My experience of zopiclone (down the rabbit hole)

Treatment and medication
1

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

2

hiya margaret,

first off, your not a junkie, just a victim of circumstances thats all, what a great post you put together, very wise words indeed, stop beating yourself up over your unfortunate situation, its not your fault and never will be.

some people have a genetic make up that makes them more prone to addiction than others, given your attitude and determination im certain you will beat your dependency on zopiclone, its not a matter of if but when margaret and as regards folks attitude, take no notice of what they think, ignore them, its them that have a problem, not you

cheers,

Ken ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3

Oh I'm so glad I stumbled upon this. Thank you so much Margaret! I am struggling horribly with this drug. My psych said it's non-addictive & I can just stop taking it. The addiction to it snuck up on me so insidiously too. I first only took a 7,5mg tab maybe 2-3 times a week, at night. Before I knew it, I was waking up in what I now know was withdrawal. Terrible anxiety, nauseous, tummy pain, sweats and so very fearful. I began taking a 1/2 7.5mg tab around mid morning when I couldn't bear the anxiety any longer, as I recalled how it relaxed me when I had taken just one 7.5mg at night, occasionally, as when i was first prescribed it, I didn't want to become addicted to it. Even though my psych said it's not addictive, I didn't want to take the chance, as I have an addictive personality. I didn't realize I'd be needing to start having it every morning since taking that first time morning dose. The calming effect only lasted for about 2 hrs, and I'd have to have another 1/2 tab. Within 3 days I was taking up to 6 halves of the 7.5mg tabs, and STILL wanting, craving more, but managed to not give in, as I saw how it could easily escalate out of control. I got very frightened indeed. I am now stuck with living my days full of anxiety, and all that goes that, making life HELL! I was once a happy, calm & well-adjusted person until this. I was prescribed it only because I'd gone through a period of not sleeping well. My psych (who, by the way, I was referred to by my GP to wean me off another highly addictive med - valium, which I no longer needed), & instead of doing that, she put me on this zopiclone. I wish now, that I'd researched it before ever taking it but I trusted her, believed her when she said it's non-addictive, and took it just to get a few good nights sleep. I am now finally weaning off valium, but stuck with this horrific zopiclone addiction. Try as I might, not to take it during the day, I have to end up giving in, as I'm an emotional, nervous & jittery wreck! My God, how did this happen to me? I'm down to 1/2 a 7.5mg tab, 3 times daily, but living with a terrible burden of anxiousness, nausea, and just emotionally unstable, feeling like I just can't cope, and I hate to admit it, but clock-watching until it's time for my next dose. I maybe get around 2 hrs of a little peace, then BOOM! The nightmare begins again. I have to hang out & not give into the temptation of having a dose of it, as I really, really want to get off it, and just know if I give in, I'll just be needing more & more of it and it will never end. So, that's where I'm at, at this time. Trying my hardest to wean off this incredibly nasty drug, as well as valium. I'm not having a problem with having less valium, but zopiclone has me nearly beaten. BUT, I AM DETERMINED to get off it, as it's mind & soul-destroying! I'm angry at my psych for being so ill-informed about it, and for being so blase about it, thinking & saying I can "Just stop taking it as it's non-addictive". I'm going to print out all the info I can find, and show her just how dangerous this drug is! I want my life back. I want the easy-going, happy me back!

4

Thanks Margaret & Ken. Great explanations & advice! I'm now completely off these, after tapering for a few days, then had enough of that, as it was too hard. Stopped cold turkey, went through 6 sleepless nights,(and lots of agony) but was determined, as I knew to expect that. Got through & I AM FREE OF THIS POISON! Threw out the rest in the rubbish, to make sure I wouldn't be tempted ever again. Gone cold turkey on valium now, as my prescribing psych did not send me my script 2 weeks ago. My GP gave me the option of seeing another psych, but I said NO, as I want to free of that benzo poison as well. Going through some intense moments of absolute terror, & all that comes with withdrawal, but once again, my determination & faith in God is strengthening me. As for that last comment there, by the person who didn't even give their name, I'm speechless! What kind of brain-dead advice is that? Just goes to show what weed does to your brain! Poor misguided soul!

5

Hi Christine,

I deleted the post and deactivated the user. If you come across any posts like this while using the forums just click the "Report" link (as another user did with this one) and it will notify me to check any inappropriate posts.

Regards,

Alan

Emis Moderator

6

Thanks Alan! Yes, that kind of advice could cause someone to try what was suggested and just end up with yet another devastating addiction! It's great to know you keep an eye on what is posted.

