Sleeping pills

[catman68]

I suffer from severe tinnitus 24/7 and don’t sleep very well. I have some prescription meds but would interested if anybody would recommend an over the counter pill that I could try.

[vballgirl]

I've started using melatonin 3mg to help me fall asleep. It's been working well.

[catman68 in reply to vballgirl]

Hi vballgirl

How do you get hold of melatonin, any side effects, although sometimes I think they are worth putting up with if any respite can be given.

[vballgirl in reply to catman68]

Melatonin is over the counter here in Canada. Not sure where you are but I would just check at your pharmacy. Side effects can be headache, dizziness, nausea. I haven't noticed any side effects with 3 mg per night. I was skeptical that it would work but it is. I've been using it for about a week or so now. I was on zopiclone which is prescribed by a doctor, but my doctor took me off of it after 3 years.

[catman68 in reply to vballgirl]

Hi

I am in the UK, are you now off Zoppies, I am on them dread to think of the side effects if I had to give them up

[vballgirl in reply to catman68]

My doctor did a really fast taper, I was taking 7.5 mg of the zopicline for 3 years. He reduced it to 5mg for about 2 months and then took me off cold turkey. Thankfully I haven't had any side effects besides one panic attack. I was also not able to fall asleep at night until I started taking the melatonin. I've been completely off the zopicline for a few weeks now. I was expecting it to be a disaster but it's been okay.

[catman68 in reply to vballgirl]

Thanks for your replies, I really suffer with tinnitus, the last thing I want is to become addicted to Zopiclone (7.5 mg).

You mention that you were taking them for 3 years was that every night? I think that you have done exceptionally well in ditching these pills

[vballgirl in reply to catman68]

You're very welcome! Tinnitus sounds terrible. Yes I was taking zopicline every night for the 3 years. In the beginning I was even taking more than I should, two 7.5 mg pills per night. I've been very lucky that I haven't had more withdrawal effects. Definitely avoid taking it long term, or at all if you can.