Insomnia affects about 10%–30% of the world’s population, some even going up to 50%-60%. And one of the most commonly prescribed medications for treating it is zopiclone.

You might have come across medicines such as Zimonvane, Imovane, and Dopareel—all of which are brand names for zopiclone.

The most important thing to know about zopiclone is:

• Short-use: It is prescribed for a short period—2 to 4 weeks at a time.
• Risks: Your body can get addicted to this medicine quickly and become dependent on it, posing a serious risk of abuse.
• Effect: Zopiclone takes an hour to take effect.

Prescription drugs like zopiclone are at a higher risk of abuse—with research estimating that about 52 million people have used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons at least once in their lifetimes.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about addiction to zopiclone—from what it is to the chances of overdose, withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, and more.

What is Zopiclone?

Zopiclone is a sleep aid and nervous system depressant.  It slows down your brain’s activity, allowing you to fall asleep faster—and stay asleep longer. Its immediate effects make it a useful sleep-aiding medicine for treating insomnia.

Zopiclone belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. It was developed under the family of non-benzodiazepine sleeping pills, such as benzodiazepines, which are extremely addictive.

Despite these efforts, research indicates that zopiclone possesses the potential to be an agent of abuse and addiction. Understanding its potential for abuse highlights why it should be taken for a short amount of time and within the recommended dosage guidelines.

Plus, you can only get it with a prescription.

Is Zopiclone Addictive?

Addiction to zopiclone is possible, particularly if:

• You develop a tolerance towards its sedative property
• You are taking the drug on prescription and using it recreationally

Zopiclone works by boosting GABA activity in the brain, which plays a key role in promoting sleep and feelings of relaxation. It binds with the GABA receptors and produces a sedative-like effect.

However, there’s a catch: continued use of zopiclone can make your body addicted to zopiclone rather quickly. It causes changes in your brain’s chemistry and decreases its ability to produce GABA naturally.

As you become physically and psychologically dependent on the drug, you’ll need more of it to get the desired effect over time.

This tolerance paves the way for drug-seeking behaviour. You end up getting addicted to zopiclone to get rid of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as daytime anxiety, rebound insomnia, and more, especially if you stop it suddenly.

The worst part is that despite these negative consequences, people with an addiction continue to misuse the drug and experience strong cravings. In other words, living a normal life becomes a pipe dream.

The Paths to Zopiclone Addiction

You could develop an addiction to zopiclone in two ways:

Path 1: Prescription Zopiclone

As is the case with most habit-forming drugs, addiction to zopiclone starts innocently. Most users start using the pill on the doctor’s recommendation.

However, if you start taking more than the prescribed amount or take the drug more frequently for a longer duration of time, you’ll find yourself on the path of addiction. Generally speaking, do not take zopiclone for longer than 4 weeks at a stretch, or else you risk developing a tolerance to it.

Path 2: Recreational Zopiclone

Zopiclone is often taken recreationally when the user wants to chase the “zopiclone high,” which involves feeling euphoric and calm or when they’re eliminating the aftereffects of a comedown.

There are many ways to get your hands on this drug, such as:

• Buying it illegally either online or on the black market
• Getting it from friends and family members
• Visiting multiple doctors to get numerous prescriptions

So, Who is Most At Risk of Zopiclone Addiction?

Anyone can get addicted to zopiclone. That said, you are more at risk if you have:

• A genetic predisposition: If addiction runs in your family, you may have a higher chance of developing a dependence on zopiclone.
• Experienced past trauma: If you have experienced any kind of physical, emotional, or psychological trauma, you may be more likely to use substances like zopiclone to cope with the aftereffects.
• Underlying mental health issues: Pre-existing conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD can increase the risk of addiction, as you may end up using zopiclone to self-medicate and alleviate these symptoms.
• A stressful life: High levels of stress, especially when coupled with a lack of healthy coping mechanisms, can lead to zopiclone abuse.
• A history of substance abuse: If you have a history of substance abuse, especially starting at a young age, you may be at a higher risk of developing an addiction to zopiclone.

If you or someone you know is at risk of zopiclone addiction, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional. You’ll get the required guidance on the best treatment options available and the support to get through the recovery process.