Christine

7

Hi, Due to reading about others getting addicted to some medication it has made me very careful. Recently well last year was prescribed valium but after few days gave it up as no help, turned out it was the angina spray required. Am on tramadol capsule now for painful foot injury..taking care as believe this can also be addictive. Managed to stop smoking 3 times..but that was really just a habit. So far have not got addicted to anything, it must be dreadful So wish all good progress in getting sorted.

8

Zopiclone has now been found to have devastating effects on the CNS, physically AND the brain. It's poison! If people want to sell their soul to the devil, this is one of the many ways to go. I'm so thankful to be off this drug & I've learned a valuable lesson. I'm also free of valium, after going cold-turkey. I got through! I made it! Amen to that! 2 weeks off it now. Wow. I'm free! What a great feeling. I'm happier & calmer than ever too. I look back & see my behaviour while on these 2 poisons. I was quick to anger, impatient, totally nervy etc. It affected my stomach. I was nauseous, couldn't eat properly, as I'd get bad tummy pains. My family were treading on eggshells around me, as they didn't know what would set me off. Now, I'm the real me, again. Happy, joyful, peaceful to be around. I praise God for giving me the strength to get through this. I had the opportunity to see another psych, in fact my GP said it's dangerous to go cold-turkey off zopiclone, & valium. I said NO! If I didn't have my faith, I probably would have & I'd still be going round the same mountain, still on the treadmill of addiction. I am thankful now, that I didn't receive the scripts in the mail, whether the psych sent them or not. That doesn't matter anymore. I'M FREE! THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS NOW! And I no longer have tummy pains.

GETTING HEALTHY! IN EVERY WAY!

9

By the way, osborne, thanks for posting. I hope others that have been prescribed zopiclone, will take notice, do their research first, as this drug is no respector of persons. Glad you had the foresight to stop taking valium too. I'm glad it didn't do anything for you & didn't get a hold on you, as it could have, if you'd kept taking it for even a little while longer. Good on you! Thank you so much for your good luck wishes.

10

Having bad experiences with zopiclone at the moment.Have been taking it for longer Than I can remember.

Have had episodes of vertigo,(not connected to sleeping pills,but nevertheless very frightening.)

Have extreme panic attacks also,which the vertigo sets ,off so the combination as well as trying to come off the pills,are horrendous,but will persevere,as my life is on hold due to side effects.

Have had had many tests in the last couple of weeks to eliminate various illnesses and the results seem to show nothing wrong other than bing told to try CBT for the panic attacks.

Will NOT take medications as my mother was on everything that was prescribed in the 1960s and the end result was that 30 years later she took an overdose ,because she felt so ill for so many years and could not go on. Glad to have found this site.Thank you for all the information.

11

I'm really sorry you are going through this at the moment. Zopiclone would be playing a big part in your episodes of vertigo & panic attacks, due to messing up everything in your body, including your blood sugar levels. It's all connected. Did you read the first post here, about this poison zopiclone? That's all it is - POISON! It's really sad about your mother. I'm glad you don't want to end up feeling she must have. I think, if you really want your life back, it's time to get serious in weaning off this medication. Yes, you will have a few sleepless nights, feel quite ill & frightened for a little while, but it's so worth it in the end. Don't be scared. It's hard, yes, for most people, but you may be one of the lucky ones that won't get bad withdrawals. I'd start by talking to your prescibing doc or an addiction specialist, if possible. Discuss a tapering plan, do some research of your own, on the internet, as a lot of doctors aren't up with the latest research on many drugs they prescribe. They just don't have the time to review them all, so stick to what they learned a 100 years ago. Be prepared! Keep thinking of how great you will feel in a week or so, when you're off these. Keep picturing it,. Forget CBT! That advice is all back to front. It's not the behaviour that needs changing first, it's your thought processes. Thinking & saying positive things, leads to DOING positive things. Never waver. Don't keep thinking & saying "Oh, this is just too hard. I feel ill. I can't sleep, etc". Say "NO, I CAN do this. These withdrawal feelings mean I am detoxing & the poison is leaving my bod.y", and try to counteract any negative thought with a positive one. I know that sounds dumb & old hat, but it works. If you believe in God, start praying for faith, strength & comfort. It helps tremendously, if you believe. Pray for faith, if you don't believe. You soon will, if you cry out for help. It CAN be done! If you want peace bad enough, you must try to get off this drug! Joy will soon follow, I guarantee it! I am still amazed at how good I feel now. I never would have believed it possible. If you want real freedom, GO FOR IT! It won't kill you. Real joy & such peace of mind is yours for the having! Wishing you a successful detox. Keep posting. You'll get a lot of support, encouragement & empathy, while you are getting off this DRUG!!!!

