How quickly does zopiclone start working?

Onset can be fairly quick when taken right before bedtime, though timing varies by person and whether it is taken with food. A heavy or high-fat meal can delay the effect. Most patients should plan a full night in bed to avoid next‑day grogginess. Because it depresses the central nervous system, activities that require alertness should be avoided after dosing and until fully awake the following day.

Can alcohol be used with this sleep medicine?

Alcohol should be avoided. Combining alcohol with a hypnotic increases sedation, slows reaction time, and raises the risk of impaired breathing, falls, and complex sleep behaviors. The combination can also intensify next‑day drowsiness and poor coordination. If alcohol has been consumed, skip the dose. Discuss individual risks with a clinician, especially if other sedatives, opioids, or anxiety medicines are also used.

Will I feel groggy the next day?

Next‑day drowsiness can occur, particularly when sleep time is short, the dose is too high, or other sedatives are taken. Allow seven to eight hours for sleep to reduce carryover effects. If persistent daytime impairment appears, contact the prescriber to reassess timing, dose, or whether a different option may be more suitable. Do not drive or perform safety‑sensitive tasks until fully alert.

Is this medicine safe for long-term use?

It is intended for short courses. Longer or nightly use may increase risks such as tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. If insomnia persists, clinicians typically reassess for underlying causes and may emphasize non‑drug strategies or consider alternative therapies. Do not increase the dose or frequency without medical guidance. Always follow the product labeling and the prescriber’s instructions.

Can the tablet be split?

Many tablets are scored, which can allow splitting when a prescriber directs it. Not every manufacturer’s tablet is identical, so follow the specific instructions on the pharmacy label. Use a clean tablet cutter for accuracy, and store any remaining half-tablet in the original container. Never change the dose or split unscored tablets without confirming with a pharmacist or clinician.

What if I wake during the night?

Do not take an extra dose during the same night unless specifically instructed by a prescriber. Re-dosing can increase the risk of impaired alertness the next morning and other adverse effects. Instead, practice good sleep hygiene and maintain a consistent schedule. If frequent awakenings persist, speak with a clinician about whether a different therapy or behavioral approach may better target sleep maintenance.

Is it appropriate for older adults?

Older adults can be more sensitive to sedatives and are at higher risk for falls, confusion, and next‑day impairment. A lower starting amount is often considered, and close monitoring is recommended. Review all medicines for additive sedation. Non‑drug measures may be emphasized to reduce reliance on hypnotics. Decisions should be individualized by the prescriber based on overall health, sleep symptoms, and goals.

Zopiclone

Zopiclone Tablets for Insomnia

Insomnia

Please note: a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication.

Price:

Price range: $50.99 through $330.99

Secure Encrypted Payments

This medicine is a prescription hypnotic for short-term insomnia. It can help some patients fall asleep faster and wake less during the night. This page explains dosing, safety, and access with US shipping from Canada, including options to order Zopiclone without insurance.

What Zopiclone Is and How It Works

Zopiclone medication for insomnia belongs to the non-benzodiazepine hypnotic group. It acts on GABA-A receptors at the benzodiazepine site, enhancing inhibitory signaling that promotes sleep. The effect can reduce sleep latency and limit nocturnal awakenings when used as directed. Imovane® is a branded form of zopiclone available in several markets.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

This treatment is intended for short courses. It may cause next-morning drowsiness, especially at higher doses or when combined with other sedatives. Avoid alcohol and cannabis during therapy. Use only when a full night’s rest is possible.

Who It’s For

This hypnotic is indicated for short-term management of insomnia in adults, including difficulty falling asleep or frequent awakenings. It is not a first-line option for chronic insomnia without evaluation. Patients with severe liver impairment, significant respiratory disease, sleep apnea, or myasthenia gravis should avoid use unless a clinician determines benefits outweigh risks. Those with a history of substance misuse or depression require careful monitoring. It is generally not recommended during pregnancy or while nursing unless a prescriber advises otherwise. Children and adolescents are typically not candidates.

For background on the condition, see our insomnia condition page.