Signs and Symptoms of Zopiclone Addiction

The common signs and symptoms of zopiclone addiction include:

• Increased tolerance: Needing higher doses of zopiclone to achieve the same effects.
• Dependence: Feeling like you need to take zopiclone to function normally and sleep.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking zopiclone, such as rebound insomnia, anxiety, or irritability.
• Loss of control: Being unable to control or reduce your use of zopiclone, even if you want to.
• Continued use despite negative consequences: Using zopiclone despite experiencing negative consequences, such as relationship problems or health issues.
• Obsessive thoughts: Spending a lot of time thinking about or obtaining zopiclone.
• Changes in behaviour: Engaging in secretive and deceptive behaviour to use zopiclone.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to zopiclone use.
• Physical symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, or coordination problems.

The best way to understand if you’re addicted to zopiclone or not is to ask yourself the following questions:

• Should I keep using zopiclone even if it is negatively impacting my life?
• Have I exceeded the prescribed dosage or duration of use?
• Do I feel a strong craving or withdrawal symptoms when I don’t take the medication?
• Have my attempts to quit zopiclone been unsuccessful?
• Do I rely on zopiclone to manage my emotions, stress, and anxiety?
• Am I obtaining zopiclone illegally?

If the answer to even one or more of these questions is yes, chances are you’re addicted to zopiclone. You must seek medical treatment immediately.

A Look At Zopiclone Addiction’s Negative Effects on Health

Zopiclone side effects in short-term use:

Some of the most common side effects of zopiclone in the short term include:

• Cognitive impairment
• Dizziness/feeling sleepy
• Metallic taste in the mouth/dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Greater propensity of accidents, owing to dangerous behaviour

Zopiclone side effects long-term use:

Some of the most common side effects of zopiclone in the long term include:

• Abdominal pains
• Anxiety
• Chest pains
• Constipation
• Depression
• Fatal overdose
• Flu-like symptoms
• Heart palpitations
• Issues with memory
• Liver damage
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Nightmares
• Slowed breathing

Additionally, a zopiclone addict may be at an increased risk of suicide if their insomnia relapses. The fear of relapse can cause depression and psychotic episodes, making the situation go from bad to worse.  Zopiclone is prescribed for only four weeks at a time and in the smallest dose for the reasons mentioned above.

Zopiclone and Alcohol: Is It a Good Choice?

People with an addiction claim that ingesting zopiclone and alcohol together heightens euphoria.

This is a major problem.

Consuming alcohol with zopiclone can put you in a state of deep sleep—one where you might find difficulty in waking up! So, do not consume alcohol if you are on zopiclone if the recommended dose is mild to start with.

Zopiclone Withdrawal Symptoms

For your body to experience withdrawal symptoms of zopiclone, you’ll need to go into detox. This means refraining from consuming the medication completely so that your body can heal itself.

Let’s now move on to understanding the withdrawal symptoms of zopiclone. Note that these symptoms will vary from person to person, depending on how severe their addiction is.

The main withdrawal symptoms include:

• Rebound insomnia
• A feeling of being edgy
• A strong craving 6-8 hours after the last dose

Additional symptoms in another study include:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Weakness
• Tremor
• Palpitations
• Tachycardia

A Typical Zopiclone Withdrawal Timeline

Treating zopiclone addiction involves three processes: detox, rehab, and aftercare. Naturally, your withdrawal process will not happen overnight.

That said, no two person’s withdrawal from zopiclone looks alike. A typical zopiclone withdrawal timeline can look like the following:

• 1-2 days: Following the last dose of zopiclone, you can expect to experience anxiety, irritability, and occasional muscle spasms. Plus, your mood may be low, and you might begin to feel nauseous.
• 2-5 days: During the primary withdrawal phase, you may experience intense nausea, indigestion, extreme restlessness, fluctuating moods, insomnia, profuse sweating, hallucinations, and persistent, intense cravings for zopiclone.
• 5-14 days: Withdrawal symptoms typically start to reduce in severity after five days of detoxing from zopiclone, although some symptoms may persist, albeit less frequently. Your sleep pattern may remain disrupted, and you might experience pronounced lethargy and depression.

After two weeks, your zopiclone withdrawal symptoms should have subsided. If they still persist, especially serious symptoms like depression, you may be suffering from post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). In this case, seek medical support immediately.

Overdose of Zopiclone

Worryingly, research indicates that zopiclone is growing in popularity among people with an addiction as a “safe and strong sedative.” This means an overdose of zopiclone is dose-dependent and is very much possible.

