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Zopiclone addiction

Posted , 5 users are following.

Jrd06
Jrd06

Hello,

I find 7.5mg of Zopiclone good for getting to sleep - but it gives me huge food cravings (salty, sweet and fatty) for up to 48 hours afterwards.

I've tried to control the cravings with supplements (Calcium and Magnesium) but often find it too strong.

Perhaps the drug is altering my ghrelin (hunger hormone) levels?

Alternative - try and reduce the dose, or switch to xanax/diazepam?

Any advice welcome.

Thanks

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • lily65668
    lily65668 Jrd06

    Posted

    My only advice is to stay well away from diazepam - it's even more addictive than zopiclone! Why not try gradually weaning yourself off sleep meds, and just keeping them for emergency situations?

  • liz62218
    liz62218 Jrd06

    Posted

    I am sadly addicted to zopiclone but having some early success with a hypnotherapist as my problem is solely about anxiety about not sleeping.  I personally have not had weight issues or cravings with Zopiclone but everyone is different.  In fact I have lost over two stones in weight with slimming world over last 18 months.  I’m 5 feet eight, nearly 60 and 12 stone.  Maybe one stone to go but don’t want to appear too thin. I was 9 and half stone till 1995 and birth of my son. 

    From my experience I don’t think zopiclone is to blame in itself for any weight gain.   It may be giving you more night rest and lift your mood and appetite possibly?  Best wishes to you to find a solution 

    • Jrd06
      Jrd06 liz62218

      Posted

      Dear Liz,

      Thanks for your kind and considerate response.

      Your correct: slowly weaning off is the answer.

      Best wishes,

      Jon

  • rachael25624
    rachael25624 Jrd06

    Posted

    Hi! I am the same craving sweet things all the time. I don’t know wether it is the sertraline. How long you been on them please?  X x x
  • rachael25624
    rachael25624 Jrd06

    Posted

    Hi! I am the same craving sweet things all the time. I don’t know wether it is the sertraline. How long you been on them please?  X x x
    • Jrd06
      Jrd06 rachael25624

      Posted

      Hi Rachael,

      Around 6 months for zopiclone.

      I'm also on sertraline (around 1 month) 50mg which seems to help counteract the withdrawals and helps with anxiety.

      When I feel cravings for sweet of fatty foods, I think it's important to replace it with something healthier.

      Hot cocoa (loaded with potassium) with a sweetener and a little milk works for me.

      Whats your experience?

      Any advice I can offer you Rachael?

      Best wishes

      Jon

    • rachael25624
      rachael25624 Jrd06

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply Jon. How are you getting on with the sertraline. I have just put my dose up to 100 5 days ago. I have been on the Zopiclone 7 weeks. I am really worried about getting addicted to them but can’t sleep without them. Hope your feeling better?

      Rachael

    • Jrd06
      Jrd06 rachael25624

      Posted

      Yes - I can understand how hard it is to sleep without them.

      It's okay. From my research zopiclone at least has the shortest half life of all the benzos and so it doesn't stay in your system for very long. They are fast-acting too. However, as you say, addiction is always a problem.

      I don't consider them a 'bad' drug. Improper usage is of course not recommended.

      However, if we use everything in its correct proportion (and it serves our qualiy of life), then it is useful.

      My advice is to take additional herbal supps like Valerian or even Calcium and Magnesium in the evening. Then, about 30 mins before bed, take a dosage of Zopiclone (with hot mill is good), which should tide you over for a few hours.

      I find being active during the day helps me to worry less about sleeping at night too.

      Best wishes

      Jon

    • rachael25624
      rachael25624 Jrd06

      Posted

      Thanks Jon, the doctor who pescribed them frightened me a little. I suppose they have to be precautious. Will give the natural remedies a try. Try to cut down a little on the Zopiclone.

      Thanks for the advice hun, very grateful.

      Keep in touch, hope you will be feeling better soon. 

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