Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking zopiclone

Zopiclone and pregnancy

Zopiclone is not usually recommend in pregnancy because little is known about its use. If you become pregnant while taking zopiclone, speak to your doctor. They will help you decide what to do and may switch you to a medicine that is more suitable for pregnancy.

Zopiclone may cause drowsiness or withdrawal symptoms such as being agitated or shaking in newborn babies. If you take it until the end of pregnancy, this may increase the chance of your baby having these problems. Your baby may need to stay in hospital for extra monitoring for a few days after they're born.

Zopiclone and breastfeeding

If you're having problems sleeping, talk to your doctor or pharmacist as there may be other ways of improving sleep without taking zopiclone.

But if your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take zopiclone while breastfeeding. It's better to only take occasional doses, and only for a short time.

Zopiclone passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and has not been known to cause any side effects in breastfed babies. However there is a very small risk that it might make your baby sleepy too.

It's important not to share a bed with your baby while you're taking zopiclone.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual or seems unusually sleepy, or you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.

Zopiclone and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking zopiclone reduces fertility in either men or women.

But speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment.

For more information about how zopiclone can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.