[Sel50]

Hello - I'm new. I'm from the UK and have been on Zopiclone and anti-depressants for over a year. I suffer from insomnia very badly, and am unable to sleep without help.Now I'm afraid that my dependancy on sleeping pills has become very serious - if I run out I feel horrible all over - shaking, aching, panicky etc. If I can't get the tablets in time I then drink too much: a) to get some sleep and b)to stop the withdrawal effects.
I have tried both cutting down the tablets, and trying to stop 'Cold Turkey' without success. I have had to stop work due to the depression and growing dependance on the Zopiclone..
Does anyone have any advice about thes tablets, and coming off them?

[mpvt]

you need to look into professional help as coming off this type of drug can be very dangerous and even fatal.Can you check into a rehab or hospital ect???......Dave

[Sel50]

Hi - thanks for your reply, Dave. Alas, in the U.K rehab clinics are places only for the very rich, or occasional referral by GP if you have no shelter etc.
The general information on Zopiclone and Trazodone is that they are barely recognised as drugs of addiction, although Zopiclone is beginning to be regarded as less of a 'clean' drug as first thought.
Of course doctors are very influenced by the advertising done by drug companies, and most just don't have that much knowledge of psychiatric medication.
So....I'm just hoping I can get through these withdrawals on the last few Zopiclone I have, which is 10 tablets - I had been taking up to 5 at a time, so to make these last until next Friday is going to be tough, as that works out at two a night.
I'm not seen to be in any danger even if I do stop cold turkey - just not seen as a medical emergency in this country, though at times it really does feel like it...

[mpvt]

Ok, well let's try this,google "the ashton manual".This is a manual put out by a doctor with years and years of experience detoxing benzodiazepine addicts.This book has helped thousands of people.I know that she strongly suggests switching to diazepam(valium) as it has a long half life and therefore you can wean off it easier.Good luck......Dave