What are peoples experience of Zopiclone please

[MsLavender]

I've had months of insomnia that is progressively getting worse, I think linked to perimenopause but don't have that diagnosed, I've had blood tests for that today although I know that's not really an effective way of diagnosing.

I've been on antihistamine for insomnia but it's not working, Dr has told me to increase my dose of that first but if it doesn't work we can try zopiclone for a couple of weeks.

I can't get melatonin due to my age, apparently he can't prescribe it to under 55 yrs old and from what I've read that does appear to be the case.

I've always been adverse to any sleeping tablet due to me associating them with addicts I know who buy them off people. It really, really puts me off taking them. I know they're addictive long term but that's not my concern as I definitely don't want to take them long term, I won't entertain the idea. My main concern is how it will make me feel, I'm frightened they'll make me feel "high" or not with it somehow, the thought of it terrifies. At this point though I haven't slept since I woke up at 9am yesterday morning and I don't feel tired so I am desperate.

Can anyone share their experiences of zopiclone so I can decide if I should try it or not please? I'd be so grateful and don't worry about putting me off if you've had a bad experience because I'd rather know what to expect.

What prescription dose have you been given? 7.5 mg?

Yes x

Personally, I'd break it in half the first 2 nights if you haven't had them before as they are quite strong. And. Don't take them too late as the effects will linger the following day. It depends how long you've been struggling with sleep...to get back into a good regime you may need to take them for a few nights.

I’ve taken half before and haven’t touched me. I took a full one 9pm last night slept 10-2 then had broken sleep until 7am this morning but I have been like a zombie all day I’m shattered. I haven’t slept tidy for weeks. I’m dropping off ok but waking after 2 hours. Thanks for your reply x

I'm sorry to hear it. I find the more I take it the less effective it is! Do you mind me asking why you are struggling with sleep? Is it getting off or staying asleep that's difficult?

They totally work. You'll be able to sleep I'd have thought. But doctors won't give repeat scripts for them often. I think you're only meant to use it in an emergency. But sleep is essential so they definitely do help.

Sorry just read your post properly! OK so why are you waking do you think? Anxiety, need the loo etc?

I’ve been struggling with anxiety since the summer which affected my sleep. Was prescribed citalopram in September after a while sleep improved and so did anxiety but last two weeks anxiety as returned and sleep. I can get to sleep ok but not stay asleep. I’ve upped my dose of citalopram so doctor prescribed the zopiclone to help x

Ah ok. That's why I struggled with sleep. I was told I needed to address my daytime anxiety to improve sleep and I was prescribed sertraline which is brilliant. I also find a weighted blanket (they are clinically proven to calm the nervous system) and a good dose of magnesium glycinate before bed also helps me.

They can be addictive so doctors may only prescribe a short course. They’re not a long term fix.

can I suggest the ‘Calm’ app - has lots of great advice, methods etc for helping people sleep and/or relax.

I also take melatonin gummies from biovea and they help. Ultimately, the zopiclone is a short term fix and I found they can make me anxious/angry the following day. Not always, but sometimes.

Thanks I will use them for a few days and hope they bring about my normal sleep pattern. I’ve never had trouble sleeping before I had this episode of anxiety x

I love it. I am very sparing when I do use it as GP advised it was addictive but I wake up so refreshed and rested. No other sleep like it.

If it's perimenopause, hrt might help with sleep too. I've recently had 3.75g zopiclone for help with sleep during a v stressful time. I found it helped, but wasn't a miracle. When I stopped, I realised how groggy it made me feel in the morning.

I've swapped to 3mg melatonin (from Piping Rock) and magnesium. I also drink Pukka Night Time Tea and use Headspace sleep music, if I need to. I still have some for an emergency, but try to only take half a tablet, if I really can't sleep.

Had zopiclone for insomnia for many years.only take half a tablet maybe every other month. Sleep soundly and alert next day although with vile metallic taste! Certainly not addicted but I am very disciplined and only take them when desperate. They’re very effective but be sensible.

What magnesium do you use? I will order some melatonin . thank you

Solgar chelated magnesium from amazon. Tbh, I found any type of magnesium helps, unlike CBD oil, which did nothing for me.

On the magnesium front just make sure you don't get the kind that gives you an upset stomach. It can give some people the runs!

Zopiclone is a benzo and addictive.

progesterone part of hrt helps people sleep.

Iirc magnesium oxide is for constipation, as in milk of magnesia.

Zopiclone is addictive, that's why dr's usually only prescribe it for the short term.

Zopiclone has a paradoxical effect on me - it makes me hyper and wide awake.
If I did fall asleep within a few hours of taking it, I was likely to sleep walk (which I do occasionally, usually happens when I’m under a lot of stress or sometimes when I drink alcohol).
You can get addicted to it quite easily.
I’m on a low dose of mirtazapine for insomnia. It works much better for me.

It’s not a benzo. In fact it’s a nonbenzodiazepine. They were created along with the other ‘z drug’ zolpidem as a less addictive sleeping medication. They are still habit forming if taken in the longterm which is why they’re not generally prescribed on repeat.

I take zolpidem which I prefer because with zopiclone I get a vile metallic taste in my mouth for most of the following day.

I do agree that progesterone can greatly aid with falling asleep if you’re peri menopausal/menopausal.

Z drugs are not strictly benzos but they act in a very similar way (on the brain cells) and are found to have similar problems with long term use (addiction).

I only intend to use for a few days to hopefully get myself back into a normal sleeping pattern. I have never had issues sleeping before and I’m currently taking citalopram to help with anxiety. I’m hoping that will help. Thanks all for your advice x

I've had about 3 to 4 days worth prescribed by my GP for chronic insomnia after the point where she couldn't give me any more Tempazepam. It did help me to
sleep but left an awful taste in my mouth the next day.

Separately, a few years ago I had to stay in hospital overnight (even though I wanted to go home). The woman in the bed opposite me was having some sort of break down and wailing and screaming. I said "I'm going home, I can't sleep through this" they said "we'll give you Zopiclone, you definitely cannot go home tonight, you need to be here early morning for your procedure".

I think it gave me a couple of hours sleep but in the end you can't sleep through someone yelling crying chanting and screaming about 5 feet away from you.