Zopiclone Overview
Description:
Zopiclone is a prescription medication commonly used for the short-term treatment of insomnia or difficulty sleeping. It helps initiate and maintain sleep by acting on the central nervous system.

DrugBank ID:
DB01198
Modality:
Small molecule
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A dose-range finding study of zopiclone in insomniac patients
1. Professional / Academic
Evaluation of Zopiclone Dose Ranges in Patients with Insomnia
2. More Descriptive
Investigating Optimal Dosage of Zopiclone for the Treatment of Insomnia
3. Concise / Journal-Style
Dose-Range Study of Zopiclone in Insomnia Patients
4. Clinical Trial-Oriented
A Clinical Evaluation of Zopiclone Dosage Ranges in Individuals with Insomnia
Zopiclone Overview
- Brand Names: Imovane, Zimovane, among others
- Drug Class: Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic (specifically a cyclopyrrolone)
- Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia, especially in cases involving difficulty falling asleep or frequent night awakenings.
Mechanism of Action
- Though structurally unrelated to benzodiazepines, Zopiclone binds to the benzodiazepine site on GABAA receptors.
- Acts as a positive allosteric modulator, enhancing GABAergic transmission → CNS depression → sedative/hypnotic effects.
- Its action is similar to benzodiazepines, but with distinct chemical structure and potentially fewer anxiolytic or muscle relaxant effects.
Pharmacological Effects
- Sedative
- Hypnotic
- Anxiolytic (mild)
- Amnesic
- Muscle relaxant (minimal)
Dependence and Withdrawal
- Prolonged use (even at therapeutic doses) may lead to:
- Tolerance
- Psychological dependence
- Physical dependence
- Withdrawal symptoms (similar to benzodiazepine withdrawal but generally milder):
- Rebound insomnia
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Less commonly: perceptual disturbances or confusion
Important: Unlike high-dose benzodiazepine withdrawal, zopiclone withdrawal rarely causes seizures or life-threatening complications—but severe psychological symptoms (like panic or agitation) can occur and lead to emergency room visits.
Clinical Considerations
- Recommended for short-term use only (usually 2–4 weeks), due to risk of dependence and tolerance.
- Should be tapered gradually if used long-term, rather than stopped abruptly.
- Patients with a history of substance use disorder, elderly, or those with psychiatric comorbidities should be monitored carefully.
Zopiclone UK
- A benzodiazepine-related hypnotic, used short-term for treating insomnia.
- Belongs to a group of drugs known as “Z-drugs” (non-benzodiazepine sedatives).
- Controlled under UK law as a Class C drug due to the risk of dependence.
Dosage Forms
- Tablets: 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg
- May also be available in liquid form (less common)
💊 Always check the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) included in the medication box for your specific dose and formulation.
Where to Find More Information
You can access official PILs and detailed drug data at:
Need Help or Have Questions?
- Speak to your GP, prescribing clinician, or pharmacist
- Call NHS 111 (England or Wales) for urgent advice
Reporting Side Effects
If you experience unexpected or serious side effects, report them to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme:
🔗 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
This helps monitor drug safety across the UK.
More Resources
- 🔹 Sleeping pills and minor tranquillisers – How they work, side effects, withdrawal
- 🔹 Coming off psychiatric drugs – Planning your withdrawal safely
- 🔹 Coping with side effects – Practical advice
- 🔹 Psychiatric medication overview – Your rights and treatment options
| Trade names | Imovane, Zimovane, Dopareel, others |
|---|---|
| AHFS/Drugs.com | International Drug Names |
| Pregnancy category | AU: C |
| Routes of administration | Oral tablets, 3.75 mg or 7.5mg (UK), 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg (JP) |
| ATC code | N05CF01 (WHO) |
| Legal status | |
| Legal status | AU: S4 (Prescription only)BR: Class B1 (Psychoactive drugs)[1]CA: ℞-onlyNZ: Class CUK: Class CUS: Schedule IVIn general: ℞ (Prescription only) |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | 75–80%[2] |
| Protein binding | 52–59% |
| Metabolism | Hepatic through CYP3A4 and CYP2E1 |
| Elimination half-life | ~5 hours (3.5–6.5 hours) ~7–9 hours for 65+ years old |
| Excretion | Urine (80%) |
| Identifiers | |
| IUPAC name | |
| CAS Number | 43200-80-2 |
| PubChem CID | 5735 |
| IUPHAR/BPS | 7430 |
| DrugBank | DB01198 |
| ChemSpider | 5533 |
| UNII | 03A5ORL08Q |
| KEGG | D01372 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:32315 |
| ChEMBL | ChEMBL135400 |
| PDB ligand | ZPC (PDBe, RCSB PDB) |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID4041155 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.051.018 |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C17H17ClN6O3 |
| Molar mass | 388.81 g·mol−1 |

References
- Anvisa (2023-03-31). “RDC Nº 784 – Listas de Substâncias Entorpecentes, Psicotrópicas, Precursoras e Outras sob Controle Especial” [Collegiate Board Resolution No. 784 – Lists of Narcotic, Psychotropic, Precursor, and Other Substances under Special Control] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Diário Oficial da União (published 2023-04-04). Archived from the original on 2023-08-03. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- “Assessment of Zopiclone” (PDF). World Health Organization. Essential Medicines and Health Products. World Health Organization. 2006. p. 9 (Section 5. Pharmacokinetics). Retrieved 5 December 2015.
- “Zopiclone consumer information from”. Drugs.com. Retrieved 2013-06-06.
- “Chapter 3 – The technologies, section 3.4”, Clinical need and practice – Guidance on the use of zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone for the short-term management of insomnia, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 28 April 2004, Technology appraisal guidance [TA77],
This guidance will be reviewed if there is new evidence.
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