How can I stop zopiclone and ensure that I get enough sleep afterwards?
35-year-old woman
Hello I have been taking 7.5mg Zopiclone for 3 months and reduced it since mid January to February about 3.75mg Zopiclone , tonight I’m trying abit less, however I am wanting to try melatonin but feel worried incase my insomnia could be worse or if melatonin will work for my sleep it is a supplement melatonin 3mg which was recommended to me by a naturopathic doctor, but she said to replace Zopiclone with 2 melatonin tablets. My question is after stopping Zopiclone will I get any sleep ok the first night with the melatonin tablet, could say I’ve been on Zopiclone for 5 months now and desperate to come off.
Kind regards
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Naji-tom Samaha · a year ago
Hello Miss,
It is impossible to predict the effects of mélatonine or any other medication for that matter.
I however strongly suggest contacting your pharmacist to get a withdrawal calendar for zopiclone because it should be stopped very gradually.
Have you tried non pharmacological ways to improve sleep hygiene?
35-year-old woman · a year ago
Yes my insomnia was chronic, I am currently taking 5 htp and melatonin I am now on quarter Zopiclone
i just wanted advice on how to reduce without withdrawals and to get sleep without the insomnia reoccurring. I was hoping for more helpful answer sorry.
Naji-tom Samaha · a year ago
Thank you for your response. There is no fixed calendar for all. It has to be decreased according to how you are tolerating the withdrawal. This is why I also suggested contacting your pharmacist because he/she can dispense lower dosed tablets (5 mg for instance) which can be cut to yield even lower doses and help a smooth transition with every step down. He/she can also help you with a calendar and follow up with you regularly to make adjustments as needed.
It is important to go slowly and to decrease the dose every 1 to 2 weeks, there is no need to go faster.
Other measures need to be put into place:
At least 1 hour before bedtime, turn off any type of screen: computer, telephone, TV, and pocket readers too. Most emit a type of light that is stimulating.
Regardless of bedtime, I suggest getting up at the same time each day, which helps establish a sleep routine eventually.
Keep the bedroom only for sleeping and intimate relationships. No reading, work, or TV in bed. That way, the body will associate the bedroom with sleep as soon as you enter it.
Never look at the clock at night as this can be a great source of stress
Avoid naps during the day, and avoid stimulants like coffee whenever possible, especially in the afternoon.
If you've been in bed for 15 minutes and not falling asleep, I suggest you get up, go to the kitchen or living room for a few minutes, and then go back to the bedroom. . This can have a 'reset' effect.
If you have a lot of worries, write them down in a notebook or diary in the evening, so you can be ''reassured'' that they will not be forgotten and that you can address them the next morning.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy with a psychologist or psychotherapist can greatly help sleep disorders. Most group insurances cover this type of service.
These strategies can take up to 2 weeks to implement, so go about it as you wish, gradually, you have to be patient and willing too.
35-year-old woman · a year ago
Hi ok thank you, I really appreciate this response, I will take these steps also towards my sleep hygiene, it’s been a tough journey. I worry for my health so I try to take the safest steps towards improving my health as I’ve had also issues with my stomach and intestines in which I am currently going through appointments for. Hence why I’ve been on Zopiclone to help with my sleep
kind regards
Naji-tom Samaha · a year ago
I understand, please remember to take it one day and one step at a time, and it's okay to take a little longer especially when you will get to lower doses.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions!
Tom Samaha, pharmacist
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