Zopiclone can cause physical dependence and, in some cases, addiction, particularly when used beyond short-term prescribing guidance or at higher doses than recommended. This applies whether someone has been prescribed zopiclone by their GP or is taking it without medical supervision.
Most people who are prescribed zopiclone for short-term use will not develop addiction. UK prescribing guidance typically limits zopiclone to 2–4 weeks at the lowest effective dose, with regular GP review. When these recommendations are followed, the risk of dependence remains low. However, that risk increases significantly when people continue taking zopiclone beyond this period, escalate their dose without medical advice, or obtain it from unregulated sources.
If you are taking zopiclone, you should follow UK prescribing advice and never stop or change your dose suddenly without speaking to a GP or pharmacist.
What is Zopiclone?
Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic, commonly referred to as a “Z-drug” alongside zolpidem and zaleplon. It is typically prescribed in the UK for short term treatment of severe insomnia that interferes with everyday life. Zopiclone works by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and helping people fall asleep.
The medicine is usually taken as a tablet at bedtime, with the standard adult dose being 7.5 mg and a lower dose of 3.75 mg for elderly patients or those with liver impairment. Zopiclone is a prescription medication in the UK, commonly known under brand names such as Zimovane, and is classified as a Schedule 4 controlled drug. This classification reflects its potential for misuse and dependence, which is why it requires a prescription and careful medical oversight.
Common short-term side effects of taking zopiclone include a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, next-day drowsiness, dry mouth, and impaired concentration. These sedative effects can affect cognitive function and reaction times, which is why patients are advised not to drive or operate machinery if they feel affected the following day. Understanding these effects of zopiclone provides important context for the safety guidance discussed later in this article.
Dependence, tolerance and addiction: what’s the difference?
These three terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct clinical meanings that are important to understand.
Tolerance refers to a reduced effect from the same dose over time. With regular zopiclone use, some people find that the medicine seems to “stop working” as effectively as it once did. This can lead to a temptation to take more zopiclone to achieve the same effect, which increases the risk of other problems.
Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to the presence of zopiclone. If the medicine is stopped suddenly or a dose is missed, the person may experience withdrawal symptoms such as rebound insomnia, daytime anxiety, sweating, or tremor. Physical dependency can develop even in people following their prescription, particularly after several weeks of regular use.
Addiction, clinically termed substance use disorder, involves a pattern of compulsive drug use despite negative consequences. It encompasses psychological craving, loss of control over use, and continued use even when the person wants to cut down. Addiction typically involves both physical and psychological dependence, along with behavioural changes such as seeking early prescription refills or obtaining tablets from multiple sources.
A person can be physically dependent on zopiclone under medical supervision without being addicted. However, unsupervised dose escalation, prolonged use beyond recommended durations, or recreational zopiclone use significantly increases addiction risk.
How Zopiclone affects the Brain and Body
Zopiclone works by enhancing the calming effects of GABA, the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter. By increasing GABA activity, zopiclone produces sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety—all of which help people who have trouble sleeping to fall asleep more easily.
With repeated exposure, the brain adapts to this constant GABA enhancement. Receptors may become less responsive, contributing to tolerance, while the nervous system adjusts to functioning with the drug present. This neuroadaptation is the basis of physical dependence: when zopiclone is removed, the brain experiences a rebound of activity that was previously suppressed, leading to sleep disturbances and other withdrawal effects.
From a safety perspective, zopiclone carries several risks beyond dependence. Next-day impairment can affect driving ability and cognitive function, even when taken at standard doses. Memory problems, extreme drowsiness, and increased risk of falls are particular concerns for older adults. There is also a significant risk when zopiclone is combined with other substances such as alcohol, opioids, or other drugs that depress the central nervous system—these combinations can lead to dangerous sedation, breathing problems, or zopiclone overdose.
These risks are precisely why UK guidance emphasises short-term use and regular review by a prescriber. The adverse effects of zopiclone become more likely with prolonged or unsupervised use.
How Zopiclone Dependence or Addiction can Develop
Problems with zopiclone typically develop gradually rather than suddenly. Dependence is more likely when use extends beyond the recommended 2–4 weeks or when doses increase beyond what was originally prescribed.
