomnia and withdrawal symptoms. Speak to the prescribing clinician about a safe reduction plan.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for general education and does not provide individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always follow the instructions provided by the prescribing clinician, dispensing pharmacy and official patient information leaflet.