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Zopiclone · Overdose

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Zopiclone Overdose: Symptoms and Emergency Action

Recognise zopiclone overdose symptoms and know exactly what to do. When to call 999, when to call NHS 111, and what treatment involves.

✓ 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: Excessive drowsiness — difficulty or inability to be wokenConfusion, disorientationSlurred speechLoss of muscle coordination, staggeringSlow, shallow, or irregular breathingBlue tinge to lips or fingertips (cyanosis)Loss of consciousness.

Overdose symptoms

  • Excessive drowsiness — difficulty or inability to be woken
  • Confusion, disorientation
  • Slurred speech
  • Loss of muscle coordination, staggering
  • Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing
  • Blue tinge to lips or fingertips (cyanosis)
  • Loss of consciousness

Emergency action — what to do now

If someone has taken too much zopiclone:
  1. Call 999 if they are unconscious, cannot be woken, or are breathing abnormally
  2. If conscious and alert — call NHS 111 for immediate guidance
  3. Do not try to make the person sick
  4. Keep them awake and in the recovery position if drowsy
  5. Tell emergency services exactly what was taken, how much, and when
  6. Bring the tablet packaging to hospital

Overdose risk with alcohol

Zopiclone taken with alcohol dramatically increases overdose risk. The combination depresses breathing at much lower doses than either substance alone. See the alcohol interaction guide.

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.