Zopiclone and Z-drugs

Zimovane
Zim-Zims
Zimmies
Zimmers
Z-drugs
Zolpidem

Scientific Names: 6-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)-7-oxo-5H,6H,7H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazin-5-yl 4-methylpiperazine-1-carboxylate

Generic Names: Z-drugs, nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics

An example of what Zopiclone and Z drugs looks like

You cannot always be sure that what you buy is what you get, but if you want to send any substance off for testing, you can send it to WEDINOS

What does it look like?

Tablets, capsules. The tablets come in two main doses: 7.5 mg and 3.75 mg

Effects of Zopiclone and Z drugs

Desired Effects:

Relaxation, euphoria, sleepiness, and a feeling of being slowed down. They are often used alongside heroin, methadone and other opioids as they enhance the effect.

Side Effects:

Abdominal pain
Anterograde amnesia
Anxiety
Back pain
Diarrhoea
Dizziness
Fatigue
Hallucination
Headache
Increased risk of infection
Nausea and vomiting
Sleep disorders
Zopiclone causes an unpleasant metallic after-taste in the mouth

Risks

Long term risks:

Z-drugs are only prescribed for short term use, so long term street use is ill advised.
Long term use may cause tolerance and dependence, leading to withdrawal and rebound insomnia if stopped abruptly.
There is a risk of cancer

Short term risks:

Overdose - this risk is increased if used with alcohol or other depressant drugs.
The combination of z-drugs with heroin or other opioids increases the effects and risk of overdose. There were 222 deaths associated with Z-drugs in England and Wales during 2024, however just 24 of these deaths occurred without the use of other drugs.

How does Zopiclone and Z drugs work?

These drugs are non-benzodiazepine hypnotics/sedatives from the Cyclopyrrolone family of drugs.

Zopiclone and Zolpidem are benzodiazepine derivatives, collectively known as ‘Z-drugs’. Another Z-drug called zaleplon is no longer available on prescription in the UK. Strictly speaking, ‘Z-drugs’ are not benzodiazepines, but they act in a similar way; have similar long-term usage problems; and are recorded in some national statistics under the more general ‘tranquiliser’ heading. As street drugs Z-drugs are often seen as interchangeable with benzodiazepines and are used by the same people for the same reasons.

Legal status of Zopiclone and Z drugs

Zopiclone and Zolpidem are both Class C under the Misuse of Drugs. They are Prescription Only Medicines.

How is Zopiclone and Z drugs taken?

Tablets are swallowed, very rarely injected. The tablets are practicably insoluble even after boiling. Injecting any tablet is dangerous and is likely to cause damage to the veins, resulting in abscesses, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), aneurysm, ulcers and varicose veins.

Paraphernalia

If injected, needle, syringe etc...

Medical uses of Zopiclone and Z drugs

They are prescribed for the short-term management of severe insomnia, they have a sedative effect and are used to induce sleep for a short period of time.

Where Does it Come From?

They are derived from the Cyclopyrrolone family of drugs. This is a pharmaceutical drug which is sometimes diverted from manufacturers, pharmacies, or GPs prescriptions.

Helping Services

Most areas of the UK have 'street agencies' or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, needle exchanges and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Some agencies offer specialist services such as counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, acupuncture and other alternative therapies and prescribing of anti-depressants, and also possible referral to residential rehabilitation. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. GPs and possibly the local hospital A&E department can make referrals to specialist drug services as well as general medical services, information and advice often in partnership with a drug agency or Drug Dependency Unit.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc...