Sleep problems after taking sleeping pills

How long were on zopiclone for?

I was taking zopiclone on and off for about 10 years but last year I was taking them more often.

If you suffer from insomnia it's an illness, look on the zopiclone as you would other medication, it is needed to solve a medical problem.
I suffer from chronic insomnia all my life and have taken medication for this problem most of my adult life, I look on it as a need and don't worry about addiction.

I’ve taken zopiclone for 25 yrs, struggling to stop myself- sleep problems started when I did nights. I asked the gp if it’s addictive but he poo-pooed it & stated it wasn’t addictive.

Bridie22

If you suffer from insomnia it's an illness, look on the zopiclone as you would other medication, it is needed to solve a medical problem.
I suffer from chronic insomnia all my life and have taken medication for this problem most of my adult life, I look on it as a need and don't worry about addiction.

That’s ok but the problem starts when you try to come off, the withdrawal is brutal.

Thank you so much for your replies. I didn’t mind taking the zopiclone but one night it didn’t work and I felt really awful the next day- more than just a sleepless night. The G P said that it was because I was taking it too often.Have either of you had any problems with it? And do your G Ps prescribe it regularly?

Crocus5

Thank you so much for your replies. I didn’t mind taking the zopiclone but one night it didn’t work and I felt really awful the next day- more than just a sleepless night. The G P said that it was because I was taking it too often.Have either of you had any problems with it? And do your G Ps prescribe it regularly?

Yes I get it regularly. Nearly knocked off it by a locum GP -my own gp promptly put me back on it due to the horrendous withdrawal effects. I wish I had never touched it with a barge pole tbh

It is prescribed monthly no problems, only when needing to adjust the strength.
Mine isn't zopiclone, it is a stronger medication.

Bridie22

It is prescribed monthly no problems, only when needing to adjust the strength.
Mine isn't zopiclone, it is a stronger medication.

Allowed to ask what it is?
I would say to anyone having sleep problems is try & explore other options-
Sleep hygiene! No phones/iPads at night (says me) try not to go down the sleeping drug route

I wasn’t aware that zopiclone was licensed for long term use. It’s dreadful if you suffer from insomnia but I think other help and support should be offered apart from drugs.
To my knowledge some sleeping medications are definitely addictive and should never be stopped abruptly without support.

Farzanah

I wasn’t aware that zopiclone was licensed for long term use. It’s dreadful if you suffer from insomnia but I think other help and support should be offered apart from drugs.
To my knowledge some sleeping medications are definitely addictive and should never be stopped abruptly without support.

Yes you are completely right, it shouldn’t be prescribed long term! Waiting to get some help to come off this drug- said to my gp if I was a drug addict the help would be there, he did agree with me.

I agree it's a last resort medication when all else fails, I have tried all the recommended sleep hygiene, meditation, all of the gizmos never worked for me.

Bridie22

I agree it's a last resort medication when all else fails, I have tried all the recommended sleep hygiene, meditation, all of the gizmos never worked for me.

Me too.

I have taken Zopiclone for over 10 years. Tbh, at my age addiction is not a problem, sleeplessness is. For those who do not wish to rely on sleeping tablets,, try antihistamines. You can get it off the counter. A bit expensive but worth a try, if your GP will not prescribe sleeping tablets

P.S. Have a word with your pharmacist

crazyH

P.S. Have a word with your pharmacist

They are getting so super hard to get hold of here

Daridorexant is the latest drug approved for long term insommnia. Also best practice as per NICE would be referral to a sleep clinic or neurology. I know this because I have many nights with no sleep.

Thank you Thistlelass. Can I ask if you have tried Daridorexant and also how you deal with your sleepless nights.