sleeping tablets?

Question

i've been on [zopiclone zimovane.] for 12 yrs now i'm phyically and mentally addicted to them, does any body know or experience the best way to get off them, i would apprieciate any advice

Answer 1

i was on zopliclone , the only way off them is to reduce the amount over a period of time, but do not do this without the help of your gp, it will take time as you need to let your body adjust to life without them but it is worth it in the end, and as long as you only reduce the amount you take very slowley your body adjusts really well and you should not notice anything and in the end no more zopliclone, well that is what worked for me,, good luck

Answer 2

I am always saddened when I meet patients like you who have been let down by poor prescribing by doctors who should always have known better. I bet the doctor who gave you your first months supply didn't say. ' By the way after 4 weeks on these you will be hooked for life!'

There are 2 ways that could be tried, unfortunately zopiclone is not available in liquid, however if your GP is willing to try and help, and in my view he owes you, he can arrange for liquid to be produced for you. ( I have done this several times in the past under similar circumstances) It is then possible to titrate down very slowly, this is usually very successful.

Alternatively, an easier but not quite so good way is to switch to an equivalent dose of diazepam as liquid and do the same thing.

If you get some corporation from your GP I believe there is every chance you will win through. Best of luck!

Answer 3

The worst of the physical addiction symptoms are rebound insomnia symptoms.....such as not sleeping, twitching limbs etc. These symptoms are very annoying but not harmful. There are a couple of RX's you can get to ease off of zipiclone. You can try zolpediem (Ambien) , one of the long lasting benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam) or a muscle relaxant such as soma (carisparadol).
HOWEVER>>>> you can only use these for a short time intermittently or the you will have the same problem with these meds.
THE 'trouble sleeping advice' on the Sanofi-Adventis website is pretty good. You need to let your brain repattern how to get to sleep without meds. Unfortunately this will take some time.

Answer 4

My personal feeling is that you don't get mentally and physically dependent on zopiclone...that is in your own mind. You get used to them very quickly and they don't work as well so you take more and more...which is silly as they just won't work long term. Depending on how much you are taking...gradually reduce the dose and then stop. The worst that will happen is that you won't sleep. I know how awful that is because I am a bad sleeper and have taken Zopiclone myself...and yes, I did end up taking three or four tablets instead of one just to get a good night's sleep (but wasn't good sleep). If you have underlying depression, then ask your doctor to change your medication to a more sedating formula and take it at night instead of morning. Or, possibly discuss this with your doctor to see if you need more medication or anxiety management. I was a bit scared about my overuse of this, but stopping was fine. I didn't sleep very well for a while, but because my depression was better, it didn't really matter and my energy levels stayed the same even though I felt a bit worn out by the end of the day. It got to the point where I did sleep and it was a good natural sleep...then I was recharged and ready to go. I had a lot of sleepless nights after that but still felt reasonably well despite only an hour or two of sleep. I didn't get any of the withdrawal symptoms (this worried me a lot before I stopped) but I made a point of exercising in the morning and after a few bad nights I had a back massage in the late afternoon and went home to bed just to catch up. When I felt more confident, I got up for work/got up early on days off and made myself do exercise or chores (even though I felt tired) so that I was tired for evening but made myself stay up until 11pm then had milky drink and got in bed. I fall asleep within minutes now (most of the time)...it takes patience and strength...but in the long term it works well and is pretty painless. Also, try laying in bed in a comfortable position and deep breathing...breathe in for 5 seconds...hold for five and then breathe out as you feel the need (fast or slow)...repeat about 5-10 times. I know it sounds stupid but it really works if you relax and concentrate on your breathing (forget everything else). I picture a beautiful beach and breathe...It takes practise but I'm asleep before my third breath now. If you are anxious...make a list of the things you need to do tomorrow before you go to bed and tell yourself...that's tomorrow.

Answer 5

I was on them for 5 yrs but they caused me so much depression i had get off them , i started by taking only half a tab every 2 nights then 3 nights till none at all , it's not easy but it can be done , good luck !!

Answer 6

The addiction is psychological, they are not physically addictive. You should gradually cut down over a long period, check with your GP or mental health practitioner. If you can stop and go "cold turkey" its quicker but more difficult.

Answer 7

There is a homeopathic remedy called 'coffea' which really used to help me, and they're non-addictive.
You could try relaxation techniques, which a good hypnotherapist could teach you.
You could also give accupuncture a go if you're not up for the hypnotherapist.
Good luck, try everything!

Answer 8

Zopiclone was introduced and initially promoted as having less dependence and withdrawal than traditional benzodiazepine drugs. Benzodiazepines act indiscriminately at α¹ α² α³ and α5 GABAa containing receptors. Zopiclone has high affinity for the alpha¹ subunit GABAa receptor and a low to intermediate action on α² and α³. receptors. The alpha1 alpha2 and alpha3 GABAa receptors make up over 90% of all GABAa receptors in humans. The differences in receptor affinity and binding of zopiclone compared with benzodiazepines have led some to claims of a lower dependency risk with zopiclone.
Publications in the British Medical Journal have cast some doubt on the claim that zopiclone has a low dependence potential. Physical dependence and recreational abuse and withdrawal syndromes similar to those seen in benzodiazepine withdrawal has been described. Withdrawal symptoms included anxiety, tachycardia, tremor, sweats, flushes, palpitations, derealisation, and further insomnia.
High dose misuse of zopiclone and increasing popularity amongst drug abusers has also been described with zopiclone Due to the risk of dependency particularly physical dependency, zopiclone is only recommended for the short term (2–4 weeks) relief of insomnia. Long-term zopiclone patients are usually recommended to cross over to an equivalent dose of diazepam (Valium®) which has a longer half life and reduce their dosage over a period of months to avoid severe or unpleasant withdrawal syndromes. Zopiclone and other nonbenzodiazepine drugs are cross tolerant with benzodiazepines and one can alleviate the withdrawal of the other.
The risk of dependency on zopiclone when used for less than 4 weeks or used occasionally is very low.
Alcohol has cross tolerance with GABAa receptor positive modulators such as the benzodiazepines and the nonbenzodiazepine drugs. For this reason alcoholics or recovering alcoholics may be at increased risk of physical dependency on zopiclone. Also, alcoholics and drug abusers may be at increased risk of abusing and or becoming psychologically dependent on zopiclone. Zopiclone should be avoided in those with a history of Alcoholism, drug misuse (illicit or prescription misuse), or in those with history of physical dependency or psychological dependency on sedative-hypnotic drugs.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

How have you been allowed to stay on this drug for 12yrs?? My dr prescribed this to me for a maximum of 2months, and only prescribed it to me when i understood it wasnt a long term solution! You need to see your dr for help and advice, and asap, they are the best people to help you.