For most adults, the standard recommended dosage is 7.5 mg taken orally once daily, immediately before going to bed. To minimize risks, doctors typically start elderly patients or those with liver or kidney issues at a lower dose of 3.75 mg. It is crucial to only take the medication when you can dedicate at least 7 to 8 hours to uninterrupted sleep, and it should generally not be used for longer than 2 to 4 weeks at a time.

Zopiclone carries a significant risk of physical and psychological dependence, particularly when used for longer than the recommended four-week window. While it is often considered to have a lower abuse potential than older benzodiazepines, users can still develop a tolerance, needing higher doses to achieve the same effect. Stopping the medication abruptly after long-term use can trigger withdrawal symptoms such as rebound insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and heart palpitations, which is why a gradual tapering schedule is usually required.

While Zopiclone is not a primary treatment for anxiety disorders, it is sometimes used to manage insomnia caused by severe anxiety or emotional distress. Because it works by enhancing the calming chemical GABA in the brain, it can provide temporary relief from the physical tension that prevents sleep. However, medical guidelines generally do not recommend it as a standalone anti-anxiety medication because it lacks the specific therapeutic profile of dedicated anxiolytics and poses a risk of worsening anxiety during withdrawal.