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Zopiclone is a Z-drug, known for its rapid induction of sleep due to its sedative-hypnotic and muscle relaxant attributes, Zopiclone is widely used to treat Insomnia after other non-pharmacological approaches have failed. Zopiclone can be habit forming and should be used on a short-term basis only. This page is specifically related to the Accord (formerly known as Actavis) brand of Zopiclone.
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Zopiclone (Zimovane & Imovane) is a non benzodiazepine z-drug and hypnotic used to treat insomnia. We all need sleep to rest, repair, and prepare for the stresses and strains of the next day. A person’s health, work, and family can suffer when they don’t get a good night’s sleep.
Approximately 33% of UK residents suffer from insomnia or some other form of sleeping disorder, and it is rapidly becoming a major public health issue. Rather than experiencing the normal sleep cycle, around 13 million people are suffering from the vicious cycle of an overa ctive brain, which leads to poor sleep, stress, and anxiety.
Chronic insomnia, which leads to chronic sleep deprivation, can be destructive for the sufferer’s health and overall well-being.
The main cause of primary insomnia is a lack of melatonin in the brain, which is a hormone that controls sleeping and waking cycles. This results in the brain being disrupted when trying to fall asleep.
CNS drugs like benzodiazepines have been used for many years and are effective in inducing sleep. (Mostly used for short-term treatment of insomnia).
Pharmacological properties of Zopiclone are similar to other sedative hypnotics, derived from the benzodiazepine class.
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants are a diverse group of drugs that reduce brain activity, slowing down responses in the brain and body. In low doses, they can cause relaxation and sleepiness.
Psychiatric disorders are the most common cause of insomnia around the world, and they affect around 12% of all patients.
Zimovane and Imovane are brand names of the active ingredient zopiclone, not benzodiazepines, which are old-school sleeping aids.
This non-benzodiazepine sedative was developed by Rhone-Poulenc in 1986 and has proven to be effective as a sleep aid (hypnotic effect).
Pharmacological action of Zopiclone is due to the ability of the drug to act on GABA receptor.
Zopiclone is used for the short-term management of insomnia, to relieve symptoms of anxiety and to promote sleep.
Sometimes called a “Z drug”, it works by relieving anxiety and enhancing the effectiveness of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. It reduces the activity of the nervous system by blocking some of the brain’s signals.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter (one that slows down the brain) that has been found to be deficient in insomniacs.
The activity of GABA increases when the Zopiclone molecule binds to GABA receptors in the brain, which leads to a sedative effect. Treatments for insomnia often use GABAergic drugs (hypnotic drugs) such as diazepam to increase activity of GABA receptors in the brain.
Zopiclone has a high protein binding. This means it will be mainly metabolized by your liver, which is responsible for the majority of drug metabolism.
Cytochrome p450 3A4 is the enzyme which metabolizes Zopiclone into its active metabolite, Imovane.
People with insomnia and other sleeping disorders benefit from this medication because it helps them fall asleep quickly and gives them 8-9 hours of sleep without waking up.
Basically, it works by affecting the way signals are sent to the brain, causing sleepiness. In addition to reducing the time you need to fall asleep, it increases the amount of time you spend sleeping.
There are no adverse effects associated with pharmacologic agent Zopiclone, more so it is safe to use for most people than other medications for insomnia.
Zopiclone abuse may cause dependence on the drug and prolonged withdrawal effects—avoid misuse of zopiclone.
Since your body becomes dependent on Zopiclone, you should taper off the dosage very slowly. This will prevent any withdrawal symptoms (Withdrawal effects can be very uncomfortable).
However, the dependence potential of Zopiclone is considered low. (This means that its withdrawal symptoms are unlikely to be unpleasant and do not last for too long).
Zopiclone can cause rebound insomnia when the drug is abruptly discontinued, so doctors encourage people to taper off the drug.
Physical dependance of the drug Zopiclone is rare and if occurs, it gets reversed when the drug treatment is stopped.
For those suffering from severe insomnia, speed is essential. Zopiclone is formulated to act quickly. It usually begins to work within 30 to 60 minutes.
To achieve optimal results:
Following these simple guidelines will help maximise the medication’s effectiveness, ensuring a fast transition to sleep and a clear-headed morning.
Zopiclone is a prescription sleep medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Like other sleeping pills, zopiclone medication may cause withdrawal symptoms if it is taken regularly for a prolonged period and then stopped suddenly.
Potential withdrawal symptoms of zopiclone may include rebound insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, headache, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. In rare cases, people may also experience mood changes or increased nervousness after discontinuation.
The risk of withdrawal is higher when higher doses, such as zopiclone 7 5 mg, are taken every night for several weeks. For this reason, healthcare professionals recommend using zopiclone for sleep at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible duration. Gradual dose reduction helps minimise withdrawal effects and improves overall treatment safety.
If you are buying zopiclone online through a regulated service, a prescriber will usually advise how long the medicine should be used and when it should be stopped to reduce the risk of dependence.
Insomnia and poor sleep are relatively common and usually don’t last long. Continuous sleep deprivation can, however, have negative effects such as mood changes, lack of motivation, irritability, and fatigue. As the ability to concentrate will be reduced, drowsiness during the day may hurt your social life and occupation.
