What is a Zimmer Tablet?: Clearing the Confusion

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 40 to 50 people in Britain die each year from poisoning by zopiclone or zolpidem, often combined with other substances. The query "What is a Zimmer Tablet?" leads to a critical clarification: the term is a street name for the sedative-hypnotic drug Zopiclone and not a legitimate pharmaceutical product. This confusion often stems from the well-known medical device company, Zimmer Biomet, which does not manufacture medications.

Quick Summary

The term 'Zimmer Tablet' is a street name for the sedative-hypnotic medication Zopiclone, not a recognized pharmaceutical product. The confusion likely arises from the similarly named medical device company, Zimmer Biomet. Zopiclone, also known as Zimovane, is prescribed for short-term insomnia, but misuse can lead to dependency and severe health risks.

Key Points

No Official Drug: There is no official prescription medication or pharmaceutical product called a Zimmer tablet.
Street Name for Zopiclone: 'Zimmers' or 'zimmies' is a street name for Zopiclone, a powerful sedative-hypnotic used to treat severe insomnia.
Not from Medical Device Company: The name has no connection to Zimmer Biomet, a legitimate manufacturer of orthopedic medical devices, including implants and surgical technology.
Risk of Misuse: The misuse of Zopiclone, particularly under the street name 'zimmers', involves taking dangerous, high doses, often mixed with other substances like alcohol, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
Dependence and Overdose: Zopiclone carries a high risk of dependence and addiction, especially when misused. Overdose symptoms can include respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
Medical Purpose of Zopiclone: Zopiclone (Zimovane) is a controlled, prescription-only medication for short-term insomnia and should be used only under strict medical supervision.

What is Zopiclone (Zimovane)?

Zopiclone is a prescription-only, non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug, often referred to as a "Z-drug". Its brand name in some regions is Zimovane. This medication is used for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia, which includes difficulty falling or staying asleep. Zopiclone is typically not prescribed for more than two to four weeks due to the potential for tolerance and dependency.

How Zopiclone Works

Zopiclone works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain that has a calming effect. By increasing GABA's activity, the drug helps to reduce the brain's excitability, making it easier for a person to fall asleep and stay asleep longer. It works relatively quickly, often taking effect within 20 to 40 minutes.

Proper Usage and Dosage

Proper use of Zopiclone involves taking it exactly as prescribed by a doctor, usually right before bed. Doses typically range from 3.75 mg to 7.5 mg, depending on individual needs and health factors like age or liver function. Patients should be aware of important safety considerations, including:

Duration of treatment: The medication is for short-term use only to minimize the risk of dependence.
Driving and machinery: Zopiclone can cause drowsiness and impaired coordination, so users should not drive or operate machinery for at least 12 hours after taking it.
Drug interactions: Combining Zopiclone with other CNS depressants, like alcohol or opioids, can be dangerous and increase the risk of respiratory depression.

The Street Term: 'Zimmers'

In some regions, particularly in the UK, Zopiclone tablets are known by the street names 'zimmers' or 'zimmies'. This informal terminology is not related to any official product and is associated with the illicit use of the drug. Individuals who misuse Zopiclone may seek a sedative and euphoric effect, often resisting the initial urge to sleep.

Dangers of Zopiclone Misuse

The misuse of Zopiclone, especially under the street name 'zimmers', carries significant risks:

Higher doses: Recreational users often take much higher doses than prescribed, significantly increasing the risk of overdose.
Mixing with other drugs: Combining Zopiclone with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as alcohol or heroin, is extremely dangerous and is a common factor in fatal overdoses.
Dependence and addiction: The risk of psychological and physical dependence is very high with prolonged use or misuse. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe.
Behavioral effects: Misuse can lead to aggressive behavior, amnesia, and impaired judgment, sometimes resulting in risky or violent actions with no memory of the event.

The Medical Device Company: Zimmer Biomet

The prominent medical technology company, Zimmer Biomet, is a distinct entity from the street name 'zimmers'. Founded in 1927, Zimmer Biomet is a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, specializing in medical devices and digital technology for orthopedic and dental surgeries. The company's products are used in a variety of procedures, including hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgeries. They do not manufacture or market any medication referred to as a "Zimmer tablet". The similarity in sound between "Zimmer" and the street term "zimmers" is coincidental and contributes to public confusion.

The Importance of Official Pharmaceutical Names

Drug safety protocols include rigorous processes for naming medications to avoid confusion, known as "look-alike, sound-alike" (LASA) errors. The potential for harm from misidentifying a medication underscores why reliance on unofficial or street names is so dangerous. In this case, confusing the medical device company Zimmer with the street drug "zimmers" highlights the stark difference between a legitimate, life-enhancing medical product and a misused sedative with serious health risks.

Comparison of Legitimate vs. Street Use


Aspect	Legitimate Zopiclone (e.g., Zimovane)	Street Drug ('Zimmers')
Purpose	Short-term treatment for severe insomnia.	Recreational use for sedation or euphoria.
Source	Prescription-only medication dispensed by a pharmacist.	Illicitly obtained from the street, online, or without a prescription.
Dosage	Low, controlled doses (e.g., 3.75 mg or 7.5 mg).	Uncontrolled, often much higher doses, increasing risk.
Risk of Dependency	Controlled to minimize dependence, typically not used for more than 4 weeks.	High risk of rapid dependence and addiction.
Side Effects	Common side effects are mild (e.g., metallic taste, daytime drowsiness); rare serious side effects are possible.	Increased risk of severe side effects, including overdose, aggressive behavior, and amnesia.

Conclusion

In summary, there is no pharmaceutical product called a "Zimmer tablet." The name is a dangerous street term used to refer to the powerful sedative Zopiclone, also known as Zimovane. This illicit and risky use of Zopiclone has no connection to the legitimate medical technology company, Zimmer Biomet. For individuals suffering from insomnia, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional and use prescribed medication responsibly. For those encountering the street name "zimmers," it is a warning of dangerous and illegal drug misuse. Distinguishing between a legitimate medical device manufacturer and a street drug is vital for patient safety and harm reduction.

Warning: The misuse of any prescription medication, especially sedative-hypnotics like Zopiclone, can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please seek professional help immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'Zimmer tablet' is a street name for the prescription drug Zopiclone. There is no legitimate medication sold by this name. The use of this term is associated with drug misuse and has no connection to the official pharmaceutical product, often branded as Zimovane.

No, Zimmer Biomet is a medical technology company that produces orthopedic devices and digital solutions, such as hip and knee implants. They do not manufacture or sell any pharmaceutical tablets for insomnia or other conditions.

Taking a drug referred to as 'zimmers' (Zopiclone) without a prescription is extremely dangerous. Risks include severe addiction, a high chance of overdose (especially when mixed with alcohol or other drugs), aggression, amnesia, and dependency.

Yes, Zopiclone can cause physical and psychological dependence, especially with prolonged or improper use. This is why it is only recommended for short-term treatment (2-4 weeks) under a doctor's supervision.

All legally dispensed Zopiclone is a prescription-only medication dispensed by a pharmacist. Tablets obtained through illicit channels, labeled with a street name like 'zimmers', should be avoided entirely as their content, dosage, and safety cannot be verified.

If you suffer from insomnia, you should consult a doctor. They can diagnose the cause of your sleep problems and recommend safe, effective treatments. Never take unprescribed medication, especially drugs with street names.

Yes, other sedative-hypnotic drugs are sometimes associated with unofficial names or misused. The confusion between official drug names and colloquialisms is a known risk in pharmacology and is why regulatory bodies carefully vet drug names to prevent confusion.