Several common patterns are seen in clinical practice:
Continuing zopiclone beyond the original prescription because of fear of not sleeping
Taking doses earlier in the evening, then adding extra doses during the night
Increasing the dose without medical advice as the original dose seems less effective
Relying on zopiclone as the only way to manage sleep, rather than addressing underlying causes
Psychological dependency often accompanies physical dependence. People may feel unable to sleep at all without the tablets, experience anxiety at the thought of missing a dose, or carry sleeping pills “just in case.” This psychological reliance can be as challenging to address as the physical aspects.
Some people begin to misuse zopiclone by obtaining it online without a prescription, using someone else’s tablets, or combining it with alcohol or other sedatives. This represents iatrogenic drug misuse when it originates from prescribed use, or recreational use when obtained outside medical channels. Either pattern increases the risk of harm and makes what makes zopiclone addictive more pronounced.
It is important to recognise that becoming addicted to zopiclone can happen to anyone and is not a sign of weakness or moral failure. The risk reflects the medicine’s pharmacological properties and the duration of use, not personal character.
Who is more at risk of Zopiclone problems?
While anyone taking zopiclone can develop problems, certain factors create an increased risk of dependence or addiction.
Key risk factors recognised in UK clinical practice include:
Duration of use: Prescribing beyond the recommended 2–4 week period substantially increases risk
Higher doses: Taking higher than prescribed doses or using the medicine more than once per night
Substance abuse history: Previous or current problems with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other sedative medicines
Existing mental health issues: Conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, or PTSD may increase vulnerability
Concurrent CNS depressants: Using zopiclone alongside opioids, gabapentinoids, alcohol, or other sedating medicines
Age and frailty: Older adults are at higher risk due to slower metabolism and increased falls risk
Respiratory conditions: Sleep apnoea, COPD, or other breathing problems require particular caution
Genetic predisposition may also play a role, with some individuals being more susceptible to dependence than others.
Buying zopiclone without a prescription—including from online sources not regulated in the UK—bypasses important safety checks. Without GP oversight, there is no monitoring for emerging dependence, no review of dose or duration, and no guidance on when and how to stop. This significantly increases the potential for harm.
Typical UK prescribing guidance and safe use
In the UK, zopiclone is recommended for short-term use only, typically no more than 2–4 weeks, at the lowest effective dose, with regular review by the prescribing GP. This guidance aligns with NHS recommendations and the British National Formulary (BNF).
GPs are advised to explore non-pharmacological approaches as first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as a more sustainable approach to treat insomnia without the risks associated with hypnotic medicines. Sleep hygiene advice—addressing sleep habits, caffeine intake, and bedroom environment—is also part of standard care.
When zopiclone is prescribed, safe use involves:
Taking only the prescribed dose at bedtime
Not taking additional doses during the night
Avoiding alcohol and other sedatives while using the medicine
Not driving or operating machinery if affected by drowsiness the next day
Attending scheduled GP reviews to assess ongoing need
Any decision to continue zopiclone beyond a few weeks should involve a clear discussion of risks and benefits between patient and prescriber, along with an agreed plan for reducing and eventually stopping the medicine.
Signs you may be Developing Dependence or Addiction
Recognising early signs of a problem can reduce harm and make it easier to adjust treatment with professional support. If you notice changes in your relationship with zopiclone, it is worth discussing them with a healthcare professional.
Signs of tolerance and physical dependence may include:
Needing higher doses to achieve the same sleep effect
Feeling unwell—worsened insomnia, anxiety, sweating, shakiness—when a dose is late or missed
Waking during the night with strong urges to take an extra tablet
Experiencing physical symptoms when you try to reduce or stop
Behavioural and psychological signs that may suggest addiction include:
Using zopiclone for reasons other than sleep, such as to self medicate for daytime anxiety or stress
Continuing use despite problems at work, home, or with driving—neglecting responsibilities
Seeking early repeat prescriptions, visiting multiple prescribers, or buying tablets from unregulated sources
Feeling unable to cut down even when wanting to stop
Attempting to hide zopiclone addiction from family or healthcare providers
These zopiclone addiction symptoms can develop gradually, and recognising them is an important first step. If several of these features resonate with your experience, speaking with a GP or community pharmacist can help you understand your options. This is not about blame—it is about identifying a common clinical issue that can be addressed with appropriate support.
