Zopiclone Side Effects: What Doctors Don’t Always Tell You

If you’ve ever struggled to get a good night’s sleep, chances are you’ve heard of Zopiclone. Prescribed commonly across the UK for short-term treatment of insomnia, it’s known for helping people drift off quickly and stay asleep longer. But behind its effectiveness lies a side of the story that doesn’t always come up in your GP’s office.

From subtle changes in mood to long-term dependency risks, Zopiclone isn’t just about peaceful nights—it can come with baggage. In this blog, we’ll uncover the lesser-known Zopiclone side effects UK users experience and explore what many patients wish they’d known sooner.

What Is Zopiclone?

Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic medication prescribed to manage insomnia. It acts on the brain’s GABA receptors, promoting calmness and sleep. Typically taken before bedtime, it starts working within an hour and is often recommended for short-term use—generally 2 to 4 weeks.

But like many sleep medications, Zopiclone isn’t a magic pill. While it helps millions drift off at night, it can also bring a host of side effects that go beyond morning grogginess.

What Are the Side Effects of Zopiclone?

Most patients are told about the common side effects—things like drowsiness, dry mouth, or a metallic taste. But that’s just scratching the surface.

Here are some of the more widely reported side effects that many UK users face:

• Daytime drowsiness
  Even with a full 7–8 hours of sleep, many report feeling unusually tired the next day. This can affect work, driving, and general alertness.
  
• Dizziness or light-headedness
  This can be particularly dangerous for older adults, increasing the risk of falls.
  
• Mood changes
  Some users notice increased irritability, anxiety, or even mild depression, especially after prolonged use.
  
• Memory lapses
  A surprising number of patients report blackouts or memory problems, especially if they don’t go to bed immediately after taking the pill.
  
• Unusual dreams or nightmares
  Zopiclone can interfere with REM sleep, sometimes leading to vivid, and often disturbing, dreams.
  

These effects vary from person to person, but it’s crucial to be aware of how the drug might be influencing your body and mind.

What Are the Hidden Side Effects of Zopiclone?

This is the question most people don’t think to ask—and one that often doesn’t come up during a short consultation.

So, what are the hidden side effects of Zopiclone?

1. Cognitive dulling

Long-term users have reported a gradual “brain fog”—a sense that their thinking is slower, memory is weaker, or concentration is off.

2. Emotional numbness

Some individuals describe feeling emotionally flat or disconnected after consistent use.

3. Loss of sleep quality

Ironically, while Zopiclone helps you fall asleep, it can interfere with natural sleep architecture. Over time, you may sleep longer but wake up feeling less refreshed.

4. Loss of coordination

Subtle changes in balance or coordination can go unnoticed—until they cause accidents.

5. Social withdrawal

This may be a consequence of Zopiclone-induced mood changes or fatigue, but many users find themselves avoiding social situations.

These aren’t typically mentioned in leaflets or consultations, but they are very real for a number of long-term users.

Is Zopiclone Addictive?

Let’s address a question many hesitate to ask: is Zopiclone addictive?

The answer is—yes, it can be.

Although not technically a benzodiazepine, Zopiclone shares many of the same dependency risks. After a few weeks of continuous use, your body may begin to rely on it to initiate sleep. Stopping suddenly can then cause withdrawal symptoms (more on that shortly).

Many people start taking Zopiclone as a temporary aid, only to find they’ve been relying on it for months—or even years. What begins as a short-term fix can gradually become a nightly ritual that’s hard to break.

If you’re finding it difficult to sleep without taking your tablet, that’s a sign your body has become dependent.

Long Term Side Effects of Zopiclone

Zopiclone is usually recommended for no more than 2 to 4 weeks. But what happens when people stay on it longer?

The long term side effects of Zopiclone can be more serious and persistent. These may include:

• Dependency and tolerance
  Over time, the same dose may become less effective, prompting some to increase their intake—often without medical supervision.
  
• Cognitive impairment
  Extended use can dull memory, slow processing speed, and affect executive function.
  
• Mental health decline
  Users may experience increased symptoms of depression or anxiety, particularly as the body adjusts to long-term neurological changes.
  
• Sleep cycle disruption
  Natural sleep architecture—like deep sleep and REM—can become less restorative, leaving users perpetually tired.
  
• Withdrawal risk
  Coming off Zopiclone after long-term use often requires a gradual taper to avoid harsh withdrawal effects.
  

It’s essential to have a conversation with your doctor if you’ve been on Zopiclone longer than recommended.

Zopiclone Withdrawal Symptom: What to Expect

Stopping Zopiclone suddenly can lead to a range of unpleasant side effects—known as Zopiclone withdrawal symptom. These symptoms are often the very ones the drug was supposed to solve.

Here’s what some people experience:

• Rebound insomnia
  This is the most common withdrawal effect. Your sleep problems may return—and often worse—after stopping Zopiclone.
  
• Anxiety and restlessness
  Many people report feeling unusually jittery, anxious, or even panicky.
  
• Sweating, tremors, or shaking
  These are physical symptoms of your body adjusting without the medication.
  
• Mood swings or irritability
  Withdrawal can leave you emotionally volatile, with sharp mood changes.
  
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
  Digestive issues are less common but still possible during the adjustment period.
  

If you’re planning to stop Zopiclone, speak with your healthcare provider about a tapering schedule to minimise discomfort and risk.

Zopiclone Withdrawal Symptom: What to Expect

Stopping Zopiclone suddenly can lead to a range of unpleasant side effects—known as Zopiclone withdrawal symptom. These symptoms are often the very ones the drug was supposed to solve.

Here’s what some people experience:

• Rebound insomnia
  This is the most common withdrawal effect. Your sleep problems may return—and often worse—after stopping Zopiclone.
  
• Anxiety and restlessness
  Many people report feeling unusually jittery, anxious, or even panicky.
  
• Sweating, tremors, or shaking
  These are physical symptoms of your body adjusting without the medication.
  
• Mood swings or irritability
  Withdrawal can leave you emotionally volatile, with sharp mood changes.
  
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
  Digestive issues are less common but still possible during the adjustment period.
  

If you’re planning to stop Zopiclone, speak with your healthcare provider about a tapering schedule to minimise discomfort and risk.