Zopiclone 20 mg

Zopiclone 20 mg refers to a tablet product labelled as containing 20 mg of zopiclone, a hypnotic medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. People researching Zopiclone 20 mg online in the UK should understand the tablet strength, prescription requirements, product status, safety information and current availability before considering an online request.

Zopiclone is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. A 20 mg tablet should not be assumed to represent the usual UK adult dose or a routinely licensed UK zopiclone strength. The exact product, its regulatory status and its suitability should therefore be checked before supply.

Quick Answer: What Is Zopiclone 20 mg?

Zopiclone 20 mg describes a tablet labelled as containing 20 mg of the active ingredient zopiclone. Zopiclone is a prescription-only hypnotic medicine used for short-term insomnia treatment. Current UK prescribing information generally refers to lower strengths and a usual adult dose of 7.5 mg, so a 20 mg tablet should not be treated as a standard UK dose.

Key Takeaways

• Zopiclone 20 mg refers to a tablet strength containing 20 mg of zopiclone.
• Zopiclone is a prescription-only hypnotic medicine.
• It is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults.
• Tablet strength and prescribed dose are not the same thing.
• A 20 mg tablet should not be assumed to represent the normal UK adult zopiclone dose.
• Current UK prescribing information commonly refers to a 7.5 mg adult dose.
• Zopiclone can cause drowsiness, tolerance, dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
• Alcohol should be avoided while taking zopiclone.
• Product availability does not automatically mean that a particular strength is clinically suitable or authorised for routine UK prescribing.

Zopiclone 20 mg Product Information

Always check the original product packaging, strength and accompanying information before use.

What Is Zopiclone 20 mg?

Zopiclone 20 mg is a tablet product labelled as containing 20 mg of the active ingredient zopiclone.

Zopiclone belongs to a group of medicines known as hypnotics and is often described as a Z-drug. It affects activity in the brain and can be prescribed for the short-term treatment of significant sleeping problems.

The 20 mg figure describes the stated strength of the tablet. It should not be interpreted as a recommendation that an individual should take 20 mg.

This is particularly important because current UK prescribing information for zopiclone generally refers to lower strengths and doses.

For information about a commonly used UK strength, see our Zopiclone 7.5 mg product information.

Zopiclone 20 mg UK Availability

People searching for Zopiclone 20 mg UK, Zopiclone 20 mg availability UK or Zopiclone 20mg online UK are often trying to determine whether this particular strength is available.

Product availability and clinical suitability are separate considerations.

The appearance of a medicine on a website or supplier catalogue does not automatically establish that:

• The exact product holds a UK marketing authorisation.
• The strength is routinely prescribed in the UK.
• The product is suitable for a particular patient.
• A requested quantity is clinically appropriate.
• The medicine can legally be supplied in every circumstance.

The regulatory status and authenticity of the exact 20 mg product should therefore be established before supply.

Looking for Zopiclone 20 mg Online in the UK?

People searching for buy Zopiclone 20 mg online UK, order Zopiclone 20 mg online or Zopiclone 20mg online should remember that zopiclone is not an ordinary retail product.

It is a prescription-only medicine.

Before submitting any request for a zopiclone product, important considerations include:

• The exact active ingredient
• Tablet strength
• Manufacturer and packaging information
• Product authenticity
• UK regulatory status
• Prescription requirements
• Clinical suitability
• Existing medical conditions
• Other medicines being taken
• Previous use of sleeping medicines
• Relevant safety information

The availability of a particular strength should never be taken as evidence that the same strength is suitable for an individual.

For information about the general website process, read how the ordering process works.

Zopiclone 20 mg Price and Quantity Information

People researching Zopiclone 20 mg price UK may also compare available quantities and pack sizes.

Where price or quantity options are displayed, check the current product information before submitting a request because availability can change.

Price should not be the main reason for selecting a prescription hypnotic.

