How To Wean Off Zopiclone?
reasonable way to discontinue Zipiclone. Thank-you. XXXX
p.s. I also have difficulty sleeping as I constantly can't deal with the loss of my husband.
Better to take trazodone
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
At age of 78, most of people get physiological sleep disturbance and needs sleeping pills. In your case, reason of taking pills could be death of husband and age factor. In that case, definitely you need a pill to get sleep. If any patient gets problem in leaving benzodiazepine, then best solution is to shift him/her to alternate medicine like sedative antidepressant or low dose antipsychotic. In your case, trazodone is good option. It is sedative antidepressant and it would help to get sound sleep as well as keep your mood in balance. Better to take this without any worry.
If you have any more query, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
XXXX
Take it daily at night
Detailed Answer:
HI
Usually antidepressant takes two weeks to show response, but sedative effect would come since first day. In that case, you need to take trazodone daily rather than on alternate day. Initial few days, antidepressant could lead to few gastric symptoms, but that would decrease with time. I would suggest to take trazodone daily at night and stop taking zopiclone. Rest, you can discuss with treating doctor.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Can try trazodone at low dose
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Trazodone has good sedative effect. In case, you feel dizziness, you can decrease the dose upto 25mg or shift to another sedative antidepressant like mirtazapine. Gastric upset due to antidepressants are quiet common and in that case, you can try antacid with trazodone. Usually, such side effects stay for few days and get resolved on its own.
Please discuss with your treating doctor about the same.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist