Drug:Zopiclone
| Zopiclone | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zopiclone |
| Drug Class | Z-Drug (Non-benzodiazepine hypnotic) |
| Aliases | Zopiclone |
| ROAs | Oral |
| Oral | |
| Threshold | 3.75 mg |
| Light | 3.75–7.5 mg |
| Common | 7.5–15 mg |
| Strong | 15–22.5 mg |
| Heavy | 22.5+ mg |
| Duration | 4–8 hours
- |
Zopiclone
Overview
Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic ("Z-drug") prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Although structurally different from benzodiazepines, it acts on many of the same receptors and produces similar sedative effects.
At therapeutic doses it primarily promotes sleep, while higher doses may produce relaxation, impaired coordination and, in some people, vivid dreams or hallucinations.
Subjective Effects
Physical Effects
- Mild sedation
- Muscle relaxation
- Reduced coordination
- Metallic taste
Cognitive Effects
- Relaxation
- Mild disinhibition
- Reduced anxiety
- Mild memory impairment
- Drowsiness
Visual Effects
- Closed-eye hallucinations (higher doses)
- Dream-like imagery
After Effects
- Fatigue
- Mental fog
- Metallic taste
- Grogginess
My Review
Overall Experience
Unlike benzodiazepines, I can actually feel zopiclone, although only slightly.
It was originally prescribed to help me sleep, but I found that the standard dose did very little. I only started noticing clear effects around 15 mg, where it produced mild relaxation together with strange closed-eye hallucinations. Ironically, despite being prescribed for insomnia, it still didn't reliably help me fall asleep.
I've also tried it recreationally. The effects are subtle, I'd compare them to drinking two or three beers. It's not particularly euphoric (besides the comeup) or intoxicating, but it can be nice if I'm simply looking to unwind.
The hallucinations are probably the weirdest part of the experience. At higher doses, or especially when mixed with other drugs they can become surprisingly vivid. Sometimes they're fascinating, while other times they're genuinely unsettling. It's very unpredictable but in a bad way.
Overall, I actually like it. It's not a drug I'd actively seek out, but it's one of the few depressants that has produced noticeable effects for me.
What I Enjoyed
- Mild relaxation.
- Interesting closed-eye hallucinations.
- More noticeable than benzodiazepines.
What I Didn't Enjoy
- Still very subtle.
- Doesn't reliably help me sleep.
- Hallucinations can become frightening.
- Very short-lived recreational effects.
Would I Use It Again?
Yes
Rating
| Category | Rating (/10) |
|---|---|
| Overall | 7/10 |
| Relaxation | 6/10 |
| Sedation | 5/10 |
| Hallucinations | 8/10 |
| Sleep Aid | 3/10 |
Tips & Harm Reduction
Practical Tips
- Use only when you have enough time to sleep or rest.
- Avoid taking additional doses if it doesn't seem to work immediately.
- Be prepared for a lingering metallic taste.
Harm Reduction
- Do not combine with alcohol, opioids or benzodiazepines, as this can greatly increase sedation and the risk of overdose.
- Higher doses may produce confusion, memory impairment and hallucinations.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery after taking zopiclone.
