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Zopiclone · Basic facts

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What is Zopiclone? Drug Class, UK Facts and Legal Status

A clear overview of what zopiclone is, how it differs from benzodiazepines, UK brand names, licensed strengths, and its legal classification as a Controlled Drug.

✓ 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.

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Quick answer: Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic — a sleep medicine — belonging to the cyclopyrrolone chemical class, widely grouped under the informal label Z-drugs (alongside zolpidem and zaleplon). It is licensed in the UK as a short-term treatment for insomnia in adults.Although st.

What is zopiclone?

Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic — a sleep medicine — belonging to the cyclopyrrolone chemical class, widely grouped under the informal label Z-drugs (alongside zolpidem and zaleplon). It is licensed in the UK as a short-term treatment for insomnia in adults.

Although structurally different from benzodiazepines, zopiclone works at the same GABA-A receptor complex in the brain and carries many of the same clinical risks, including tolerance, physical dependence, and rebound insomnia.

Drug class and mechanism summary

Zopiclone is a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor. By binding to the benzodiazepine site on this receptor, it increases the calming effect of GABA, slowing neuronal firing and producing sleep. Read the full mechanism of action guide.

UK brand names and available forms

  • Zimovane — original brand by Sanofi; 3.75mg and 7.5mg film-coated tablets
  • Generic zopiclone — widely dispensed on NHS; bioequivalent to Zimovane

Zopiclone is available as tablets only (not capsules or liquid) in the UK. For full details, see the brands, forms and strengths guide.

Zopiclone was reclassified in 2014 as a Schedule 4 Part 1 Controlled Drug (CD Benz POM) and Class C substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Key implications:

  • Requires a valid prescription from a registered UK prescriber
  • Emergency supply rules are restricted
  • Prescriptions are typically limited to 28 days' supply
  • Possession without a prescription is a criminal offence

What zopiclone is NOT

  • Not a long-term sleep medicine: Licensed for 2–4 weeks only
  • Not an antidepressant: Does not treat the underlying cause of insomnia linked to depression
  • Not a benzodiazepine: Though similar risks apply
  • Not suitable for children: Not licensed under 18 years of age

Clinical sources and references

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.