Zopiclone for Insomnia: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and How to Buy Online
- Dr. Ryan Heals, Pharm.D.
- Apr 15
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Introduction of Zopiclone for Insomnia
Insomnia affects an estimated 30% of adults in the USA at some point in their lives — and for many, the inability to sleep becomes a chronic, debilitating condition that impacts every aspect of health and daily functioning. Zopiclone is one of the most widely prescribed short-term sleep medicines in the world, used when other approaches such as sleep hygiene improvements and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) have not been sufficient.
If you have been prescribed Zopiclone, this complete guide covers everything you need to know — how it works, the correct dose, the distinctive metallic taste side effect, dependency and withdrawal risks, and how to buy genuine Zopiclone tablets online.
At TheMedicineKart, we stock Zopiclone 10mg and Zopiclone 20mg tablets sourced from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers, with fast USA-to-USA delivery in 4 business days. Browse our [Zopiclone 10mg] and [Zopiclone 20mg] product pages.
What is Zopiclone?
Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic medicine — commonly called a "Z-drug" — used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. The Z-drug class includes Zopiclone, Zolpidem (Ambien), and Zaleplon. While these medicines are structurally different from benzodiazepines, they work on the same receptor system in the brain (GABA-A receptors) and have similar effects and risks.
Zopiclone was first introduced in the 1980s and is one of the most prescribed sleeping tablets globally. It is known by several brand names including Imovane and Zimovane.
Note: In the USA, Zopiclone itself is not currently FDA-approved — the approved equivalent is Eszopiclone (Lunesta), which is the active S-enantiomer of Zopiclone. However, Zopiclone is widely prescribed internationally and available through international online pharmacies with a valid prescription.
What is Zopiclone Used For?
Zopiclone is prescribed specifically for Short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. It is indicated for:
- Difficulty falling asleep (sleep onset insomnia) — lying awake for extended periods before being able to sleep
- Frequent night-time waking (sleep maintenance insomnia) — waking repeatedly during the night and being unable to return to sleep
- Early morning waking — waking significantly earlier than intended and being unable to return to sleep
- Transient insomnia — insomnia caused by a specific stressful event, travel, or shift work
- Short-term insomnia — insomnia lasting 2–4 weeks that has not responded to non-pharmacological approaches
Zopiclone is intended for use periods of 2 to 4 weeks maximum. There is no evidence supporting long-term use, and prolonged use leads to tolerance and dependency.
How Does Zopiclone Work?
Zopiclone works by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) — the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter — at GABA-A receptors. Specifically, it:
- Binds to the benzodiazepine site on the GABA-A receptor complex
- Increases the frequency of chloride ion channel opening in response to GABA
- This hyperpolarises neurons — making them less likely to fire
- The result is widespread CNS depression: sedation, muscle relaxation, anxiolysis, and sleep induction
Zopiclone typically induces sleep within 15–30 minutes of taking a dose and provides 7–8 hours of sleep coverage at the standard dose.
Zopiclone Dosage Guide
Strength | Patient Type | Dose | Timing |
3.75 mg | Elderly patients (65+) | 3.75 mg | 30 min before bedtime |
7.5 mg | Standard adult dose | 7.5 mg | 30 min before bedtime |
10 mg | Higher strength (as prescribed) | 10 mg | 30 min before bedtime |
20 mg | Higher strength (as prescribed) | 20 mg | 30 min before bedtime |
Important dosage rules:
- Always start at the lowest effective dose — elderly patients should always begin at 3.75mg
- Take only when you are ready for bed and have 7–8 hours available for sleep
- Do not take more than one dose per night
- Do not take on consecutive nights if possible — alternate night use reduces dependency risk
- Maximum treatment duration: 2–4 weeks
- Do not stop abruptly after regular use — taper gradually (see withdrawal section)
The Metallic Taste: Why Does Zopiclone Cause This?
One of the most distinctive and frequently reported side effects of Zopiclone is a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, which can persist throughout the following day. This is caused by Zopiclone being secreted into saliva after absorption — it is essentially the drug itself that creates the taste sensation.
This side effect affects a majority of Zopiclone users. While unpleasant, it is not harmful. Tips to manage it:
- Brush teeth or use mouthwash in the morning
- Drink orange juice or eat citrus fruit — the acid neutralises the taste
- Chewing gum or strong mints can help mask it during the day
The metallic taste tends to be more pronounced at higher doses and may reduce over time as your body adjusts.
Zopiclone Side Effects
Very common side effects:
- Bitter or metallic taste in the mouth — affects the majority of users
- Drowsiness and sedation the following morning — do not drive or operate machinery until fully alert
Common side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Rebound insomnia — worse sleep on the first 1–2 nights after stopping (see below)
Less common but important:
- Memory problems — Zopiclone can cause anterograde amnesia (inability to recall events that occurred after taking the drug, particularly if you do not go straight to sleep)
- Sleepwalking, sleep eating, or performing complex behaviours while not fully awake — particularly when combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants
- Mood changes — depression or emotional blunting with regular use
- Paradoxical reactions — in some patients (particularly elderly), Zopiclone causes increased anxiety, agitation, and aggression rather than sedation
Serious side effects:
- Severe allergic reaction — rash, facial swelling, breathing difficulty; stop immediately
- Respiratory depression — particularly dangerous when combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol
Rebound Insomnia and Withdrawal
This is critical information for anyone taking Zopiclone regularly.
