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My experience of zopiclone (down the rabbit hole)

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margaret77
margaret77

Hi my name is Margaret and I am a 35 year old housewife who is prescribed 3x 3.75mg zopiclone a nightand I would like to share with you the signs of an addiction silently creeping up in order someone might recognise where they are and stop the process( unlike I who was given no warning s at all and blundered in foolishly.)

My doctor failed to tel me on first prescribing zopiclone 1. THEY ARE HABIT FORMING PHYSIOLOGICALLY IF TAKEN DAILY FOR JUST A WEEK!!!4

Point 2 , THERE ARE STUDIES SHOWING REPEATED INFECTIONS OF THE BODY WHEN TAKEN LONG TERM DUE TO THE FACT THEY ARE THOUGHT TO DAMAGE IMMUNE RESPONSES. THIS DRUG IS EVEN THOUGHT TO CAUSE CANCERS DUE TO DECREASED IMMUNE FUNCTION IN THE BODY AND IS LINKED WITH EARLY DEATH IN PROLONGED USERS. ( I might add that a good majority Do end up long term users because the withdrawl symptoms are emotionally and physically intensel and because the pain of them is stopped instantly by taking the pills again

ZOPICLONE CAN PRODUCE PROTRACTED WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS THAT CAN LAST ON AND OFF FOR YEARS WITH NO CURE AND THIS SUBSEQUENTLY CAN CAUSE RELAPSE. People can suffer for years with the withdrawal syndrome repeating and relenting over time, neurologicaly everyone has a different brain and body system so it depends how a persons body reacts to recovery. Zopiclone are a direct assault on the central nervous system and the gamma receptors in our brain that regulate chemicals that are vital in helping you stay calm naturally or go to sleep. Sleep deprivation has been used as torture in the past for good reason. The withdrawal effects are not only felt at night but all day long as well which makes me personally stressed and unable to relax, twitchy and utterly depressed , craving the next dose for the relief that is in it.

ZOPICLONE PLAY HAVOC WITH EMOTIONS AND HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE PEOPLE DEPRESSED AND STRESSED

ZOPICLONE CAN WORSEN THE INSOMNIA THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HELPING WITH.

ECG MONITORING BRAIN ACTIVITY SHOWED PATIENTS ON ZOPICLONE HAD UNUSUAL BRAIN WAVE ACTIVITY INDICATING THE SLEEP PATTERN NEUROLOGICALLY WAS DIFFERENT FROM A NATURAL SLEEP THEREFORE THE PATIENT WAS NOT GETTING QUALITY REST.

This is just the effects bodily, the pain is just beginning for the trusting patient who initially finds the drug effective for insomnia and with the added bonus of feeling wonderfully relaxed and at peace before sleeping (better than any glass of wine one starts to notice).

All of the above are not the only evils this drug brings onto your body, they also have a terrible effect on the MIND.

I speak from experience of being on this drug for more than 5 yrs.

It started innocently and I did not abuse the drug or willfully set out to become a drug addict. I have usually got a strong sense of right and wrong . alcohol has never been a problem for me and I rated myself as fairy responsible in that I would not easily become addicted, how ever, addiction was not mentioned or the horrors above when i was prescribed this on repeat prescription for years! I was just given no info and I trusted my dr as I thought they had an understanding these days that gps do not prescribe addictive drugs since the vaium epidemic of the 50's, seems the lesson was not learned in some cases.

I now struggle with the embarrassment of visiting my gp to ask for this medicine which he does not want to prescribe. I feel I have lost all respect for myself and I no longer feel I am treated with the same respect as I was previously from the doctors. I have been honest and disclosed the fact I am addicted to these pills and this fall is so painfully felt in the completely different way I am treated now. I have become the enemy it almost seems. I have in desperation tried to have my prescription a few days earlier as I have ran out, never more than a few days but the doctors do not sympathise or even talk to me or offer counselling on this , instead I receive a humiliating letter being told off like a child threatened with expulsion. It always seems to look like I am the most deceitful person in the world conning drs , it is awful because I am an honest person with feelings . None of the drs take any responsibility that I did not end up this ill on my own, now it feels like this is totally my fault , even though I followed the instructions given and took no more or less. I find mysef now relegated to the status of junkie which is a killer blow to my self esteem.. Receptionists and pharmacists are wary and suspicious after reading the drug on the prescription, fine before but not after. The social judgement is the worst to take and I only take my pills at home and noone knows except immediate family and the people handling the prescriptions.

