Insomnia and Zopiclone

[David_H]

Hi everyone. I've been taking Zopiclone for the last couple of weeks (small doses of either 1/2 or even 1/4 of 3.75mg tablet).

My GP has advised my to take 1/2 a 3.75mg tablet for two weeks taking it before going to bed (I've tried the method of going to bed and then taking a tablet if unable to get to sleep but didn't find this worked very well). Just started this but was wondering if it would be best to reduce the 1/2 tablet during the second week by a small amount rather than just stopping without any reduction?

Or maybe this dosage is too low to worry too much about? I asked the GP if I could just try a 1/4 tablet after the prescribed time but he said you can become dependent whatever the dose.

Appreciate any views on this from Zopiclone users

Thanks

[Jadeen]

Hi David.I am sorry you are suffering with sleep matters.

In my personal experience I would say to stay away from the devil zopiclone. Twice I tried to get off it and failed. It is a pill you will become addicted to. You will need higher doses of it as time goes on.

I am proud of you for being on such a tiny amount. If you choose to get off it, it will be easier. Just taper off by having it one night and not the next. You will suffer nights with little or no sleep. It is a time to be very strong. Read books or find something else to keep your mind occupied while tapering off. Just know lots of us have been in that very hard place. We are here to support you.

There are plenty of other sleeping meds that are prescribed by the doctor. I tried a few and finally when I tested Silenor 3 mg, I was satisfied.

Read everything you can about zopiclone. It is suppose to be a temporary med .

I wish you the very best. 🙏🏼 Take care my friend .

[David_H in reply to Jadeen]

Ah thanks a lot for taking the time to respond. Think I'd rather stay awake rather than get hooked on meds. Hopefully my low dose will benefit me getting off it

[David_H in reply to David_H]

Just a thought. Do you know if you could take a low dose (say 1/2 a 3.75 tablet for example) for longer than a full dose to increase the recommended prescription limit?

[Hidden]

Hi David. I've been on Zopiclone for 20 years. I keep trying to stop but don't like being awake all night. I've rarely had to take more than half but am on 7.5mg. Don't know why, doctor upped it from 3.75. I find it works best for me if I take it when I wake and can't get back to sleep. Rarely take it when I go to bed as staying asleep is more a problem than getting to sleep. I've never found I needed more as time has gone on. Still taking same amount as I always did.

[David_H in reply to Hidden]

Thanks a lot Pinkeybell. My problem is getting off to sleep so I take before bed. I've tried taking it after an hour of not getting to sleep but then it takes a while after that to kick in. I've also tried taking half a dose then the other half if I can't get off after a while. I'm surprised to hear people being on it for years. My gp would only prescribe it for a few weeks so will see what he says when i finish the course.

[Hidden in reply to David_H]

Good luck. If you can come off it then that would be best. I keep trying and have managed a few days at a time. Haven't seen a GP for years!

[David_H in reply to Hidden]

Can you but it online without gp prescription?

[Hidden in reply to David_H]

I wouldn't buy any prescription meds online. You just never know what you're getting.

[David_H in reply to Hidden]

Very true!

[mamasmom]

Hi David - I have Fibromyalgia and have been on zopiclone for over 20 yrs. My dr started me off with 7.5 and I took that every night until this past year. I gradually brought it down to 3.75 and I seem to be getting some sleep with that low dose. She wanted me to get off it completely and I tried but no sleeping sent me into another fibro flair which is worse than not sleeping. So, my experience has not been unfavourable although I am with an NP who is not fond of the side affects. I am an older woman so she has concerns for me that way. But I must say, sleep is the most important thing I can do for my health - both physically and emotionally. You may not need to ever increase your dosage to get adequate slelep. Just watch how you feel and take good care of yourself. regards, deanna

[David_H in reply to mamasmom]

Thanks very much Deanna for replying. I thought it wouldn't be a problem staying on low dose but my gp disagreed so I've been gradually reducing by splitting the tablets so will se how it goes. Good luck for the future. I had a similar problem with polymyalgia so I think have an idea of what you cope with