Here’s a quick overview of what happens in zopiclone overdose:

• Mild cases: Prolonged sleep, drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, and lethargy
• Moderate cases: Central nervous system (CNS) depression and drowsiness
• Severe cases: Ataxia, hypotonia, hypotension, methaemoglobinaemia, respiratory depression, and coma

Overdose in healthy people can be life-threatening if they consume it with other CNS depressants, including alcohol. That said, the right kind of supportive treatments can reverse toxicity.

Zopiclone Rehab: What It Entails

When it comes to zopiclone addiction recovery, rehab is as important as detoxing.

Simcoe’s residential inpatient treatment facility is a great place to start your rehab journey. As a resident at our facility, you’ll get to:

• Understand the underlying conditions for zopiclone addiction
• Embrace the skills needed to overcome zopiclone addiction
• Connect with other people and learn from their stories of success
• Distance yourself from other distractions
• Laser-focus on your recovery
• Engage in evidence-based therapy such as one-on-one drug-addiction counselling, family therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, interventions, physical activity, and wellness (think: running, gym, basketball, yoga, etc.)

What Zopiclone Addiction Aftercare Looks Like

You’ve completed your detox and rehab stint for zopiclone, but what next?

Aftercare for zopiclone addiction involves embracing strategies and support systems to help you maintain your recovery.

So, once you’ve completed a formal treatment program —like the one provided by Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Center—focus on creating a structured plan to help with the transition.

At Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health, we offer free Lifetime Aftercare. Experienced and compassionate addiction and mental health professionals drive our aftercare meetings. We drive group discussions and educational sessions to help you gain valuable insights into:

• Coping skills
• Relapse prevention techniques
• Healthy ways to manage stress and emotions

3 Tips for Preventing Zopiclone Addiction Relapse

Once you leave rehab, your work is far from over. However, life after addiction is transformative. To prevent a relapse, complement your aftercare program with these expert-approved tips:

1. Steer Clear Of High-Risk Situations

You must avoid places, people, and situations that may trigger your craving to use zopiclone. It is best to have a plan in place for how to handle situations where you might be exposed to zopiclone, such as social events or stressful situations.

Pro tip: Make sure to surround yourself with supportive and understanding people who are aware of your recovery journey.

2. Redirect Your Energy Towards Staying Connected

One of the best ways to stay zopiclone-free is by building a strong support system of friends, family, and a support group—or people who understand your journey and can provide encouragement.

You must also engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment so that you don’t find yourself turning to zopiclone for comfort or escape as the going gets tough.

Pro tip: You can also engage in volunteering activities within the community to prevent feelings of isolation.

3. Prioritize and Practice Self-Care

Another tip that works swimmingly well is focusing on your physical health. Make sure to eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

You must also practice mindfulness, meditation, and other relaxation techniques to manage stress and improve your mental well-being at all costs.

Pro tip: Set realistic goals for yourself and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they seem!

Zopiclone Can Become Addictive If Not Consumed Cautiously

Yes, zopiclone is a prescription drug, but that does not mean it is not habit-forming. Around 7.7% of respondents report misusing benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (aka zopiclone).

If you overlook or underestimate its effects, you must reconsider your approach to its use. Using zopiclone in ways other than prescribed, such as taking higher doses or using it for longer periods, for instance, increases the risk of dependence and addiction.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and seek help if you find yourself struggling to control your use of zopiclone. Remember, addiction can happen to anyone—getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Connect with our team today to start your journey to recovery under expert supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are there any alternatives to zopiclone?

Some of the most common alternatives to zopiclone include:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A highly effective non-drug treatment for insomnia that helps people change their behaviours and thoughts related to sleep.
2. Melatonin Supplements: Helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and improve sleep.
3. Herbal Supplements: Certain herbs, such as valerian root, chamomile, and lavender, can have a calming effect and improve sleep quality.
4. Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and electronics before bedtime, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can enhance sleep quality.

Q2. Is it possible to die from zopiclone withdrawal?

Yes, in rare cases, zopiclone withdrawal can be fatal, which is why you should attempt to quit it under medical supervision.

Q3. Is zopiclone dangerous?

Yes, zopiclone can be dangerous if not it is not used as prescribed. Since it is a sedative-hypnotic medication, it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, especially if you take it in higher doses.

Additionally, zopiclone has the potential for abuse and dependence, particularly with long-term use or higher-than-prescribed doses. Hence, sticking to the recommended dosage and duration is key.