Can You Take Zopiclone with Alcohol?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
Never mix zopiclone and alcohol — together they cause dangerous over-sedation and respiratory depression, which can be fatal.
Is it safe to take Zopiclone with Alcohol?
Zopiclone (a sleeping tablet) and alcohol are both powerful CNS depressants. Combining them is extremely dangerous. Both enhance GABA receptor activity, and together the sedative and respiratory depressant effects are synergistic. People have died from this combination. Zopiclone is already only intended for short-term use due to its dependence potential — adding alcohol vastly increases the risks.
How do Zopiclone and Alcohol interact?
Zopiclone binds to GABA-A receptors (at the benzodiazepine binding site), enhancing chloride conductance and CNS inhibition. Alcohol binds at a separate site on GABA-A, also enhancing inhibition. Their combined effects on GABA-A are synergistic. Both also suppress the respiratory centre in the brainstem. The combination can cause breathing to stop entirely during sleep.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: OpenFDA zopiclone drug label — alcohol warning.
Who should be careful?
Everyone taking zopiclone. Particularly elderly patients, those with sleep apnoea, respiratory conditions, or liver disease.
What if I've already taken Zopiclone and Alcohol?
If someone taking zopiclone has also drunk alcohol and is excessively sedated or difficult to rouse, call 999 immediately. Keep them in the recovery position.
Not sure if this combination is safe for your specific situation?
Speak to a pharmacist online — get personalised advice in minutes.
Speak to a pharmacist online →Service provided by independent online pharmacy partners.
⭐ Recommended on Amazon
Alcohol-Free Drinks Variety Pack
Great-tasting alternatives so you can still enjoy a drink while on medication.
View on Amazon →Mood Journal Notebook
Track how you feel day-to-day — especially useful when managing medication and lifestyle changes.
View on Amazon →Mindfulness Journal
Practical prompts to support mental wellbeing, especially when cutting back on alcohol.
View on Amazon →Affiliate links below. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol on zopiclone?
No. This is a dangerous combination that can cause fatal respiratory depression during sleep.
What happens if you mix zopiclone and alcohol?
Extreme sedation, impaired breathing, potential loss of consciousness, and in serious cases, death during sleep. The effects are synergistic — far more dangerous than either alone.
Can I have one drink with zopiclone?
There is no safe amount of alcohol with zopiclone. Even one drink can significantly amplify zopiclone's CNS-depressant effects.
How long after zopiclone can I drink?
Zopiclone has a half-life of about 5 hours but its effects on the CNS can persist longer. Wait at least 12 hours after a single dose before drinking any alcohol.