Before cost is considered, it is more important to establish:

• Whether the exact product is genuine
• Whether its UK regulatory status is appropriate
• Whether the strength is suitable
• Whether prescription requirements have been met
• Whether the requested quantity is appropriate
• Whether supply can lawfully proceed

A higher-strength tablet should never be selected simply because it appears to provide a larger amount of medicine for the price.

Is Zopiclone 20 mg a Standard UK Strength?

A 20 mg tablet should not be assumed to be a routinely licensed or standard UK zopiclone strength.

Current UK medicine information lists zopiclone products in lower strengths, and recognised prescribing information generally gives 7.5 mg as the recommended adult dose, with lower doses appropriate in some circumstances.

This means that:

20 mg tablet strength ≠ standard UK adult dose

Anyone researching a Zopiclone 20 mg product should therefore distinguish between the amount stated on the tablet or packaging and the dose normally recognised in UK prescribing information.

The exact regulatory status of a 20 mg product should be confirmed separately.

Zopiclone 20 mg vs Zopiclone 7.5 mg

The clearest difference is the amount of active ingredient stated for each tablet.

A 20 mg tablet contains a higher stated amount of zopiclone than a 7.5 mg tablet.

However, higher strength does not mean better treatment.

A stronger tablet is not automatically:

• More suitable for severe insomnia
• More effective for every person
• A replacement for a prescribed 7.5 mg dose
• Appropriate because another strength has stopped working
• Safe to substitute without professional advice

Higher exposure to a sedative medicine can increase the risk of unwanted effects and impairment.

This comparison should therefore be used only to understand tablet strength and should not be used to calculate a personal dose.

For a broader explanation of recognised strengths and dosing principles, see our zopiclone dosage guide.

What Is Zopiclone Used For?

Zopiclone is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults.

Insomnia may involve:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking repeatedly during the night
• Waking earlier than intended
• Sleep disturbance that significantly affects normal daytime life

Zopiclone is usually considered for sleeping problems that are sufficiently troublesome to require short-term medical treatment.

It is not generally intended as a routine long-term treatment for poor sleep.

How Does Zopiclone Work?

Zopiclone acts on the central nervous system and enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid, commonly known as GABA.

GABA is involved in reducing activity in the brain. By enhancing this calming effect, zopiclone can produce sedation and make it easier to fall asleep when appropriately prescribed for insomnia.

Zopiclone usually begins to work relatively quickly. NHS information states that it normally takes around 30 to 60 minutes to start working.

For more detailed information, read our guide explaining how fast zopiclone works.

Tablet Strength vs Prescribed Dose

Understanding this difference is especially important when researching Zopiclone 20 mg.

Tablet strength tells you how much active ingredient the product is labelled as containing.

Prescribed dose is the amount an appropriate healthcare professional has determined should be taken according to recognised medicine information and individual circumstances.

A product labelled 20 mg does not mean:

• 20 mg is the recommended UK adult dose.
• Everyone taking zopiclone should use 20 mg.
• Higher doses are more effective.
• A 20 mg tablet should automatically be taken whole.
• Two strengths can be substituted without advice.
• A dose can be increased because tolerance has developed.

Do not independently increase, reduce, split or combine tablets to create a particular dose unless this has been specifically advised and the product is suitable for that use.

How Long Is Zopiclone Normally Used?

Zopiclone is primarily intended for short-term treatment.

Treatment normally lasts from a few days to a few weeks and is generally kept as short as clinically appropriate.

Current UK prescribing information states that treatment should not normally exceed four weeks, including any period required for gradual withdrawal.

Longer or repeated use can increase the risk of:

• Tolerance
• Dependence
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Rebound insomnia
• Continued reliance on sedative medicines

If insomnia continues, the underlying problem should be reviewed rather than independently increasing the dose or extending treatment.

Who May Not Be Suitable for Zopiclone?

Zopiclone is not suitable for everyone.

Additional assessment can be particularly important if you have:

• Sleep apnoea
• Significant breathing problems
• Severe liver problems
• Myasthenia gravis
• Previous serious reactions to zopiclone
• A history of alcohol or drug dependence
• A history of sedative or prescription-medicine misuse
• Conditions that increase the risk of falls or impaired consciousness

Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy and breastfeeding should also be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.

