Zopiclone withdrawal

[basten]

Has anyone been on Zopiclone a long time and tried to stop it? If so what happened ?

[Hidden]

I used to be on Zopiclone for a long time it was as good as water and doing nothing for my insomnia (all sleeping drugs quickly loose their efficacy if used every day). I stopped and of course had insomnia but I had that anyway! I don;t remember any other effects than that.

[basten in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou. Yes all drugs do lose their sedating properties. Thankyou for replying

[Mary-miles]

The only way I could sleep with. Atrial Fib was with zopiclone for a year.After my a successful ablation it took 4 months to wean off it.The major side effect was insomnia .still not a good sleeper but never going down that road again.No other side effects noted.

[basten in reply to Mary-miles]

Ok thankyou.

[Vt08]

After taking Zopiclone for approx twenty years, I am now being refused a repeat prescription.

I have an appointment to discuss this today.

Any advice . They certainly seem to be cutting back on them now which is a shame as I sleep ok on them and don’t want to give them up.

[basten in reply to Vt08]

They are addictive that's why and were only supposed to be used short term. But after 20 years to even think of stopping them is ridiculous. They help me get off to sleep with all my other meds. Dont stay asleep though. If stopping too quickly can cause anxiety, panic attacks and even seizures so your GP better know what hes doing. I you'll probably get insomnia badly. I dread not sleeping and dread the day when they wont prescribe mine . Tell him your concerns. If he knows his job hell help and may even prescribe you something else for sleep in replacement. My friend my heart goes out to you.

[Zappa61 in reply to Vt08]

Hi if i may come in please, just like you years on Zoppy, i'm waiting for my Gp to stop mine, dread it, i you don't mind How did you get on, Sorry for being cheeky hope it went well !

[Vt08 in reply to Zappa61]

Hi. I had to go in for a medication review and gp agreed I could stay on repeat prescriptions. He was reluctant to do it, but I said I couldn’t cope without and I said did it really matter T my age. 74years old .

Sometimes they can be persuaded if you have a good reason o keep taking them. My daughter 38, takes them too, and is now being taken of.

She not happy about it either, hope you get on ok.

Try Phenergan tablets over the counter at Boots, if all else fails,

[basten in reply to Vt08]

Hello oh I am so pleased for you. At 74 no you dont need to stop after all those years....withdrawals are awful. You're not being cheeky asking me a question. My psychiatrist said we will keep you on them..for now!!! I've told her how ill I felt just missing one night!! I'm 70 and I think I've been on them 2 plus years. I used to have them on and off over the years but never got panic attacks or felt dreadful when I took them for just a while...until now. I hope your daughter manages to stop them ok with no I'll affects and gets her normal pattern of sleep back. It may take a while but I'm rooting for her . God bless

[Zappa61 in reply to Vt08]

Thank you for reply, it's tricky one iv'e cut them down (Half) from time to time but always go back to a tablet, anyway take care You & Daughter

[Vt08]

I have been on them for approx twenty years. Gp defusing my repeat prescriptions now, I’m feeling really anxious about this and have made an appointment to discuss.

It seems they are cutting right back with them now.

Which is a shame as they suit me fine.

Not looking forward to this discussion.

[basten in reply to Vt08]

Oh my I do feel so for you. Can you see another GP? After all those years they shouldn't be doing this. It's crazy. I felt to I'll and was awake all night and felt so bad by next afternoon had to take it again. But I am on other meds too. You have to be very careful withdrawing and your probably not going to be able to sleep. I dread the day they stop mine but my psychiatrist has said stay on them

I really do pray hell offer an alternative for sleep and even take the matter further

Coming off after 20 years is just crazy crazy. I do so wish someone can keep you on them. For your peace of mind and sanity