12

I'm happy to be finally be able to hear about other people's dependency on zopiclone. Following a brain haemorrhage in 2011 my thought processes have been interrupted so I'm now dependant on zopiclone.

I was prescribed quite a high potency zopiclone whilst still in hospital which I could take myself. There were often times when I would take a double dose which as I now know increases the urge to take more and therefore you find yourself totally dependent on it! I have been surprised to read posts on this site where at least one person has been prescribed 7mg. I have had to go through a weaning process and can just manage with one 3.75mg a night in the hope I'll be off it in it's entirety!

It's never going to be easy as there will always be a few nights where you can't sleep at all without the chemical. The advice I have been given is to develop a bedtime routine e.g make a list of things to be done the next day, have a relaxing shower/bath and keep away from electronic devices when you think it's time try to sleep as these things as handy as they are they can and do affect the human brain in terms of trying to get some sleep. It's obviously not a good idea to have caffeine in anyway shape or form after midday as it will stay in your system. I've made that error recently after attending an evening event where I was given what I assumed to be a chocolate dessert. It only became clear to me that it had caffeine in it as well when I was unable to sleep and my husband told me about the recipe.

I now get as much as possible done before I go to bed and have pushed my bedtime as late as possible and have my zopiclone with a herbal calming tea. I now prefer two bags of valerian plus after having tried other suggested teas without the same level of success. The downside of this process is if you have to wake up the next day at a specific time to prepare to go to work etc. The only other option is to have a rest/nap during the day.I wish everyone luck with getting to the point of being able to shut our brains off in order to have a deep sleep at night.

13

My husband has has sleep problems for years, he goes to sleep no problem but wakes up in the early hours & struggles to go back to sleep again. He was prescribed Zopliclone about 5 or 6 years ago & has been taking it ever since. He started with 1 tab each night but has reduced it to 1/2 a night but doesn't find it effective anymore. We live if France now & the Dr has been giving my husband repeat prescriptions by email when we ask him & only asks to see him occasionally. I will show him this forum.

14

Fortunately after reading about possible addiction I used the medication with great caution and very rarely use it now. Perhaps I am lucky and not in need as much as some are. Yes I did have a spell of being awake so am aware of the condition, might add gp at the time didnt help.so had to seek help myself. It was following a bereavement ears ago but ok now. So Zoplicone can have good results.

15

I came across this site after googling zopiclone withdrawl.

I was prescribed zopiclone 13 years ago after I had a major motorcycle accident followed by surgery on my back for a malignant melanoma.

I was on the drug for approx 5 years when, as usual I went to the docs for my repeat prescription and he said I couldn't have any as I had been on them far too long.

The following 2 weeks were horrendous,no sleep at all.they the gave me amytriptlene (150mg),however I couldn't function properly,even having a conversation is nigh on impossible,so after several months I was back on zopiclone,which I've been on ever since.

I've now got a new gp,who does not like giving me zopiclone.He is gobsmacked that I have been on them for so long,so we are now trying 10mg mirtazapine to ween me of the zop'.

Its not working so the doc will be increasing the mirtazapine till we find the right level to make me sleep.

Trouble is I can see this mirtazapine being like amytriptelene,I may get to sleep but when the alarm goes off I don't feel like ive had any sleep,has anyone else tried this drug?

Since starting on zopiclone all those years ago I have been left with a legacy of being completely unable to get to sleep without it.If I manage to nod off on the sofa,even for a few seconds I come round quite violently,I tremble,my heart is in excess of 120bpm,and I feel like I could throw up,this can then take hours to subside. Could this be the side effects of taking zopiclone?

I'm determined,one way or another to get away from zopiclone,but given that its impossible to sleep without it I don't know how i'll manage.I've tried reducing the dose in the past but i'm left without any sleep.

I've spent thousands on Chinese medicenes,hyptnotherapy and reiki,all a waste of money and to no avail.

Earlier on this year I was sent to the sleep clinic at the hospital where he tried to tell me I had sleep apnea,i explained that it cant be that because I don't get to sleep in the first place.After having a test done with monitoring equipment fitted he now agrees I havnt got apnea so has reffered me back to my gp as they basically havnt got a clue whats up other than i'm getting anxious at bed time.

I lay in bed,my heart is pounding,it feels like its punching its way out of my chest,so,i don't have a chance of falling asleep,these symtoms are not all in my head but theres nothing I seem to be able to do about it..