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF PRESCRIBED ANY DRUG IT WOULD ALWAYS BE MY ADVICE TO INVESTIGATE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE TAKING , ANY PILL OR DRUG FROM THE DR AS I ENDED UP HERE BECAUSE OF SIMPLY FOLLOWING THE DIRECTIONS GIVEN BY THE DOCTOR RELIGIOUSLY UNTIL i WAS ADDICTED.. I HOPE WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND SHARED WILL HELP SOMEONE MAKE A GOOD DECISION. I ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO LEAVE ME A MESSAGE OR CONTACT ME AS I SADLY FEEL LIKE AN EXPERT IN THIS ZOPICLONE ADDICTION NOW SO ID BE HAPPY TO BE THERE FOR ANYONE IN THEIR STRUGGLE TOO. tAKE CARE X

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  • joe1976
    joe1976 margaret77

    Posted

    To anyone struggling: this book is a Godsend & very much worth reading from cover to cover: Recovery and Renewal: Your Essential Guide to Overcoming Dependency and Withdrawal from Sleeping Pills, Other 'Benzo' Tranquillisers and Antidepressants - it's on Amazon and only £12.99 & I know I don't work for the book company! I just want to help fellow brothers & sisters struggling. 
  • joe1976
    joe1976 margaret77

    Posted

    Typing quickly, that should have ben & no I don't work for the book company! 
  • tt52281
    tt52281 margaret77

    Posted

    im sorry you have had a terrable time with your doctor ive been on zopiclones for over a year now every time i ask for them they have told me they are very hadit forming im always been advice about them i have never felt ashamed to ask for them many be you should change your if your doctor i was getting 14 every 28 day took them when needed but i hated the taste in your mouth next morning thats what put me off taking them all the time i do hope you will feel better soon 

     

  • mary-beth38875
    mary-beth38875 margaret77

    Posted

    Hi Margaret

    Really concerned reading your story and my heart goes out to you.

    I too take this Immovane (same family) and after reading this feel quite concerned that I should be doing something about reducing.

    I'm in a most difficult time healthwise with PMR (auto immune) and on steroids - my sleep has been disturbed by the side effects of steroids so I am in a no win situation at present time.   Without my sleep I am far from well and the slippery slope downwards into depression is not far away.

    I need to concentrate right now with my present condition and give thought to how I am going to tackle this sleeping regime as I feel its become a psychological issue and well as a habit forming situation.  I dare not say how long I have been on this medication.

    Blessings and special thoughts go out to you.

    • caroleUJ62
      caroleUJ62 mary-beth38875

      Posted

      hello MaryBeth, I take diazepam, and unfortunately have become addicted, and trying to reduce, - with help from my GP and mental healthservices, so at least threse support. I took zoplicone a couple of times, and it did make me sleep for a few hours, but God was it horrible!! Maybe its just because I wasnt used to it and am used to the diazepam, but made me made me feel pretty naseous as well as very foggy. Lots of luck with coming off it. I have read that sometimes its not as strong as valium so maybe easier to come off in the medium term.

       

  • georgina525
    georgina525 margaret77

    Posted

    Hi I am trying to wean off zopiclone using liquid and reducing 10 per cent per week , week two and only get two hours sleep , feel so scared and having terrible side effects of impulsive behaviour and worse withdrawal re jerking more anxiety and depression than before, don't know how to cope with weeks more of this. How did u do it? Dr says swap over to Valium on gradually but scared worse effects from that, feel trapped, help me plz

     

    • caroleUJ62
      caroleUJ62 georgina525

      Posted

      I would be totally honest with your doctor about what you are taking, how much ad what times of day. The doctors at my local surgery were very sniffy and disapproving  when they found out that I had become addicted to valium, after first being prescribed it, then after a year or so, my doctor saying they couldnt prescribe aby more so I was ordering it on the internet.  I then moved to another part of the country and registered with my current surgery.   I tried to come off it myself a few times, but didnt manage it, so they are now helping me with a slow prescribed reduction program, after I had some mental crisis episodes I which I heavily overdosed, and ended up briefly in a mental health unit.   Now they are very empathetic, and willing to work patiently with me to sort this problem out.   I think they realize now that not all drug addicts are stereotypes, and come from all sorts of backgrounds, including like me - a middle class, middle aged woman with a succesful career behind me and a university eduction - no successful career now, due to mental health issues!

      Anyway, just talk to them and you will find someone willing to help. There are other organisations such as the 'Lifeline Project' which have centres in alot of towns now, which also help people to manage coming of various drugs.

      I know one poor lady who cant get any sleep unless she has about 2 bottles of wine a night or some zoplicone. She works fulltime for a  local council Social Services department.

      These addictions are terrible, and not a nice position to be in. I know peoples identities need to be protected, - I'm just emphasising that a very wide range of people do need help with these sort of problems. Alot of people need help

    • roger08365
      roger08365 georgina525

      Posted

      I'm trying to get off zoplicone too having reached the point some time ago when it was really doing me more harm than good.  I have been getting very spaced out and nauseous and it hasn't been helping me get much more sleep anyway. Im sure its not easy coming off these drugs but we can support each other.
  • james46485
    james46485 margaret77

    Posted

    Being on it for zopiclone for three years, i feel i can completely relate to your struggles. I've tried other medications but my doctor would perscribe off label sleep meds that were really antipsycotics which didnt help me sleep so i've decided to ask him if there are any test that can be done to see if i have any conditions (due to cocusions in my past and injuries in my past)that are affecting my ability to sleep. I've had really chronic insomnia for about 4 years and i need to get to the bottom of it. anyways thanks for reading my little imput and i appreaciate being able to read op's post and everyone else. Imovane/zopiclone should only be taken once in a while not every night like my prescription is for because of possibility of mental and eventual physical addiction.

     

  • tom31707
    tom31707 margaret77

    Posted

    Hi Margaret,I can relate to what your saying.I was prescribed Imovane as it is known in Australia four years ago to combat the insomnia caused by the smoking cessation drug Zyban.I remember my doctor saying'' this is a new class of sleeping pill,they're not addictive like the older sleeping pills''.I loved how they put me to sleep so easily,I didn't even mind the metallic taste in my mouth.Three months later after I'd quit smoking and was off Zyban,I had become well and trully addicted.I continued to see the doctor getting prescriptions for zopiclone.By this stage I was waking during the night needing to redose.Wasn't long before I was experiencing severe anxiety during the daytime.I didn't immediately connect my anxiety to the zopiclone as I did have anxiety and depression at that time.I began to suspect it could be the zopiclone and when I looked it up on the internet I was shocked to read of it's highly addictive nature and the horror stories in the U.K. of people needing to take 20 of them just to go to work and dosing throughout the day.People selling them on the streets and others sourcing them from the net the feed their addictions. Completely contrary to what I'd been told by my Doctor.I went cold turkey and even with working a fairly active job and an hour and a half workout at the gym every morning did not sleep a wink for almost a week.After that I started sleeping lightly a few hours,slowly increasing every night.After about 3 weeks sleep was normal.I was lucky not to suffer any long term effects or it could have been that I started on anti depressants not that long after.I hadn't thought about it until just now since my depression would come and go but maybe at that time zopiclone withdrawel was the cause of my depression.I'd quit smoking,started going to the gym,stopped taking zopiclone, started getting more depressed,started on the anti depressants then quit going to the gym.Hmmm