Dosage and Usage

Take once nightly, immediately before going to bed. Use only when at least seven to eight hours are available for sleep. Swallow tablets with water. A lower starting amount may be chosen for older adults or those with liver or kidney problems, as directed by the prescriber. Taking with a heavy or high-fat meal can delay onset. Do not combine with alcohol, opioids, or other sleep medicines. Do not drive or operate machinery after dosing and until fully alert the next day. Limit use to the shortest duration that manages symptoms, in line with the official label and the prescriber’s guidance. Do not take more than prescribed or more than once during the same night.

Non-drug measures such as sleep scheduling, limiting caffeine, and consistent wake times can support outcomes. For practical ideas, review our sleep disorders guide.

Strengths and Forms

Immediate-release tablets commonly available in 3.75 mg, 5 mg, and 7.5 mg.
Film-coated tablets; many are scored to allow splitting when directed.
Brand and generic presentations exist; availability may vary by manufacturer and stock.

Selection depends on the prescription and local supply. Some pack sizes differ by supplier.

Missed Dose and Timing

This medicine is taken at bedtime as needed. If a dose is missed but sleep time remains, take it only if a full night’s rest is still possible. If it is near morning or there is insufficient time in bed, skip the dose. Do not take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose. Do not re-dose during the same night unless specifically instructed by the prescriber.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place, away from humidity and direct light. Keep in the original, child-resistant container with the pharmacy label intact. Do not store in a bathroom or near sinks. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Check the expiry date before use.

When traveling, keep medication in carry-on luggage with a copy of the prescription. Leave tablets in their labeled container for security checks. If crossing time zones, take at the intended local bedtime rather than by the clock. For storage on longer trips, avoid extreme temperatures inside cars. For online orders, checkout uses encrypted checkout to protect personal information.

Benefits

When suitable and used under supervision, this class can offer practical sleep support. Benefits may include:

Sleep onset support: may reduce time to fall asleep.
Sleep maintenance aid: may reduce nighttime awakenings.
Predictable duration: designed for overnight use when time in bed is adequate.
Short-course option: intended for limited treatment intervals under guidance.
Convenient oral dosing: simple once-nightly schedule for many patients.

Side Effects and Safety

Bitter or metallic taste
Dry mouth
Daytime drowsiness or fatigue
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headache
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Impaired coordination or concentration

Serious but less common risks include allergic reactions, complex sleep behaviors (such as sleepwalking or sleep-driving), memory disturbances, mood changes, and respiratory depression when combined with other depressants. Falls can occur, especially in older adults. Misuse, tolerance, or withdrawal can develop with prolonged or unsupervised use. Stop and seek urgent care for symptoms of anaphylaxis, unusual sleep activities, suicidal thinking, or trouble breathing. Read the full patient information that accompanies the product and follow the prescriber’s guidance.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Alcohol and cannabis: additive sedation and impaired coordination.
Opioids and benzodiazepines: increased risk of respiratory depression and profound sedation.
Sedating antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines: enhanced central nervous system effects.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir): may increase exposure.
CYP3A4 inducers (for example, rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin): may reduce effect.
Underlying conditions: severe liver disease, sleep apnea, or significant lung disease require caution.

Always provide a complete medication list to the prescriber and pharmacist, including over-the-counter sleep aids and herbal products. For broader context on related therapies, explore our mental health medicines.

What to Expect Over Time

For many adults, the first doses can begin improving sleep onset within nights of use. Morning grogginess may occur, particularly when sleep time is short. The medicine is intended for intermittent or short-course therapy, with reassessment if insomnia persists. Non-pharmacologic measures often remain important to maintain benefits. If symptoms continue or worsen, consult the prescriber for evaluation and consider alternative strategies.

Compare With Alternatives

Other approved options may be considered based on medical history and tolerability. Short-acting non-benzodiazepine hypnotics such as zolpidem tablets are one alternative. A low-dose tricyclic option, Silenor® (doxepin), may help with sleep maintenance for suitable patients. Learn more about this class in our doxepin guide. Selection should be individualized by the prescriber.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy sourcing can offer value compared with some local options. Review product availability, pack sizes, and dispensing details before checkout. For current opportunities, Order Zopiclone online through our secure process. Eligible prescriptions are filled with care for US delivery from Canada. For seasonal offers, visit our promotions page. Taxes, dispensing fees, and shipping are shown during checkout.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and pack size. We source Zopiclone tablets from Canada through licensed wholesalers when available. If stock is limited, a prescriber may recommend an alternative that meets therapeutic needs. Brand or generic options may be dispensed based on the prescription and supply. Specific restock dates cannot be guaranteed.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults with short-term insomnia who need a controlled sleep aid after non-drug measures. It may not suit those with breathing disorders during sleep, severe hepatic impairment, a history of complex sleep behaviors, or substance misuse. Review all current medicines to avoid additive sedation.

