19 Dec Overcoming Zopiclone Withdrawal: What To Expect
Sleeping pills can be a saving grace for people struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorder issues. However, sleeping pills like Zopiclone or Xanax have highly addictive attributes that often take over people’s lives.
This blog post explores what Zopiclone is, talks about how long a Zopiclone withdrawal lasts and shows you what the side effects of a Zopiclone withdrawal are when you decide to stop taking it.
What Is Zopiclone?
Zopiclone is a nonbenzodiazepine used to treat insomnia and other sleeping disorders. The drug is commonly sold under Imovane, Zimovane, or multiple other brand names.
Symptomatic and short-term relief of sleep disturbances is the main use of Zopiclone. . It can help people who frequently wake up during the night or have difficulty falling asleep. The medication should not be taken for more than seven to 10 days and should only be utilized by individuals whose sleep deprivation interferes with their daily activities.
Zopiclone generally comes in tablet form but sometimes is available in a liquid solution for patients who find it challenging to swallow pills. Both types of Zopiclone are available through prescription only; the liquid version, however, will need to be ordered specially.
The drug is usually prescribed for seven to 10 days because the body quickly builds a tolerance to it. Zopiclone withdrawal begins to set in, and the person notices that the medication doesn’t have the same effect as when they started using it. The Zopiclone withdrawal cycle also increases the chances of dependency and habit-forming behaviour.
In this article, we’ll talk about the withdrawal symptoms of Zopiclone, how long the period is, and what to expect during a zopiclone withdrawal.
Bored woman in self isolation laying on the sofa. Woman in quarantine for coronavirus working from home.
Why Is Zopiclone So Addictive?
Zopiclone is a drug distinct in molecular structure but comparable to benzodiazepine’s effect on the brain. It affects the same parts of the brain as alcohol and benzodiazepine, namely:
- The cortical and hippocampal areas
- Nucleus accumbens
- Amygdala
- Mammillary bodies
These areas have the highest density of localized benzodiazepine receptors that absorb the drug and increase the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) on the body and brain. Therefore, reducing anxiety and instigating sedation while making you feel sleepy and relaxed
Once a person becomes dependent on the Zopiclone sleeping pills, their anatomy requires the medication to remain in a “normal” state of mind. The powerful addictive nature of the substance induces euphoric dream-like states and can precipitate sleep onset in under 30 minutes.
With some people developing Zopiclone dependency within only a few weeks of use, it’s easy to see why “withdrawal from Zopiclone” is something a user would search for online.
Potential Side Effects of Long-Term Use
Zopiclone addiction has multiple long-term and short-term adverse health effects. Although Zopiclone addiction can present itself to any individual who takes the sleeping pill, some characteristics may increase the chances of becoming hooked on the drug, including:
- Substance abuse history
- Previously using Zopiclone as a coping mechanism
- A family history of addiction
- Easy access to Zopiclone
- Taking Zopiclone for longer or in higher doses than prescribed by your general practitioner
The short-term adverse health effects of Zopiclone typically show themselves to users within the first few times of administration. Issues including increased risk of accidents due to dangerous behaviour, cognitive impairment, drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches are the most common effects in the interim.
Zopiclone also has some serious long-term side effects that should be noted before usage commences. These effects include but are not limited to the following:
- Slowed breathing
- Constipation
- Amnesia
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nightmares
- Liver damage
- Abdominal pains
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pains
Rebound insomnia, depression, and psychotic episodes are other potential severe side effects of long-term Zopiclone use. This statement is especially true when users become tolerant of the drug, and it stops working the way it should.
Due to these adverse effects, Zopiclone’s prescription period is generally recommended for four weeks only with the smallest practical dosage based on the severity of the user’s sleep disorder symptoms.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Zopiclone Addiction
Zopiclone withdrawal side effects and addiction can impede the ability to function at the degree required to keep a stable job. The chances of making basic errors, arriving late, and missing a day’s work increase significantly.
A person’s financial health may take a big knock which is intensified by the black market price of the drug.
Personal relationships with children, spouses, and other family members may begin to suffer the wrath of Zopiclone addiction. These household problems can cause additional emotional distress, mental breakdowns, and heartache, fueling addictive behaviour.
Zopiclone Withdrawal Symptoms
If you or an individual you know are trying to wean off Zopiclone, there are a few things to consider. Most users experience a few symptoms during Zopiclone withdrawals, while others may not experience any complications. The list below mentions nine of the most common symptoms people experience during a Zopiclone withdrawal:
- Irritability
- Feeling disconnected from reality
- Sleeping problems
- Depressing thoughts
- Muscle spasms, pains, and aches
- Convulsions (Rare)
- Paranoia – Being afraid that other people want to hurt you
- Shaking
- Confusion
With these Zopiclone withdrawal symptoms ranging in severity, it is easy to see why someone would seek more of the drug to alleviate these issues. However, users should be aware that the longer they take this medication, the more likely they will experience more problems.
Zopiclone withdrawal symptoms can be minimized by lowering the dose while the body goes through homeostasis and begins to normalize without the drug. This is the best way to stop using the sleeping pill without experiencing severe adverse Zopiclone withdrawal side effects..
Shot of an unrecongizable man holding his chest in pain indoors
Zopiclone Withdrawal Duration
When you stop taking the drug, your anatomy goes through homeostasis to rid itself of any traces of Zopiclone. Depending on various factors, such as how much and for how long someone has taken the sleeping pill, Zopiclone withdrawals can vary in severity and duration.
These Zopiclone withdrawal symptoms can range from uncomfortable to potentially deadly. That’s why it’s best to work with a professional to provide a full assessment of the patient before checking them into rehab.