    I have recently been experiencing sleep problems.Foolishly five days ago,I got a prescription for imovane again.A different Doctor and she drew up a roster so I don't get addicted.I thought ''you don't have to tell me the dangers of this drug''and that if I didn't take it every day I'd be OK. What I didn't count on was the depression and suicidal thoughts during the day after only a few days use.It can only be from the Zopiclone as I have made drastic changes in my life and haven't suffered depression for some time now.The depression increased daily until  today I found myself weeping and feeling a sense of hopelessness.Up until last night I'd been taking half a tablet,last night was a full one.Still strange how I'm seeing the ugly side so soon.I can only assume since I'm living so cleanly now that I become really sensitive or perhaps its reacting to the vitamin and minerals I take. Anyhow I came to my senses and I've thrown them out .I hope your doing better now.I wish you well.

  • linda97622
    linda97622 margaret77

    Posted

    My husband has been on Zoplicone since Nov 2006. Never told that is was addictive or habit-forming.....he is up to 3 x 7.5 pills a night......and the doctor keeps prescribing it. For the last two years he has had severe "brain pain" for lack of a better term, very debilitating actually. He has had MRI's. ECG, ultrasound, CT Scan, has tried botox, accupuncture, all with no relief and the tests all come back the same.....nothing wrong with him. He even had a pacemaker inserted in June thinking the low heart beat was the problem. It wasn't. He saw a neurologist last week and he is the first doctor to mention addiction to zolpicone. That's when I found this page and I'm thinking that could be the problem all along. Do you have any suggestions on how to wean off this drug without ending up in a hospital?? Should he see a psychiatrist or psychologist to help him through the process??
    • jimdandy
      jimdandy linda97622

      Posted

      3 x 7.5 mg Zopiclone per day will give most people problems. If he has low heart rate then he is over tranquilised throughout the day.  

      My advice is to take a night when no work required the next day, go without sleep, exercise to point of weariness during the day, then take just one Zopiclone. The tiredness may allow a lesser dose to work. This is the way to reduce the dose.

      Never take a Zopiclone when you dont have time to sleep at least 6 hours.  It causes anxiety and a variety of physical symptoms if you do this. 

      I have taken Zopiclone for 14 years. It can be beneficial but you have to treat it carefully.

    • dean725
      dean725 linda97622

      Posted

      i have tried accupuncture,reikki,alpha stim etc nothing helped.however my gp prescribed me mirtazapine,it took a dose of 45mg to get me to sleep and i stayed at this dose for 1 year,we have just reduced the dose to 30mg and i'm still sleeping fine,so get your doctor to prescribe these..i too was told zopiclone was non habit forming but it is..i feel much better without it,but its a slow process but up to now the mirtazapine is working..

      i honestly thought there was no way out of the zopiclone but if mirtazapine is working for me i see no reason it cant work for anyone else.

    • jaw444
      jaw444 dean725

      Posted

      that's great news Dean, it's good to hear from you again and good to hear your info about mirtazapine.  i got off zopiclone 7.5mg in March 2014, a 1 1/2 year habit, but i was then on both zopiclone and zolpidem 25mg, and used the zolpidem to help me wean off the zopiclone over a three month period. Zolpidem is similar to zopiclone, a "Z" drug as they're called,and i am still on it, the same dose. i went to an addiction meds specialist who recommended i go on diazapam 10mg and stop the zolpidem over night, and then wean off the diazapam,and in the beginning that worked, i mean, the diazapam caused me to sleep better than i slept in years--but it gave me an all day long hangover so that i felt more tired than i would feel with no sleep at all. i started trying to wean off the diazapam and that didn't work--when i cut it down, i couldn't sleep at all, so then i started adding the zolpidem back in until i could sleep, so now i'm on both diazapam and zolpidem, having cut the diazapam down to 5mg, zolpidem back up to 25mg.  and then i learned that i had a serious health problem, a benign tumor on my pancreas called insulinoma, rare, and causing extreme fasting hypoglycemia so that i woke up laying on the floor a couple of times with no memory of how i got there, and some other really alarming though transient symptoms--at first i thought it was the sleep meds, but eventually it was diagnosed and i  needed pretty urgent major abdominal surgery, september 2014. i am glad i was on the diazapam because it would have been a lot harder to recover from the surgery without getting good sleep over a long period of time. But i would not do the diazapam method if i had it to do over. i was so happy when i got off the zopiclone, i relate to your good feeling, and i thought i needed some medical help getting off the zolpidem, because of the weird symptoms i was having from the undiagnosed tumor, and thinking it was related to going off the sleep meds.  oh well.  so,  i will look into mirtazapine. Have you had any side effects with it?
    • Effortly
      Effortly linda97622

