Can I take Seresta and Zopiclone together?

Why this happens

Both medicines are 'central nervous system depressants'. This means they work by slowing down brain activity to help you sleep or feel less anxious. When used together, their effects add up, which can over-sedate the body and slow down your breathing to dangerous levels.

You should not take these two medicines together unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor. If your doctor has prescribed both, they should be used at the lowest possible dose for the shortest time. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking this combination. Seek medical help immediately if you experience extreme sleepiness, shallow breathing, or difficulty waking up.

Respiratory insufficiency or Sleep Apnoea

These medicines can significantly depress your breathing. Do not take them if you have severe lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or sleep apnoea, as they can cause life-threatening breathing difficulties during sleep.

Complex Sleep Behaviours

These medicines can cause you to walk, talk, eat, or even drive while you are asleep. You will likely have no memory of these events. If this happens, you must stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor, as these behaviours can be dangerous.

Next-day impairment

These medicines stay in your system the next day. Even if you feel alert, your coordination and reaction times may be significantly impaired, making it dangerous (and potentially illegal) to drive or operate machinery. This risk is much higher if you have not had a full 7-8 hours of sleep.

Alcohol

You must avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medicines. Alcohol significantly increases the sedative effects of both Seresta and zopiclone, which can lead to extreme sleepiness, breathing difficulties, and a deep unresponsive sleep (coma). It also increases the risk of falls and accidents.

Caffeine (Coffee, tea, energy drinks)

Caffeine is a stimulant that works in the opposite way to these medicines. Consuming high amounts of caffeine can make these treatments less effective at helping you sleep or reducing anxiety. It is best to limit caffeine intake, especially in the evening.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.