Could Not Sleep After Reducing The Dosage Of Zopiclone. Am I Addicted?
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
While zopiclone is a highly effective sleep aid, there is controversy about the extent of its addiction potential. In practice, zopiclone is often used for treating insomnia, but it is not uncommon for patients with drug-seeking behaviour to request it. Although recommended for short-term treatment of insomnia,5 it is also not uncommon for patients, including the elderly, to take the drug nightly or continuously for many months.
Studies have shown that termination of treatment with Zopiclone 7.5mg, tablets is unlikely to be associated with withdrawal effects when duration of treatment is limited to 4 weeks. Patients may benefit from tapering of the dose before discontinuation. Since you have already tapered your dose, it is least likely to cause any withdrawal.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back in case of doubts.
Dr.A.Rao Kavoor
How do you suggest I taper when I take a quarter and get no sleep and how long for? Thank you.
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in with an update.
Treatment with zopiclone should be as short as possible. Generally the duration of treatment varies from a few days to two weeks with a maximum, including the tapering off, of four weeks. The termination of treatment with Zopiclone 7.5mg, tablets is unlikely to be associated with withdrawal effects when duration of treatment is limited to 4 weeks. Patients may benefit from tapering of the dose before discontinuation. Symptoms might also occur despite a tapering of the dose and may last a few days. More than 4 weeks treatment with zopiclone should be under supervision.
If you are not getting sleep with a quarter dose, you might discuss with your doctor regarding trying low-dose antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or trazodone, if a pharmacologic agent is absolutely required for insomnia.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back in case of doubts.
Dr.A.Rao Kavoor