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Zopiclone · Drug interactions

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Zopiclone Drug Interactions: What to Avoid

Zopiclone interacts with many common medicines and substances. Understand which combinations are dangerous, which increase blood levels, and how to use it safely.

✓ UK prescribing context✓ Plain-language answers✓ Linked medical sources
Medical information: This page provides general educational information for people in the UK. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Use this guide to

01UnderstandWhat Pregabalin is used for and how it works.
02CheckDosage, interactions, side effects and warnings.
03PrepareBetter questions for your GP, pharmacist or prescriber.
Pregabalin at a glanceStart with the points most relevant to you
Original productGenuine UK-licensed medicine, supplied through the authorised pharmacy process.
Common usesNerve pain, some seizures and generalised anxiety disorder.
Key cautionDrowsiness and dizziness can affect driving and balance.
Before changing treatmentSpeak with a prescriber before reducing or stopping it.
1
Quick answer: SubstanceRiskAlcoholSevere CNS depression, respiratory failure, death — never combineOpioids (codeine, morphine, tramadol, fentanyl)Life-threatening respiratory depression — MHRA black box warningBenzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam)Additive sedation, breathing suppres.

Dangerous combinations — avoid completely

SubstanceRisk
AlcoholSevere CNS depression, respiratory failure, death — never combine
Opioids (codeine, morphine, tramadol, fentanyl)Life-threatening respiratory depression — MHRA black box warning
Benzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam)Additive sedation, breathing suppression, overdose risk
Gabapentinoids (gabapentin, pregabalin)Enhanced CNS depression and respiratory risk

Medicines that increase zopiclone blood levels

  • Antifungals: ketoconazole, itraconazole (CYP3A4 inhibitors — can double zopiclone exposure)
  • Antibiotics: clarithromycin, erythromycin
  • HIV medicines: some protease inhibitors

These medicines slow the metabolism of zopiclone, increasing sedation and side effect risk. Your prescriber may need to reduce the zopiclone dose.

Medicines that reduce zopiclone effectiveness

  • Rifampicin (antibiotic — potent CYP3A4 inducer)
  • Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital (antiepileptics)
  • St John's Wort (herbal supplement)

Medicines with additive sedation

Any medicine that causes drowsiness will add to zopiclone's sedative effects. These include: antihistamines (chlorphenamine, promethazine), antipsychotics, some antidepressants, and muscle relaxants.

Sources

Additional UK sources

Draft publication status: This page is prepared for a UK audience but has not yet received qualified clinical review.
Author: MediHarbour Editorial Team · Medical reviewer: To be assigned · Review date: Pending · Draft updated: 1 October 2026.
Sources should be checked against current NHS, MHRA, NICE, UK product information and peer-reviewed evidence before publication. Read our editorial policy.