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Zopiclone - side effects: increasing anxiety?

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Posted 10/24/2011 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
I hope I'm posting this in the right category, anyways just wondering about anyone else's experience with the sleep medication Zopiclone.

Works well, but I find if used over an extended period of time (say for more than a week) it can cause -- during the day -- increased anxiety, maybe even a bit of paranoia... just worry about stupid little things more than usual. I don't take a high dosage - half of a 7.5 mg tablet if needed at bedtime.
I hear this can be a common side effect. Anyways just wondering of anyone else's experience with Zopiclone?
Posted 10/24/2011 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi web101

Nice to meet you and welcome to the forum. I have been prescribed Zopiclone for insomnia and I did not like the medication as it made me feel really groggy the next day so stopped using it. I did not experience any increased anxiety whilst taking it and it did help me sleep. I would chat through your concerns with your doctor let us know how you get on.

Hibee
Posted 10/26/2011 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
I've used Zopiclone for about ten years without any problems at all. However, if it does not work for me if I take it two consecutive days. I only allow myself to take it once a week. I have severe chronic insomnia and a lot of pain (not anxiety so I am technically on the wrong board but I saw the word "Zopiclone" and felt compelled to respond).
Posted 10/26/2011 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi web, you have gotten some good responses, and it does look like you might want to consult your dr. about trying another Rx that does not cause this side effect for you.

Good luck, and I hope that you can find something to help you sleep, without the subsequent anxiety:)

To Chanterelle, there is no such thing as the 'wrong board' here at HW:) I appreciate your input, as I had no experience with this med...so thank-you for branching out and answering here...you are welcome anytime!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/26/2011 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the responses everyone. It's interesting how medication affects different people in different ways; Hibee mentioned being groggy the next day, but for me it's the only sleep medication I've tried that doesn't make me feel groggy! I would still like to keep this medication on hand, I have a bad back so at night sometimes I really need something to "knock me out" so to speak. But I think the key for me is try and not take it for any more than a few nights in a row... if I do that's when I begin to notice the anxiety issues. Furthermore I have been taking it on and off for at least a year now. I think Zopiclone just turns your brain off instead of giving you a normal sleep. Anyhow of course I will discuss all this with my doctor soon.
Posted 10/26/2011 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
That is so very sweet, Scaredy Cat! Awesome. I also do experience anxiety the odd time; for example, we are going on a long-haul flight tomorrow that terrifies me due to severe chronic pain. The last trip was excruciating! Yet I must not allow pain to define and defeat me. I can truly see how anxiety can be debilitating.
Posted 10/26/2011 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I do see a definite connection between chronic illness/pain and anxiety! I do hope that you have a good trip with none of the above!

You may want to take a look at our Anxiety Resource Guide (main page 3rd post) for some links to instructional videos that teach breathing and relaxation exercises for anxiety...you may already know these as part of your pain management regime, but there could be something new that you could add to your arsenal:)

Post with us anytime!
S.C.
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