I have a history of poor sleep,in the 80's I was a coal miner works day and night shifts,where I had difficulty sleeping,the doctor gave me tamazepam,which I took over a period of about 8 years.However after leaving the industry and going into business,getting regular sleep patterns I gave up with these and had several years without any sleep aids,until getting prescribed zopiclone after the accident and illness in 2000.

I asked why they didn't give me tamazepam and they told me it was addictive and the zopiclone I was being prescribed was not.

If I knew what I know now I would never have gone anywhere near this drug,the anxiety symptoms I now suffer with have got to have been caused by it,but,try as in may,even going cold turkey for 2 weeks didn't help.

16

Hi to all. My name is Anita and i would like to tell my story about my addiction to this terrible drug Zopiclone and how i overcame it.I took my first Zopiclone 5 years ago when i was going through a traumatic divorce and was unable to sleep. i was taking 3.5 at night and getting an amazing sleep and so able to cope with work ,children etc at this difficult time in my life.Time went by and things were okay except 3.5 was no longer enough so i increased my dose to 7.5. I was able to obtain this drug on repeat prescription and there was never any questions asked.

Things become very different when i hit the 5 year mark on this drug though. For a couple of years after taking this drug on looking back i had become more anxious and moody of which i thought was just down to lifes stresses. I did know i was addicted to it though but just thought i would come off it one day after all it was only a sleeping tablet, how wrong i was.

i can only describe that how ill i became was described to me as tolerance withdrawal. i was experiencing terrible withdrawal symptoms when i wasnt even withdrawing! My body had got used to the dosage i was on and needed more. I had a constant headache from hell, the pressure was unbearable and it felt like i had a tight band around my head all the time. i also had raging tinnius, my eyesight was affected , heart pounding as well as vertigo and panic attacks. i went from a very outgoing ,confident person to not being able to leave the house on my own and even with someone was hell.

i had a CT scan to look for a tumour on my ear as i had tinnitus on only one side as well as seeing a neurologist to rule out multiple sclerosis. Both of these were ruled out and my doctor though it was post traumatic stress syndrome as i had back surgery a few months before. To be honest the doctors didnt really have a clue and gave me al lsorts of different medications which i never took.

Anyway the turning point was when my partner realised i only felt better when i took my dosage of zopiclone so that maybe it was this drug causing all this. i had even started takng 3.5 in the day for some relief which lasted only a few hours before i was longing to go to bed to take my nightly dose. I am usually a very strong minded person and knew this could not go on.

Anyway to shorten things a bit my partner did some research and we were horrified to find the evils of this drug and that this WAS the reason i was so terribly ill.After further research we discovered an amazing organisation called CITA which is a charitable organisation( Councel for involuntary tranquiliser addiction) We immiediately contacted them and i cant describe how i felt just talking to someone who understand who dealt with this all the time and who were able to support me in coming off this drug which i have been now for nearly two years. It wasnt easy by no means but i did it and am today back to the person i always really was

i hope by telling my story i can give hope to those who are going through the hell of this addiction. You can overcome it , there is support out there if you look for it not only with the mentioned organisation that helped me but there are a few others. Good luck and feel free to me if you feel i can help

17

Hi anita, At times if tempted to take sedation I remember the possible side effects like you mention and this sure does make me do without. Pleased all went well for you eventually.

18

Thank you for your message. Just wanted to post my story in the hope it may help others realise how addictive and dangerous this drug can be. Hope all goes well for you. Anita

19

Hello Anita.

Now I know that these symptoms are real.I wish that the GP's would read these posts so that they can have a better understanding of the side effects,which they tend to minimise.I am still trying to stop taking Zopiclone

But having read what you have to say,I know why I am feeling so ill,because I have also had so many tests awhich show that nothing is wrong.But there is,it is called addiction,and I would not wish these feelings on anyone.

I hardly go out because I feel so bad most of the time.I MUST stop taking them and get my life back together,which it seems is possible.Wendl.

20

hello

ive been on Zopiclone at 7.5 for the past 7 years or so. i have always been a terrible sleeper. my mind just wont shut down. i have been diagnosed with hppd recently which i have had for a long time. initially i was put on Zopiclone and effexor while having a really bad onset of anxiety, insomnia and derealization. Zopiclone worked like a charm at first and mellowed the fire. now its to the point where my quality of life is in the gutter. flash forward to now and i am in desperate need to get off this drug. i feel so lethargic and medicated all the time. the only time i feel somewhat normal is when i take my pill at night. it also is blocking any progress i could be making with other medications i need to reduce my hppd symptoms.

i will attempt to come off this med. is there anything that can help the withdrawl?

also does anyone else feel Zopiclone gives them "swamp mouth"? like really hot breath and just a gross feeling?