To sleeping tablet or not

[enjoy2013]

Hello guys,

I am a pwPD, and a pwRLS... and insomnia. I guess RLS is responsible for my insomnia, which is more like a delayed falling asleep time- due to RLS. SO even when RLS eventually subsides/ is under control, still here I am, used to fall asleep at 4AM...

So it just happens that by a sort of accident, last summer I just stopped in a few days zopiclone. Please don't use my story as an inspiration, stopping cold turkey zopiclone can cause real damage. REALLY. I had tried to stop the year before and the withdrawal journey was such a pain that I abandonned. So when I managed to stop, I decided to stay off zopiclone. Before, I had thought who cares, I need to sleep. You can alos be addicted to coffee, video games, your partner, be a news junkie. Why stsop my zopiclone when I have a brain disease?? But once it was gone, I thought "OK, this is cool and for free". But 9 months later, I have suffered a few recurring RLS episodes, and more particularly, in between I don't always sleep, as I fall aslpep between 2 and 4 AM...

I think I may need to restart a sleeping tablet...

Would be happy to crowdsource this decision. Although I am a doctor myslef, I am not sure my dear colleagues fully understand the issues. Thank you!

[SueJohnson]

Ambien or Lunesta

[Typicallygaslit]

I’m not sure what you’re asking? That you don’t want to take Zopiclone? I find it helps me so I’ve been on it sinc 1999. I’ve also been off it sometimes. No problems.

[enjoy2013 in reply to Typicallygaslit]

I’m asking if you guys see any reason not to take it.

Con: I do feel that my mind is sharper and it’s important considering I’d like to go back to work

Pro: when I was taking it, I was with active RLS, now it’s irregular.

Pro: I’m left with memory issues.

But okay, the votes support going back on zopiclone. Thank you

[Typicallygaslit in reply to enjoy2013]

I really have no idea. You should use it if it really helps, otherwise it’s better not to. Personally I find that it helps quite a lot. But clearly everyone is different.

[Tiredguy]

I have RLS bad. I have kidney failure and it’s by far the worst symptom I’ve experienced so far. Reluctantly I took ropinirole, which helped a little with the legs sometimes but caused manic episodes and extreme sleep difficulties. I became very tired and was mercifully prescribed Zopiclone. It is day 2 and I have 2 had beautiful night’s sleep. I am starting to feel human again. I know Zopiclone works for RLS and I also know I cannot live my life with RLS. So I am now have the prospect of walking eyes wide open in an addiction. So I share your pain and recognise the challenge of the decision you have to make. As for my plan, I’m going to get off the ropinirole using Zopiclone to mask the RLS which will go off the chart. After than I will cut use of Zopiclone to when I’ve had a 2-3 bad nights sleep and then I’ll probably use it for 2-3 nights. This will undoubtedly create a psychological addiction. But I figure any serious withdrawal issues should be avoided. If you’re interested, I’ll let you know how it goes.