Rebound insomnia occurs when Zopiclone is stopped — sleep often becomes temporarily worse than before treatment. This is normal and typically resolves within 1–2 weeks, but it is one of the main reasons people continue taking sleeping tablets longer than recommended.
Physical dependency develops with regular use, even within 2–4 weeks. Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Worsening insomnia (rebound)
- Anxiety and irritability
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Palpitations
- In severe cases — seizures
Never stop Zopiclone abruptly after regular use. Taper gradually — typically reducing by 25% of the dose every 1–2 weeks under medical supervision.
Tolerance also develops quickly — the same dose becomes less effective over time, which drives dose escalation and further dependency.
Important Safety Information and Drug Interactions
Do not take Zopiclone if you:
- Have severe liver impairment
- Have myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness condition)
- Have severe respiratory failure or sleep apnea (untreated)
- Are allergic to Zopiclone or any Z-drug
- Are under 18 years of age
Use with caution if you:
- Are elderly — higher risk of falls due to morning sedation; start at 3.75mg
- Have a history of substance misuse or addiction
- Have depression — Zopiclone can unmask or worsen depressive symptoms
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding — Zopiclone passes into breast milk
Critical drug interactions:
- Alcohol — dramatically enhances CNS depression; severely impairs next-morning driving ability; absolute avoid
- Opioid painkillers — dangerous respiratory depression risk; this combination has caused deaths
- Benzodiazepines — profound sedation; avoid combining
- Other CNS depressants (antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics) — enhanced sedation
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (clarithromycin, ketoconazole, grapefruit juice) — increase Zopiclone blood levels, enhancing both effect and side effects
- Erythromycin and other macrolide antibiotics — may increase Zopiclone levels
Zopiclone 10mg vs 20mg: Which Strength Do I Need?
TheMedicineKart stocks Zopiclone in 10mg and 20mg strengths for patients who have been prescribed these higher doses by their doctor.
Feature | Zopiclone 10 mg | Zopiclone 20 mg |
Typical Patient | Adults requiring above-standard dose | Adults with severe insomnia as prescribed |
Standard Western Dose Equivalent | Approximately 1.3× standard | Approximately 2.7× standard |
Use | As directed by prescribing doctor | As directed by prescribing doctor |
Available at TheMedicineKart | ✓ USA-to-USA delivery | ✓ USA-to-USA delivery |
Important: Always take only the strength and dose your doctor has specifically prescribed. Never self-escalate your Zopiclone dose.
How to Buy Zopiclone Online
Zopiclone requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Step 1:
Consult your doctor about your insomnia — including how long it has persisted, whether CBT-I or sleep hygiene changes have been tried, and whether an underlying cause has been identified.
Step 2:
Obtain a valid prescription specifying Zopiclone and the prescribed strength.
Step 3:
Email a scanned copy of your prescription to info@themedicinekart.com.
Step 4:
Choose your strength:
Step 5:
USA-to-USA delivery within 4 business days in discreet, unmarked packaging.
Also explore our [Neuro-CNS category] and [Modafinil guide] for related sleep disorder medicines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Zopiclone work?
Zopiclone is absorbed rapidly and typically induces sleep within 15 to 30 minutes of taking a dose. It is important to take it only when you are ready to go to bed immediately — taking it and remaining active can increase the risk of memory problems and complex sleep behaviours.
Why does Zopiclone leave a metallic taste?
The bitter or metallic taste is caused by Zopiclone being secreted into saliva after absorption. It is the drug itself that creates the taste sensation. While unpleasant and very common, it is not harmful. Brushing teeth, drinking citrus juice, or chewing strong mints the following morning can help manage it.
Can I take Zopiclone every night?
Zopiclone should not be taken every night for extended periods. Maximum recommended treatment duration is 2 to 4 weeks. Taking it every night increases tolerance and dependency risk. Alternate night use or use on specific nights only is preferable where possible.
What happens when I stop taking Zopiclone?
Stopping Zopiclone after regular use typically causes rebound insomnia — temporarily worse sleep than before treatment. This is normal and resolves within 1 to 2 weeks. Always taper gradually rather than stopping suddenly to minimise withdrawal symptoms.
Is Zopiclone the same as Zolpidem (Ambien)?
No — Zopiclone and Zolpidem are both Z-drugs that work on GABA-A receptors, but they are different molecules with slightly different effects and durations. Zolpidem (Ambien) is FDA-approved in the USA. Zopiclone's active form is Eszopiclone (Lunesta) — the version approved in the USA. All are used for short-term insomnia treatment.
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