Sedative-Hypnotic (sleeping pill)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Zopiclone is a sleeping pill that works by calming your brain and nervous system so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It is sold in Nigeria under brand names like Nitress Tablets and Zopice Tablet.
Binds to benzodiazepine receptors at the GABA_A chloride channel complex in the central nervous system, enhancing GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission and promoting sleep onset and maintenance.
Short-term treatment of difficulty sleeping (insomnia), trouble falling asleep, waking up too early, waking up several times during the night
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Since zopiclone is taken only at bedtime when you cannot sleep, there is no regular dosing schedule to miss. If it is already late in the night or close to when you need to wake up, skip it, as taking it may make you feel very drowsy the next day. Never take two tablets to make up for a missed one.
This is a controlled prescription medicine, so do not buy it from roadside vendors or open markets, and only use it if a doctor has prescribed it for you. Zopiclone can be habit-forming, so do not use it for longer than your doctor prescribed or share it with anyone else, even if they also have trouble sleeping. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything requiring alertness the morning after taking it, as it can still make you drowsy.
Do not drink alcohol while taking zopiclone, as combining them can cause dangerously deep sleep, breathing problems, or even death. Be careful if you are taking other medicines that make you sleepy such as antihistamines (like Piriton), strong painkillers (like tramadol or codeine), or medicines for anxiety or depression. Tell your doctor if you are taking erythromycin or ketoconazole as they can increase the effects of zopiclone in your body.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Zopiclone with your other drugs?
Zopiclone is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it can harm your unborn baby or pass into breast milk and affect your baby, so consult your doctor for safer alternatives.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in cars or near windows. Keep it in the original pack and away from moisture. Always store out of reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.