How to replace Zopiclone with melatonin?

29 -year-old man6 years ago

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29 -year-old man · 6 years ago

Hello to you, I have been taking Zopiclone 10mg for a relatively long time, however can I replace this medication with Melatonin? If so, what dose, 3,5,10 mg? I would like to replace this with a more natural medication. Also, when I take Zopiclone it is very difficult for me to get out of bed in the morning. Thank you very much and happy 2018!

Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago

Hello,

Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago

You can of course replace Zopiclone with Melatonin. However, you will have to do this very gradually, as a dependency on Zopiclone may have developed in your case.

Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago

First, know that Zopiclone should not be taken at a dose greater than 7.5mg per day, as recommended by Health Canada in a 2014 advisory: http://canadiensensante.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2014/42255a-fra.php. Taking this medication at a dose greater than 7.5mg is likely the cause of your difficult bedrise.

Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago

Please note that there is no equivalent dose between melatonin and sleep aids. Therefore, it is recommended to take only one 3mg dose per night (some people even feel the effects when taking 1mg per night).

Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago

That being said, I recommend that you reduce your Zopiclone dose to 7.5mg per night and then consult your pharmacist. Together you should plan a gradual "withdrawal", i.e. a gradual reduction, over several weeks, of the dose of Zopiclone ingested. Reducing the dose of Zopiclone too quickly will cause a lot of insomnia, which Melatonin will never be able to cure.

Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago

Does this answer your question?

Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago

?

29 -year-old man · 6 years ago

Hello Mr. Chagnon,

First of all, I would like to thank you for your clarifications and your explanations regarding my medication. Please note that I was mistaken and that my Zopiclone is indeed 7.5mg and not 10mg. I will follow your advice and gradually reduce the Zopiclone in order to integrate Melatonin into my daily life. However, I still don't know what dose to get, should I start with the 10mg, 5 or 3mg of Melatonin.

Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago

The 3mg is probably your best choice (the smallest effective dose).

Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago

I am happy to help you,

Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago

Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist

29 -year-old man · 6 years ago

Thank you very much Mr. Chagnon, I will get this dose. I am sorry for the delay in my reply. I would like to congratulate you on your project and your very practical website!

Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago

Thanks for the great comments!

Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago

We look forward to seeing you.

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Alexandre Chagnon

I worked as a pharmacist in the emergency department of the Granby Hospital for 6 years before dedicating myself to Ask your Pharmacist. I completed my education in telehealth at Jefferson University in Philadelphia and are recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Informatics at Université de Sherbrooke.

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