Quick answer: Both zopiclone and alcohol enhance the activity of GABA in the brain — the body's main inhibitory system. When combined, their effects multiply rather than simply add together. The result is profound CNS depression:Extreme and uncontrollable drowsinessSeverely impaired balance an.
Why alcohol and zopiclone are dangerous together
Both zopiclone and alcohol enhance the activity of GABA in the brain — the body's main inhibitory system. When combined, their effects multiply rather than simply add together. The result is profound CNS depression:
- Extreme and uncontrollable drowsiness
- Severely impaired balance and coordination
- Dangerous slowing of breathing (respiratory depression)
- Memory blackout — no recall of events after taking both
- Increased risk of vomiting and choking during sleep
- Loss of consciousness
Overdose and death risk
The combination of zopiclone and alcohol is a leading factor in zopiclone-related fatalities. Alcohol dramatically lowers the threshold at which zopiclone causes respiratory arrest. Do not combine these substances under any circumstances.
Emergency: If someone who has taken zopiclone and alcohol cannot be woken, is breathing slowly, or has blue lips — call 999 immediately.
Drug-driving after alcohol and zopiclone
Combining zopiclone and alcohol creates profound next-morning impairment. Driving after taking both is illegal under UK drug-driving law and extremely dangerous. See the driving guide.