Zopiclone is a prescription sleeping medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It generally starts working within around 30 to 60 minutes and is normally taken once before bedtime.
However, not falling asleep immediately does not mean that you should take another tablet. Zopiclone can continue affecting your alertness, coordination and memory even when you remain awake.
Why Doesn’t Zopiclone Make Me Fall Asleep?
There are several reasons why someone may remain awake after taking zopiclone. The medicine can help promote sleep, but it does not remove every possible cause of insomnia.
Stress, anxiety, caffeine, an inconsistent sleep routine, environmental noise and other factors can make it difficult to fall asleep even after taking a prescribed sleep medicine.
Zopiclone is designed to be taken immediately before going to bed. Official patient information recommends making sure you can have approximately 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep after taking it.
If you’re researching different strengths or formulations, you can explore our Zopiclone products for additional product information.
What Happens If You Stay Awake After Taking Zopiclone?
If you remain awake after taking zopiclone, the medicine may still produce its normal sedative effects.
You might experience:
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Reduced concentration
- Slower reactions
- Poor coordination
- Memory problems
- Feeling tired or less alert the following day
- A bitter or metallic taste
One particular concern is memory impairment. Short-term memory problems can occur, particularly when sleep is interrupted or when you delay going to bed after taking the medicine.
For readers researching insomnia treatment, our Zopiclone information guide provides additional information about the medicine and its intended use.
Should You Take Another Zopiclone If You Are Still Awake?
No. Do not take an additional dose simply because you have not fallen asleep.
Zopiclone should normally be taken as a single dose immediately before bedtime. Taking another tablet during the same night can increase the amount of medicine in your system and may increase the risk of unwanted effects.
Taking more than prescribed can increase the risk of excessive sedation, confusion, loss of coordination and potentially serious breathing problems.
If you believe you have taken more zopiclone than prescribed, seek urgent medical advice.
How Long Does Zopiclone Take to Work?
Zopiclone usually starts working within approximately 30 to 60 minutes. It is intended to be taken immediately before bedtime rather than several hours before you plan to sleep.
If you take it and remain awake after 30 minutes, avoid assuming that the medicine has not worked and taking another tablet. The effects can continue developing, and taking an additional dose may increase the risk of adverse effects.
If you frequently have difficulty falling asleep despite taking your prescribed medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist rather than changing the dose yourself.
Why Is 7–8 Hours of Sleep Important?
One of the important precautions associated with zopiclone is having enough time for uninterrupted sleep.
Patient information recommends making sure you can obtain approximately 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep after taking zopiclone. This can help reduce the likelihood of problems such as memory impairment and next-day impairment.
For this reason, zopiclone should generally be taken when you are ready to go to bed rather than when you still have activities to complete.
What If I Need to Get Up After Taking Zopiclone?
If you have taken zopiclone and need to get out of bed while you are still affected by it, take care when walking because dizziness, drowsiness or impaired coordination can occur.
Avoid driving, cycling or operating machinery if you feel sleepy, dizzy or less alert.
For additional safety information, read the NHS guidance on zopiclone.
Can You Drink Alcohol If Zopiclone Hasn’t Worked?
No. You should not drink alcohol after taking zopiclone.
Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of zopiclone and may increase the risk of serious problems, including excessive sedation and breathing difficulties.
You should also tell your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines you are taking. Certain medicines, including other sedatives and opioid painkillers, can interact with zopiclone and increase sedation or other risks.
What If Zopiclone Doesn’t Work for Me?
If zopiclone repeatedly does not help you sleep, do not increase your dose without medical advice.
Zopiclone is intended for short-term treatment. Tolerance can develop with repeated use, meaning the medicine may become less effective over time.
Repeated difficulty sleeping may also indicate that another factor is contributing to your insomnia. Your doctor can review your symptoms, other medicines and sleep habits and determine whether a different approach is appropriate.
You can also browse our Zopiclone product information for general information about available products and formulations.
What Happens If You Take Too Much Zopiclone?
Taking more zopiclone than prescribed can be dangerous.
An overdose may cause severe drowsiness, confusion, deep sleep, dizziness, loss of balance, low blood pressure or shallow and difficult breathing. The risk can be particularly serious when zopiclone is combined with alcohol or other medicines that depress the central nervous system.
If you have accidentally taken more than your prescribed amount, seek urgent medical advice rather than waiting to see whether you fall asleep.
Does Staying Awake Increase the Risk of Memory Problems?
It can. Zopiclone may cause anterograde amnesia, meaning you may have difficulty remembering events that occurred after taking the medicine.
The risk is particularly relevant when sleep is interrupted or when someone delays going to bed after taking the tablet. This is another reason to take zopiclone immediately before bedtime and allow enough time for uninterrupted sleep.
Taking zopiclone and then continuing to work, operate machinery or carry out activities requiring concentration is not recommended.
What Should You Do If You Can’t Sleep After Taking Zopiclone?
If you have taken your prescribed dose and remain awake:
- Do not take another dose during the same night.
- Stay somewhere safe and avoid activities requiring concentration or coordination.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not drive or operate machinery.
- Allow yourself sufficient time to rest.
- If the problem happens repeatedly, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have taken more than your prescribed amount or develop serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe confusion or extreme difficulty staying awake, seek urgent medical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does zopiclone take to work?
Zopiclone usually begins working within approximately 30–60 minutes. It should normally be taken immediately before bedtime.
Can I take another zopiclone if the first tablet doesn’t work?
No. You should not take another dose during the same night unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so. Taking more than prescribed can increase the risk of serious side effects.
Can I stay awake after taking zopiclone?
You may remain awake, but the medicine can still affect your alertness, coordination and memory. It is safest to take it only when you are ready for bed and have enough time for uninterrupted sleep.
Can I drink alcohol if I am still awake after taking zopiclone?
No. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of zopiclone and increase the risk of serious side effects.
What should I do if zopiclone regularly doesn’t help me sleep?
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not increase the dose yourself. A healthcare professional can assess why you are continuing to experience insomnia and whether your treatment needs to be changed.
How much sleep should I have after taking zopiclone?
Patient information recommends having approximately 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep available after taking zopiclone.
Final Thoughts
Taking zopiclone does not guarantee that you will fall asleep immediately. If you remain awake after taking your prescribed dose, do not take another tablet during the same night.
Zopiclone can continue affecting your body even when you are awake, potentially causing drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination or memory problems. Taking it immediately before bedtime and allowing enough time for uninterrupted sleep can help reduce some of these risks.
If zopiclone repeatedly fails to help with your insomnia, speak with a doctor or pharmacist rather than increasing the dose yourself.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Zopiclone is a prescription medicine and should only be taken as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