When you take the pharmacologic agent zopiclone, you can get the rest your body needs, reducing or eliminating the negative effects of lack of sleep.
Just like after any other drug interactions with the body, it may cause some mild effects.
Some people experience dizziness or drowsiness during treatment and for a short time after it is stopped. You may feel tired, chilled, risk of falls, shivery or hot. You may have muscle stiffness or cramps. Some people will have an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Do not drive (impairs driving ability), operate machinery or engage in other potentially dangerous activities until you know how Zopiclone affect you.
Rebound effects are not common with Zopiclone, but they can occur. This is the case when a patient no longer has a drug at the time of waking and withdrawal occurs. Drug abusers experience this often.
Alcohol should be avoided while taking zopiclone tablets, as it can significantly increase drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Combining alcohol with this sleeping tablet may also raise the risk of next-day sedation and reduced concentration.
Caffeine can also interfere with treatment effectiveness. Drinks such as coffee, energy drinks, and cola may reduce the ability of zopiclone for sleep to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Limiting caffeine intake in the evening supports better results from this sleep medicine zopiclone.
If you are buying zopiclone or ordering sleeping pills online zopiclone through a regulated provider, following lifestyle guidance alongside medication can improve outcomes and reduce unwanted effects.
Zopiclone tablets are not suitable for everyone. You should not take this zopiclone medicine if you have a known allergy to zopiclone or any of its ingredients. It is also not recommended for people with severe liver impairment, serious breathing problems, sleep apnoea, or myasthenia gravis.
People with a history of alcohol or substance misuse should use caution, as sleeping tablets zopiclone may increase the risk of dependence in these cases. Zopiclone pills are generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
In the UK, zopiclone is a prescription-only medicine. Buying zopiclone without prescription or attempting to obtain zopiclone without a prescription is not permitted, as proper medical assessment is required before treatment. Always ensure that any zopiclone for sale online is supplied following a clinical review by a qualified prescriber.
Take the tablet whole with a glass of water. It should not be crushed, broken, or chewed. Meals can be taken with or without the tablet.
Take the missed dose only if you can still get 7-8 uninterrupted hours of sleep if you forget to take it before bed. It is best not to take a dose if this is not possible. Next night, you may take the dose of zopiclone as usual.
Forgetful doses should not be made up with double doses.
Are you living in the UK and want to buy zopiclone online? Then you should purchase zopiclone from Meds for less. With the help of our online prescribers, you can get a prescription for zopiclone, which a UK pharmacy will ship.
An effective dose will help you sleep without waking up. However, this is only the case if you take Zopiclone as prescribed.
Zopiclone is available in two standard strengths. Our prescribers will help determine the right dose for you during your online consultation:
No matter which medication your doctor recommends, it’s really important to follow their instructions carefully. Doing so helps you manage your insomnia in a safe and effective way.
Yes, Zopiclone is a Prescription-Only Medicine (POM) and is strictly regulated as a controlled substance in the UK. Due to these laws, it cannot be legally purchased over the counter at regular pharmacies without prior medical authorisation.
At MedsForLess, we offer a secure, legal, and efficient way to purchase your medication online. By simply filling out a confidential medical questionnaire, our UK-registered prescribers can review your treatment; once approved, we will issue your prescription and dispatch authentic Accord or Actavis brand Zopiclone directly to your address.
When you order Zopiclone online from Meds for less in the UK, you will never encounter any inconvenience. Providing your prescription is all required to order the cheapest Zopiclone online in the UK at your convenience.
Available in different dosage options, you can easily buy. There is no fake zopiclone available. All are legit and prescribed directly by a registered doctor.
All you need to do is place your order of sleeping pills online, fill out the questionnaire, and we will deliver the prescribed Zopiclone to you at your doorstep.
Authored:29/12/2025
Jan Davies
GPhC: 3058401
Pharmacist
MPharm | University of Manchester
Zopiclone works very quickly. It generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes to induce sleep. You should only take it when you are already in bed and ready to go to sleep.
Yes, Accord/Actavis Zopiclone tablets usually have a score line down the middle. If your doctor has advised you to reduce your dose to 3.75mg, you can use a pill cutter to split the 7.5mg tablet safely along this line.
Yes. The active ingredient is Zopiclone, with Zimovane being its most well-known brand. At Meds For Less, we offer the high-quality generic Accord (previously Actavis) version, which contains the same active substance.
A bitter or metallic taste in the mouth is the most commonly reported side effect of Zopiclone. It is completely normal and harmless. Drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum the next morning can help alleviate this taste.
Zopiclone is for short-term use only, typically prescribed for a period of 2 to 4 weeks (including the tapering-off period). Taking it for longer than 4 weeks significantly increases the risk of your body building a tolerance and becoming physically dependent on the drug.
If you wake up during the night, avoid taking another Zopiclone tablet. You should only take one dose per night, and only if you still have at least 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep left. Taking a second dose can lead to severe grogginess and affect your ability to function the next day.
No. You must completely avoid alcohol while taking Zopiclone. Alcohol significantly enhances the sedative effects of the drug, which can lead to dangerous respiratory depression, deep sleep from which it is difficult to wake, and severe next-day drowsiness.