Description
Zop (zopiclone) 7.5 mg
Zop 7.5 mg contains zopiclone, a hypnotic medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. It belongs to the group of non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, often described as “Z-drugs.”
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The verified active ingredient is zopiclone. It is a cyclopyrrolone sedative-hypnotic with central nervous system depressant effects. Official product information describes it as indicated for short-term treatment of insomnia in adults.
Established Medical Uses
Regulatory product information supports zopiclone for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. Clinical studies and reviews show benefit for sleep onset, sleep maintenance, and overall sleep quality, but its use is intended to be limited because dependence and tolerance can occur with continued exposure.
How It Works
Zopiclone acts on the brain’s inhibitory signaling pathways to produce a calming and sleep-promoting effect. In clinical use, this reduces the time needed to fall asleep and may reduce night-time awakenings. Its effect is similar to other sedative-hypnotics, but it is not a benzodiazepine.
Important Safety Information
Zopiclone is contraindicated in people with myasthenia gravis, respiratory failure, severe sleep apnoea syndrome, severe hepatic insufficiency, hypersensitivity to zopiclone, or a previous history of complex sleep behaviours with zopiclone. Official guidance also warns that it can cause dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and next-day psychomotor impairment.
Important interactions include alcohol, opioids, and other central nervous system depressants, which can increase sedation and respiratory depression. CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase zopiclone exposure, while CYP3A4 inducers may reduce its effect. Zopiclone may also impair driving and machine operation.
Possible Side Effects
Common adverse effects include bitter taste, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and fatigue. Less common but clinically important reactions include amnesia, confusion, abnormal behaviour, hallucinations, falls, respiratory depression, and complex sleep behaviours such as sleepwalking. Withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia may occur after stopping treatment.
Scientific Evidence
Published clinical studies and reviews indicate that zopiclone improves sleep initiation and sleep continuity compared with placebo, and that its short-term efficacy is broadly comparable with several benzodiazepine hypnotics. Review data also note a generally low rate of rebound insomnia and withdrawal at therapeutic doses, although dependence risk remains an important clinical consideration.
Medical Information Notice
This summary is for educational purposes only and is based on sources available at the time of review. It does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information, or individual assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- Medicines.org.uk (emc) — Zopiclone 7.5mg film-coated tablets, Summary of Product Characteristics
- Monchesky TC, Billings BJ, Phillips R. “Zopiclone: a new nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic used in general practice.” Clinical Therapeutics (1986). PubMed article
- Gunja N. “In the Zzz zone: the effects of z-drugs on human performance and driving.” Journal of Medical Toxicology (2013). PubMed article