Stopping Zopiclone: Withdrawal and Tapering
Zopiclone should not usually be stopped suddenly after regular use for more than 2–4 weeks. Abrupt discontinuation can trigger zopiclone withdrawal, which may include:
Rebound insomnia—sleep problems that are temporarily worse than before treatment
Anxiety, restlessness, and irritability
Sweating, tremor, and palpitations
Headache and muscle pain
In severe cases, perceptual disturbances or confusion
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is more likely with longer use, higher doses, or concurrent use of other sedatives. Symptoms typically begin within 24–48 hours of stopping, peak around days 3–5, and gradually resolve over 1–2 weeks with appropriate support.
The recommended approach is gradual tapering under medical supervision. This involves reducing the nightly dose in small steps over several weeks, with the pace adjusted based on individual response. Some patients may move to alternate-night dosing in later stages. NHS guidance, including documents from NHS Somerset, provides frameworks for step-wise reduction that GPs can follow.
Higher-risk groups—including elderly patients, those with liver or kidney impairment, people with a history of alcohol dependence, or those with mental health problems—require closer monitoring during tapering. Deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and other coping strategies can help manage discomfort during this period.
Reassuringly, withdrawal effects are usually temporary and manageable. With proper support, most people can successfully overcome zopiclone addiction or dependence and achieve better long-term sleep without relying on the medicine.
Managing insomnia without relying on zopiclone
Addressing underlying sleep problems is essential for long-term improvement. While zopiclone may provide short-term relief, it does not treat the root causes of insomnia and can create new problems with dependence.
Evidence-based non-drug approaches commonly recommended in UK practice include:
Approach | Description |
|---|---|
CBT-I | Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia addresses unhelpful thoughts and behaviours around sleep; considered first-line treatment for chronic insomnia |
Sleep hygiene | Regular sleep–wake schedules, limiting caffeine and alcohol, reducing screen use before bed, and optimising the bedroom environment |
Relaxation techniques | Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness-based approaches |
Sleep restriction | Limiting time in bed to match actual sleep time, then gradually extending as sleep improves |
These coping mechanisms can be introduced while tapering zopiclone, with guidance from a GP or sleep specialist. They offer sustainable strategies for managing sleep without the risks of pill addiction.
It is worth noting that herbal remedies and over-the-counter sleep aids also carry risks, including interactions with other medicines and their own potential for dependence. These should be discussed with a pharmacist or GP rather than used as a substitute for medical advice. No sleep aid pharmaceutical or “natural” addresses the underlying causes of poor sleep as effectively as behavioural approaches.
When to seek Medical advice about Zopiclone use
If you are concerned about your zopiclone use, or that of someone close to you, seeking professional help is appropriate. Consider contacting a healthcare professional if:
You have been taking zopiclone most nights for more than 2–4 weeks
You are increasing the dose on your own or taking extra doses during the night
You feel unable to sleep at all without zopiclone
You experience troubling withdrawal symptoms when you reduce or miss a dose
You are combining zopiclone with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives
You have obtained zopiclone from sources other than your own prescription
In the UK, the first point of contact is usually your GP. NHS 111 can also provide advice, and community pharmacists are well-placed to discuss medicines-safety concerns. There is no need to feel embarrassed about raising these issues—zopiclone dependency is a recognised clinical problem, and healthcare professionals are experienced in helping patients manage it safely.
For those requiring more intensive help for zopiclone addiction, a structured treatment programme may be appropriate. This might include medically supervised detoxification, psychological support, and aftercare planning.
Urgent situations require immediate action. If you or someone else experiences severe confusion, breathing difficulties, chest pain, or suspected zopiclone overdose, contact emergency services by calling 999 or attending A&E immediately.
The key message is this: if you have concerns about becoming dependent on or addicted to zopiclone, speaking with a healthcare professional early can prevent problems from escalating. Help for zopiclone addiction is available, and with the right support, people can successfully reduce and stop their use while managing their sleep more safely in the long term. Zopiclone addiction written about in clinical literature consistently shows that outcomes improve with early intervention and proper medical guidance.
