Zopiclone, explained by real pharmacists
Clear, honest information about what zopiclone is, how it should be used, its side effects, and how to get it safely — only ever with a valid prescription and a clinical check by our pharmacy team.
- ✓ GPhC-registered pharmacy
- ✓ Every request clinically reviewed
- ✓ No prescription, no supply — ever
Over-the-counter sleep & wellbeing products
These products can be bought without a prescription. Zopiclone is not sold here — but our pharmacists can advise which of these may suit you, and when to see your GP instead.
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Zopiclone 7.5 mg (Zop)
Price range: £50.00 through £560.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
What is zopiclone and how does it work?
What it’s for
Zopiclone is a sleeping tablet (a “Z-drug”) prescribed for short, severe bouts of insomnia — when poor sleep is seriously affecting daily life and other approaches haven’t helped.
How it works
It enhances the effect of GABA, a calming chemical messenger in the brain. This helps you fall asleep faster and reduces night-time waking. It usually starts working within about an hour.
Why it’s short-term only
Tolerance builds within weeks, so the same dose stops working — and dependence can develop. That’s why prescribers limit courses to the shortest time possible, often just a few nights per week.
How zopiclone is usually prescribed
This is general information only. Your prescriber decides the right dose and duration for you — always follow their instructions and the patient leaflet.
| Usual adult dose | One 7.5 mg tablet, taken just before you go to bed. Never take a second dose in the same night, even if you wake up. |
|---|---|
| Lower dose (3.75 mg) | Often used for adults over 65, or people with kidney or liver problems, to reduce the risk of next-day drowsiness and falls. |
| Length of course | Usually no longer than 2–4 weeks, and sometimes only 2–3 nights a week. Longer use should only ever happen under close medical supervision. |
| If you forget a dose | Skip it and take your next dose at the usual time the following night. Never take two doses to catch up. |
| Stopping treatment | Don’t stop suddenly after regular use — your prescriber may reduce the dose gradually to avoid withdrawal effects such as rebound insomnia and anxiety. |
What side effects can zopiclone cause?
✓ Common (often settle)
- A bitter or metallic taste in the mouth
- Dry mouth
- Feeling sleepy or tired the next day
Talk to a pharmacist or your GP if these bother you or don’t go away.
! Serious — get medical advice
- Memory loss (amnesia)
- Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
- Falling over, particularly in older people
- Sleepwalking, or doing things while not fully awake with no memory of it
- Low mood, or thoughts of harming yourself
Stop and contact your GP or NHS 111 promptly if any of these happen.
999 Emergency — call 999
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction: swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat; wheezing; tightness in the chest; a rash that spreads quickly
- Someone can’t be woken, or has taken more than prescribed
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately. Take the medicine packet with you if you can.
Is zopiclone suitable for everyone?
No. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about your full medical history and every medicine you take — including anything bought over the counter or online.
Usually not prescribed if you…
- ✕ Are under 18
- ✕ Have myasthenia gravis
- ✕ Have severe breathing problems or sleep apnoea
- ✕ Have severe liver problems
- ✕ Have had problems with alcohol or drug dependence (extra caution needed)
Extra care is needed if you…
- ! Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
- ! Are over 65 — higher risk of drowsiness and falls
- ! Have kidney or liver problems
- ! Have depression or a mental health condition
- ! Take other sedating medicines — e.g. opioids, some antidepressants, antipsychotics or antihistamines
While taking it
- ✓ Take it just before bed, only when you can get a full night’s sleep (7–8 hours)
- ✓ Keep it stored safely, away from children and anyone it isn’t prescribed for
- ✕ Don’t drink alcohol — at all
- ✕ Don’t drive or use machinery if drowsy
- ✕ Never share your medication with anyone else
How zopiclone is supplied through our pharmacy
There is no “add to basket” for prescription medicines here — by design. Every supply follows this pathway.
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Clinical assessment
Your GP or an authorised prescriber assesses your sleep problem and decides whether zopiclone is appropriate.
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Valid prescription
Send us your NHS or private prescription, or nominate us so we receive it electronically from your surgery.
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Pharmacist review
Our registered pharmacist checks the prescription, your history and any interactions before anything is dispensed.
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Discreet, tracked supply
Collect in store or receive tracked delivery in plain packaging, with the patient leaflet and our contact details for questions.
Better sleep, with or without medication
Fix the routine first
Consistent sleep and wake times, a dark cool bedroom, and no screens or caffeine late in the evening solve more insomnia than any tablet.
CBT for insomnia (CBT-i)
NICE recommends cognitive behavioural therapy as the first-line treatment for long-term insomnia. Ask your GP about NHS options and digital programmes.
Talk to us — it’s free
Our pharmacists can review your medicines, discuss what’s keeping you awake, and help you plan a conversation with your GP.
Zopiclone: common questions
Can I buy zopiclone online in the UK?
Only with a valid prescription. Zopiclone is a prescription-only, Class C controlled medicine, so a UK pharmacy \u2014 online or in person \u2014 can supply it only after a prescriber has assessed you and a pharmacist has clinically checked the prescription. Any website selling it without a prescription is acting illegally and its products are frequently counterfeit.
How do I get zopiclone through this pharmacy?
Your GP or an authorised prescriber assesses whether it\u2019s appropriate. If prescribed, nominate us or send us the prescription; our pharmacist reviews it, then we dispense for collection or tracked, discreet delivery.
Is zopiclone addictive?
It can be \u2014 dependence can develop even at prescribed doses if taken for longer than recommended, which is why courses are limited to 2\u20134 weeks. If you feel unable to sleep without it, speak to your GP or our pharmacists; support is confidential and common.
What are the most common zopiclone side effects?
A bitter or metallic taste, dry mouth, and next-day drowsiness. Serious effects such as memory loss, hallucinations or sleepwalking need prompt medical advice, and signs of an allergic reaction are a 999 emergency.
What if I need urgent medical help?
Our services are not for emergencies. Call NHS 111 for urgent help, or 999 in a medical emergency.
Questions about your sleep medication?
Speak to a pharmacist for free — or nominate us to handle your existing prescription.