All current medicines, supplements and relevant medical conditions should be disclosed before zopiclone is considered.

For broader guidance, read our medicine safety information.

Possible Side Effects of Zopiclone

Like all medicines, zopiclone can cause side effects.

Commonly reported effects include:

• Bitter or metallic taste
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Reduced alertness
• Dizziness

Some people may remain drowsy or less alert the following day.

Less common but more serious reactions can also occur. Seek appropriate medical help if symptoms are severe, unusual or concerning.

For more detailed information, read our guide to zopiclone side effects.

Zopiclone and Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking zopiclone.

Alcohol can substantially increase the sedative effect of the medicine and may increase the risk of:

• Excessive drowsiness
• Difficulty waking
• Impaired coordination
• Memory problems
• Unusual behaviour
• Breathing difficulties

The combination can be dangerous even if excessive sedation is not immediately obvious.

Zopiclone and Driving

Zopiclone can affect:

• Alertness
• Concentration
• Reaction time
• Coordination
• Judgement

Activities requiring full mental alertness, including driving and operating machinery, should be avoided while the medicine could still be affecting you.

Current prescribing information highlights an increased risk of psychomotor impairment when zopiclone is taken within 12 hours of activities requiring full alertness.

Alcohol and other sedating medicines can increase this risk.

Zopiclone and Other Medicines

Zopiclone can interact with other medicines.

Tell the appropriate healthcare professional about all medicines, supplements and herbal products being used.

Particular care may be needed with:

• Opioid pain medicines
• Other sleeping medicines
• Medicines used for anxiety
• Sedating antihistamines
• Some antidepressants
• Antipsychotic medicines
• Some epilepsy medicines
• Certain antibiotics
• Certain antifungal medicines
• Other medicines that depress the central nervous system

Combining zopiclone with other sedating substances can increase the risk of severe drowsiness, impaired consciousness and breathing problems.

Dependence, Tolerance and Withdrawal

Zopiclone can cause tolerance and dependence.

Tolerance means that the medicine may appear to have less effect after repeated use.

Dependence means that the body or mind has adapted to the medicine and withdrawal symptoms may occur when treatment is reduced or stopped.

Possible withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Rebound insomnia
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Headache
• Sweating
• Changes in mood

Risk can increase with longer treatment, inappropriate use and greater exposure to the medicine.

Do not independently increase the dose because zopiclone appears to have become less effective. Reduced effectiveness may indicate tolerance and should be reviewed appropriately.

Prescription Requirements in the UK

Zopiclone is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.

It should therefore not be treated in the same way as an ordinary over-the-counter sleeping product.

Appropriate prescription and supply requirements apply.

The exact product must also meet any applicable regulatory and legal requirements.

A previous prescription for zopiclone does not automatically establish that:

• Another strength is appropriate
• A higher strength is suitable
• A different product can be substituted
• A previous quantity remains appropriate
• A new request should automatically be supplied

Each request should be considered according to the relevant circumstances.

Online Ordering Information

Where a prescription medicine is legally available and appropriate for online supply, the process may involve several stages.

1. Review the Product Information

Read the active ingredient, tablet strength, product information, safety guidance and relevant regulatory information.

2. Check the Available Options

Review the product, quantity and price shown on the website.

3. Provide Accurate Details

Complete the required identity, account, delivery and other requested information.

4. Provide Relevant Health Information

Where required, provide information about sleeping problems, medical history, current medicines, previous treatment and other relevant circumstances.

5. Complete the Required Review

Prescription, clinical, identity, payment or other verification may be required before an order can proceed.

6. Product, Strength and Quantity Review

The exact product, strength or quantity requested may need to be reviewed and may not necessarily be accepted.

7. Order Decision

A request may be approved, changed, placed on hold for additional information or declined.

8. Preparation and Dispatch

Only orders that satisfy the applicable requirements should proceed to preparation and dispatch.

