Addicted to Zopiclone

[zopiclone1]

Long term MN user but changed names as I feel so ashamed.

8 years ago, I was prescribed Zopiclone due to insomnia from depression and anxiety caused by both of my parents dying suddenly within 2 years of each other.

This became a repeat prescription and I've just become more and more dependent on it.

I'm 31 and have a 1 year old (I actually didn't touch it when I was pregnant, I had horrible withdrawal, night sweats, restless legs, vomiting) and once I got through that I thought I'm never taking them ever again. 3 months after she was born I took half a tablet when I couldn't sleep one Saturday night and DH was on duty for the night and morning and I've snowballed since.

I'm back up to taking 2 or 3 tablets a night (I don't co sleep so know my DD is safe in her cot), I have memory of a goldfish, I know I'm not safe to drive (so I don't), my brain feels foggy every day, I feel ashamed and low and depressed but I just cannot let these tablets go.

I'm terrified if I admit I have a problem that they'll take my DD away, she is my entire heart and soul. DH has no idea I have an issue.

I have to buy a private prescription to get me through the month as I'm using double of what the GP gives me and I start feeling panicky when I'm running low. I've never had any addiction, I rarely touch alcohol (maybe 1/2 glasses of wine every few months), I don't smoke.

I really need help but I'm so scared I'll lose my daughter. Has anyone been through this?

Good luck OP. There is a new insomnia drug apparently that I may ask my doctor about next time I go.

https://sloanestreetsurgery.co.uk/articles/introducing-quviviq-a-new-treatment-for-insomnia/

My dh takes Amitriptyline for insomnia,he's been on it for a couple of years during a very stressful period which affected his sleep.

I'm really surprised too. I've been prescribed various drugs for insomnia over the years including Temazepam, Diazepam and Zopiclone.

Never been allowed more than 5 days worth.

DH gets 28 tabs, but only 2 or 3 times a year. This is why I am shocked that the OP has zopiclone on repeat. Never known that.

I have it on repeat. I'm bipolar and the gp knows I only take it when I need to which is when I'm not sleeping.

For me it works brilliantly it I never take it for more than a couple of weeks at a time.

I can really understand how desperate severe insomnia is. I’ve suffered for as long as I can remember.

I’ve asked my GP about Quiviv, the recently approved new drug . They would be happy for me to try it but when they tried to prescribe it it’s not coming up on their system . They looked into it and even though it was approved by NICE last October it seems there’s a way to go before it can be prescribed. I didn’t realise there’s stages from black , grey, red, amber and green for the availability to work through and when my GP looked it’s at the Grey stage . I’m desperate to try it. You’ve done the right thing OP and I’m so glad your DP sounds so lovely and supportive. I’m sure you’ll manage to come off Zopiclone. My GP says the main thing she worries about with it is that it can cause cognitive decline . Every good wish for coming off it and managing your insomnia . It truly is debilitating.

Haven’t read the whole thread, but postscript360 are an organisation that deal specifically with withdrawing from Z drugs and similar and can help advocate with your GP, if you feel unable to do it yourself.

Good luck

I was taking these and know how desperate you can get with lack of sleep. I'm now safely on Mirtazapine which makes sleep and I am a new woman

Is there any update please x

I've taken them in the past when I couldn't sleep or eat very well due to anxiety.
I seem to remember I would cut the tablet in half.
Now I am thankfully better and don't need anything.
I'm more relaxed and drop off naturally and have a good sleep.
Good luck OP. You will get it sorted.

Long term amitryptilline ( as well as x drugs which you’ll be able to be free of with support, dont give up)! are associated with dementia

I was prescribed them for severe anxiety induced insomnia. I took half of one. The next day, I self harmed for the first time in my life.

Zopiclone is super easy to source on the “black market” I have loads of friends who take it.

There is no shame in addiction, we’re all addicted to something - alcohol, exercise, chocolate, coffee, sex, sugar… etc etc. everyone has a thing.

I've been on zopiclone for maybe 8 or 9 years now. I'm not really bothered and won't be coming off it.

How are you now? I’m the same and have had to buy offline im so ashamed of myself

How old are you

36

My mum has been addicted to zopiclone for over a decade. We are now NC, it completely destroyed our relationship.

I'm surprised that your husband doesn't know about this because my mother would be staggering around as if she'd had 10 pints when she took one.

The difference here though is that you realise you have an addiction and you want help. I wish you all the best and hope it works out.

Hi everyone I'm in desperate need of help, my Dr prescribed me Zopiclone for 4 years!! And then decided to just induce me and stop. Anyway stupidly I started buying non prescribed zopiclone off the Internet and have since bn taking upto 40mg a night. I wake up in the night still and have constant panic attacks and pour with sweat. I want to stop so desperately but it's so difficult when there so easy to buy with next day delivery. I've asked for help but just not getting anywhere. I can't carry on like this I just want to know I'm not alone or any suggestions would greatly be recieved. Please don't judge....

Mirtazipine has saved my life. It’s an incredible sedative anti anxiety you take at night. Can you find another doctor to help you. I have been you and it is the actual worst! But I am honestly now getting 8 hours sleep a night and will never go near zopiclone again.

I would speak to a different doctor and also look at Narcotics Anonymous.