To manage total spend, consider longer fills if clinically appropriate and permitted by the prescription. Align refills with appointment schedules to avoid gaps. Set discreet reminders to request the next fill before running out. If paying cash, compare the Zopiclone cash price with any available plan copay or reimbursement rules. Consolidating orders and selecting standard shipping can also help reduce overall charges.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

Starting amount and timing: confirm the ideal bedtime dose strategy.
Duration of therapy: clarify how long to continue before reassessment.
Next-day activities: discuss driving, work shifts, or safety-sensitive tasks.
Drug and alcohol use: review interactions with sedatives and pain medicines.
Stopping therapy: ask about tapering if used longer than intended.
Plan B options: discuss alternatives if response is limited or side effects occur.

Authoritative Sources

Place a prescription order that Ships from Canada to US, with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping when needed for other items. This information is educational and does not replace prescriber advice or the official label.

Express Shipping - from $25.00

Shipping with this method takes 3-5 days

Prices:

Dry-Packed Products $25.00
Cold-Packed Products $35.00

Shipping Countries:

United States (all contiguous states**)
Worldwide (excludes some countries***)

Standard Shipping - $15.00

Shipping with this method takes 5-10 days

Prices:

Dry-Packed Products $15.00
Not available for Cold-Packed products

Shipping Countries:

United States (all contiguous states**)
Worldwide (excludes some countries***)

View All FAQs

How quickly does zopiclone start working?
Onset can be fairly quick when taken right before bedtime, though timing varies by person and whether it is taken with food. A heavy or high-fat meal can delay the effect. Most patients should plan a full night in bed to avoid next‑day grogginess. Because it depresses the central nervous system, activities that require alertness should be avoided after dosing and until fully awake the following day.
Can alcohol be used with this sleep medicine?
Alcohol should be avoided. Combining alcohol with a hypnotic increases sedation, slows reaction time, and raises the risk of impaired breathing, falls, and complex sleep behaviors. The combination can also intensify next‑day drowsiness and poor coordination. If alcohol has been consumed, skip the dose. Discuss individual risks with a clinician, especially if other sedatives, opioids, or anxiety medicines are also used.
Will I feel groggy the next day?
Next‑day drowsiness can occur, particularly when sleep time is short, the dose is too high, or other sedatives are taken. Allow seven to eight hours for sleep to reduce carryover effects. If persistent daytime impairment appears, contact the prescriber to reassess timing, dose, or whether a different option may be more suitable. Do not drive or perform safety‑sensitive tasks until fully alert.
Is this medicine safe for long-term use?
It is intended for short courses. Longer or nightly use may increase risks such as tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. If insomnia persists, clinicians typically reassess for underlying causes and may emphasize non‑drug strategies or consider alternative therapies. Do not increase the dose or frequency without medical guidance. Always follow the product labeling and the prescriber’s instructions.
Can the tablet be split?
Many tablets are scored, which can allow splitting when a prescriber directs it. Not every manufacturer’s tablet is identical, so follow the specific instructions on the pharmacy label. Use a clean tablet cutter for accuracy, and store any remaining half-tablet in the original container. Never change the dose or split unscored tablets without confirming with a pharmacist or clinician.
What if I wake during the night?
Do not take an extra dose during the same night unless specifically instructed by a prescriber. Re-dosing can increase the risk of impaired alertness the next morning and other adverse effects. Instead, practice good sleep hygiene and maintain a consistent schedule. If frequent awakenings persist, speak with a clinician about whether a different therapy or behavioral approach may better target sleep maintenance.
Is it appropriate for older adults?
Older adults can be more sensitive to sedatives and are at higher risk for falls, confusion, and next‑day impairment. A lower starting amount is often considered, and close monitoring is recommended. Review all medicines for additive sedation. Non‑drug measures may be emphasized to reduce reliance on hypnotics. Decisions should be individualized by the prescriber based on overall health, sleep symptoms, and goals.