Submitting a request, selecting a quantity or completing payment does not by itself guarantee supply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zopiclone 20 mg

What is Zopiclone 20 mg?

Zopiclone 20 mg describes a tablet product labelled as containing 20 mg of zopiclone. The tablet strength should not be confused with the standard dose normally referred to in UK prescribing information.

Is Zopiclone 20 mg available in the UK?

Products labelled Zopiclone 20 mg can be found in international supplier markets, but a 20 mg product should not automatically be assumed to hold UK marketing authorisation. The regulatory status of the exact product should be confirmed before UK supply.

Is Zopiclone 20 mg a standard UK strength?

Current UK medicine listings and prescribing information generally refer to lower zopiclone strengths. A 20 mg tablet should therefore not be assumed to represent a standard routinely licensed UK strength.

What is the difference between Zopiclone 20 mg and 7.5 mg?

The difference is the stated amount of active ingredient per tablet. A 20 mg tablet contains a higher stated amount of zopiclone than a 7.5 mg tablet. This does not mean that the higher strength is more suitable or should replace a prescribed dose.

Is 20 mg the normal dose of zopiclone?

No. Current UK prescribing information generally gives 7.5 mg as the recommended adult dose, with lower doses appropriate for some patients. Tablet strength should not be confused with an appropriate prescribed dose.

Can I buy Zopiclone 20 mg online in the UK?

People searching to buy Zopiclone 20 mg online in the UK should first establish the regulatory status of the exact product. Zopiclone is prescription-only, so prescription requirements, legal supply requirements and clinical suitability apply.

Can I order Zopiclone 20 mg without a prescription?

Zopiclone is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and should not be obtained or used outside an appropriate prescription and legal supply process.

What is the price of Zopiclone 20 mg in the UK?

Where product prices are displayed, current price and quantity information should be checked directly on the product page. Price does not establish that a product is authorised, appropriate or suitable for supply.

What is zopiclone used for?

Zopiclone is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults when sleeping problems are sufficiently significant to require medical treatment.

How quickly does zopiclone work?

Zopiclone usually starts working within around 30 to 60 minutes, although individual response can vary.

How long is zopiclone normally used?

Treatment is normally short term, often lasting from a few days to a few weeks and generally no longer than four weeks, including any withdrawal period.

Can I drink alcohol while taking zopiclone?

No. Alcohol can substantially increase the sedative effects of zopiclone and increase the risk of serious impairment and breathing problems.

Can zopiclone cause dependence?

Yes. Zopiclone can cause tolerance and dependence, particularly when used for longer periods or outside appropriate prescribing instructions.

Can I increase my zopiclone dose if it stops working?

Do not increase the dose yourself. Reduced effectiveness may indicate tolerance and should be reviewed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Can you drive after taking zopiclone?

Zopiclone can impair concentration, coordination and reaction time. Current prescribing information warns about impairment when activities requiring full alertness are undertaken within 12 hours of taking the medicine.

Important Safety Information

Zopiclone is a prescription-only sedative medicine.

Do not:

• Increase the dose yourself.
• Select a higher strength simply because it is available.
• Assume that 20 mg is the standard UK dose.
• Combine zopiclone with alcohol.
• Share the medicine with another person.
• Use another person’s prescription.
• Assume that an internationally supplied medicine automatically holds UK authorisation.
• Continue treatment for longer than advised.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, a serious allergic reaction or other severe symptoms.

Medical Sources and Further Information

NHS — Zopiclone

UK patient information covering insomnia, prescription status, how zopiclone works, treatment duration, alcohol and safety.

electronic Medicines Compendium — Zopiclone 7.5 mg Summary of Product Characteristics

Current UK professional medicine information covering dosage, treatment duration, contraindications, interactions, dependence and driving impairment.

electronic Medicines Compendium — Zopiclone Medicine Listings

Current UK product listings for zopiclone strengths and authorised product information.

MHRA / GOV.UK — Medicines Advertising Guidance

UK regulatory guidance covering prescription-only medicines, medicine advertising and products without appropriate UK licensing.

Last reviewed: August 2026