      Posted

      Hi Linda, I am taking 5mg a night of zopiclone along with 30mg of mirtazapine. This combination works great for me, I realize the dosage is not the norm for zopiclone but in Canada, it's perscribed  As for weaning off the drug DO NOT go cold turkey, google side effects of weaning off zopiclone. Get your doc to set up a slow withdrawl plan that he can regulate for the proper reduction. I quit cold turkey after misplacing my pills, I've had a stroke because of a blood clot which caused a seizure. Quiting suddenly caused consistant pre seizure symptons which stopped when I started zopiclone again. My doc told me it was addicting but I figured may as well, addiction is the least of my health problems. Witdrawl may take a while but with the proper plan there should be no problem. By the way your doctors don't seem very competent, good luck though.
    • dean725
      dean725 jaw444

      Posted

      i've put some weight on since i was prescribed mirtazapine,but i'm also on pregabalin which also causes weight gain,other than that i'm ok.I'd definately recommend mirtazapine.

      Zopiclone is no good and i'd advise anyone on it to get off it asap,the longer you take it the more difficult it is to break the habit.

    • linda97622
      linda97622 Effortly

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply. Besides the doctors, I blame our pharmacist for not warning us that he was being prescribed too much zoplicone. Is there that little information about that out there? (we are from Canada by the way). Anyway, we're going to see a psychiatrist and try and get him off this stuff. I'll keep you posted on how we make out. 
    • elementalist
      elementalist linda97622

      Posted

      Hi Linda, as much as I may agree in principle with jimdandy, I would certainly caution anyone about cutting a regular dose of 3 x 7.5mg per night, down to just 7.5mg per night. I was inadvertently addicted to valium when I was a young man, a teenager really, and I never wish upon anyone the withdrawals that can come from long term use of benzos or the z-drugs like Zopiclone which are benzo-like, both in the way they work and make you feel, and in the wihtdrawal syndromes they may cause people to experience. My suggestion would be that he prolong his journey getting off of the Zopiclone a little more than was suggested by the other commenter. I would only cut down by a half of one pill on the first reduction, and take that until one feels fairly comfortable with the change. Then, and only then, would I suggest cutting down by another half pill, to taking 2 full pills, a total of 15mg per night. Do that as long as it takes to become comfortable with it. And do this with the remainder until you have chipped away at it and effectively mitigated the symptoms of withdrawal that he may go through by making too large a cut from each night's dose. I have done this several times in my lifetime with benzodiazepines, the first having been the valium addiction I alluded to early in this post. I did it with Ativan a couple of times and with Clonazepam a couple of times. I didn't find a great deal of problem stopping Zopiclone, but I was never on any higher doses than 1.5 times 7.5mg pills. I truly wish all the best and that he is able to get himself off of these without too much discomfort. There is going to be some, and you will have to accept that, but it certainly can be kept to tolerable levels if done slowly and deliberately. Each person's period of time on each reduced dose is going to be specific to the individual, and there may need to be a little bit of experimenting with the dose to know how much reduction can be tolerated. Blessings to you, and I hope and pray that you and your husband get some relief from tjhis.
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