Zopiclone: I have recently been... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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Zopiclone

Unhappygirl profile image
19 Replies

I have recently been prescribed zopicione 3.75 mg and after a quiet period with my RLS the jerking has returned, could anyone tell me if the above tablets aggrevate my RLS

I am due for my ferritin levels to be checked next week, so if low this also could be a possibility

I would be grateful for your advice

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Unhappygirl profile image
Unhappygirl
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19 Replies

Not in my experience. You may be lucky enough to sleep though an episode if you are lucky, if not you spend the night awake and restless but in a exhausted zombie state.

I am prescribed the 7.5mg version of it but cut it in half as that normally does it.

Yeah keep an eye on that Ferritin. Even if decent if may still not be enough for a RLS sufferer.

Always double check there are no drugs/herbs you are using that exacerbate things.] too.

Good luck.

Unhappygirl profile image
Unhappygirl in reply to

Thanks Raff x

Allyp69 profile image
Allyp69

Zopiclone has a lot of unpleasant side effects ..,and people can become dependent ....my husband took it for years and then got bladder cancer...has recovered but doesn't take zopiclone any more. He still can't sleep very well but doesn't have RLS. Valerian helps me with sleep and RLS but I only take it occasionally. What to do??

Unhappygirl profile image
Unhappygirl in reply toAllyp69

Thank you, your comment has scared me, as you say What to do ???

Allyp69 profile image
Allyp69 in reply toUnhappygirl

I just think that all prescribed meds have side effects...but I take BP meds and statins....don't like having to but have to weigh up benefits etc....A safe sleeping tablet is desperately needed....

in reply toAllyp69

I wonder was it the drug or the insomnia that necessitated the need for the drug that caused the cancer?

Sleep deprivation, even of a few hours effects a body, imagine what a long period of more severe deprivation would do?

Glad to hear your husband is better. Have you considered cannabis as a sleep aid? Kava Kava too can be used but like you said, all drugs have their side effects.

Jumpey profile image
Jumpey

Zopiclone didn't aggravated my RLS but neither did it help me sleep.

Low ferritin may be the reason. Good luck

X

Unhappygirl profile image
Unhappygirl

Thank you so much, l appreciate your reply and thoughts x

Zopiclone is a short acting sedative, it helps you sleep. It is dependency producing and inadvisable to take regularly or long term. It can cause problems e.g. sleep walking and other sleep disturbances.

It will lose efficacy, stop working.

It may help RLS sufferers sleep through an RLS episode, but it doesn't in itself relieve RLS symptoms.

If you have moderate to severe RLS it would be more effective to use a specific RLS medication if you're not already doing so.

Low ferritin is one factor associated with RLS and if your ferritin level is below 100mcg/L you may benefit from increasing it.

There is a long list of medications, some health conditions and other factors which exacerbate or cause RLS.

If you give more detail, more specific suggestions can be offered.

It's advisable to stop taking Zopiclone, but if you've been taking regularly for a few weeks you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

Unhappygirl profile image
Unhappygirl

Thank you for all the information, l was prescribed Zopiclone for insomnia and dread the long lonely nights, especially when my RLS is active

I take gabapentin for my RLS and have done for a number of years

Many thanks again for the information you have provided, l just need sleep

Shumbah profile image
Shumbah in reply toUnhappygirl

Hi Unhappy Girl ,

just wondering where you live adding medical marijuana spray might be a good option .

Stillnox or Zolpidem as you call it do not help RLS it is only for sleep.

If your legs are not under control you will feel worse on Zolpidem.

If your legs are under control and you still have trouble sleeping marijuana would allow you to sleep either medical grade or organic

: ]

Unhappygirl profile image
Unhappygirl in reply toShumbah

Thank you for your reply, as well rls l suffer terribly from insomnia, the next day l feel so bad, l feel like lm going into panic attacks, such a dreadful experience

I live in the UK

Thank you x

Shumbah profile image
Shumbah in reply toUnhappygirl

I feel for you - horrific disease

5 of us in our family with it 😠

Shumbah profile image
Shumbah in reply toUnhappygirl

Unhappy girl would you be interested in applying online for a clinical trial for medical marijuana they are currently taking 20000 applications in the UK

I have put a post up outlining guide lines and website

It is a must to say that you have chronic debilitating pain from refractory Rls and what ever else you may have .

I have actually been emailing back and forth with the lovely Professor David Nutt

Look him up on YouTube at true advocate for people suffering from debilitating conditions.

Website

Drug science.org.uk

🙂

DicCarlson profile image
DicCarlson

There are many natural sleep aids - Valerian Root, Passion Flower, hops, etc - none seemed to work or me. But, recently I started taking Ashwagandha, an Indian herb, also called Winter Cherry. I have seen it in some over the counter sleep aids. I took it last night, a few hours before I usually go to bed, and trying to read I was really drowsy. I finally made the connection and will take it just before retiring. There might be some build-up required, as I've been taking it for a month or so.

Unhappygirl profile image
Unhappygirl in reply toDicCarlson

I'm in the UK, where can l buy it

DicCarlson profile image
DicCarlson in reply toUnhappygirl

amazon.co.uk/s?k=ashwagandh...

Unhappygirl profile image
Unhappygirl in reply toDicCarlson

Many thanks x

Mart7469 profile image
Mart7469

Get your doctor to prescribe Ropinirole start at 0.25 and you can take more if necessary - I am on 4mg daily - if you treat it wisely it works, i.e. spread the dose evenly

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