Andy Bhatti has been helping users with Zopiclone withdrawals and addiction for several years. We know how to create personalized detox plans based on the patient’s previous history with the drug.
The table below shows what the average user goes through during a typical Zopiclone withdrawal.
| Days During the Zopiclone Withdrawal Process | What Users Experience |
| One to two days after abstinence | A few days after the final Zopiclone dose, people may start to feel irritable, anxious, or experience muscle spasms. |
| Two to five days after abstinence | This is the most significant stage of Zopiclone withdrawal, where users may encounter digestion problems and intense nausea. Hallucinations, insomnia, mood swings, extreme restlessness, and acute cravings for the drug are other issues experienced during this phase of Zopiclone withdrawal. |
| Five to 14 days after abstinence | After around five days of detoxing, the withdrawal symptoms of Zopiclone will begin to dissipate in intensity. Some symptoms may still occur, such as depression, lethargy, or disrupted sleep. |
Most Zopiclone withdrawal symptoms tend to fade away entirely after two weeks. If these problems persist, specifically the serious ones that hinder daily activities, users may be experiencing post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). These prolonged Zopiclone withdrawal periods require ongoing medical, emotional, and behavioural support.
Strategies For Overcoming Zopiclone Withdrawal
Understanding the underlying causes of Zopiclone addiction forms the basis of recovery from the drug. Once the recovering person has recognized these causes, a counsellor or behavioural specialist can help them learn the skills required to overcome them.
During rehabilitation, there are various therapies that are designed to assist in preventing relapses or underlying problems. These additional treatments are recommended for people struggling to overcome Zopiclone withdrawals or addiction:
- Yoga
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Meditation
- One-to-one counseling
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
Once you have completed a Zopiclone withdrawal, detox, or rehabilitation, maintaining sobriety is crucial as you continue along the road to recovery. By creating a structured plan and through ongoing support, you’ll never have to struggle again with your Zopiclone addiction.
Here is a table sharing three tips for avoiding relapse during the Zopiclone withdrawal process:
| Recommendation to Avoid Zopiclone Withdrawal and Addiction Relapse | Actionable Step |
| Practice Self-Care | Perform calming activities, such as walking yoga, or meditation if Zopiclone cravings become imminent. Concentrate on eating healthy foods and getting optimal sleep.To deter boredom, try out new hobbies or go out and meet some new friends. |
| Avoid Risky Situations | Take the steps to avoid places that could pose a potential risk of Zopiclone use. Friends or places associated with the drug can be triggers that urge users to continue using. |
| Stay In Touch | Keep speaking with your support network, irrespective of whether it’s people you met in rehab or family and friends. This reminds you that you’re not alone in this Zopiclone withdrawal and addiction journey while giving you people to hold you up during challenging times. |
Zopiclone sleeping pill addiction and abuse is highly hazardous to the user’s health, making it essential to get support immediately. Along with benzodiazepines and liquor, Zopiclone and other non-benzo pose the most danger during withdrawals.
Zopiclone Success Stories
If you’ve read this far, you’ll understand how difficult Zopiclone withdrawals and addiction can be. However, there’s light at the end of the tunnel for users with a strong support system. Of course, having the desire to abstain from the drug is the first step to recovery.
Let’s look at real-world examples of how people have overcome Zopiclone addiction and withdrawal.
Trudee’s Zopiclone Withdrawal Tapering Success Story
Five years ago, Trudee realized she was sleeping her life away. She was on 50 mg Trazodone and 5 mg Prozac for previous insomnia and depression issues. Trudee tried to follow the doctor’s directions to wean off the drugs but ended up having a severe panic attack which landed her in the hospital.
After her stint with urgent care, Trudee was back on Trazodone, Prozac, and now Imovane.
One year later, she couldn’t take it anymore and had to contact a counsellor to get this addiction under control. Her behaviour started to become erratic, and she wondered if she was experiencing a manic depressive disorder.
That’s when she contacted a professional for an intervention and left the rest in God’s hands. She first lowered her doses and worked with behavioural counsellors to mitigate habitat-forming actions and heal past trauma.
There have been many trials and tribulations throughout Trudee’s recovery, but one thing is sure. She had overcome his Zopiclone and other prescription drug addiction with the help of his supportive wife, friends, and expert counselors.
Rita’s Zopiclone Withdrawal Success Story
Ritas’s story began when she visited the doctor, complaining that she had trouble sleeping. Her local GP prescribed Zopiclone to ease anxiety and give her the rest she needed.
The doctor told her to take the Zopiclone sleeping pill for three to four days, and she followed the instructions verbatim. She felt well-rested after taking the drug for the first three days, so she decided to avoid it on the fourth.
That was her worst night, so she retook the sleeping pill in trepidation. Within three days, Rita was hooked on Zopiclone. She tried everything to avoid the medication, including natural herbal remedies, sleep routines, yoga, exercise, and white noise, but nothing worked.
Eventually, she came across a local rehabilitation facility and scheduled a meeting immediately. The counsellors established a plan for her to get through the Zopiclone withdrawal and assisted her through every step. “It was lovely to find someone who cares and understands what I was going through. I’m now free from the drug and aim never to go through the Zopiclone withdrawal process again.” Sarah said to one of counsellors after rehabilitation.
Suzie’s Zopiclone Withdrawal Success Story
This Zopiclone withdrawal success story starts with Suzie wanting to get off the sleeping pill as soon as possible so she can get back to being fit and healthy. She had been struggling with Zopiclone addiction for the last two years after being prescribed the medication after complaining to the doctor she could not sleep.
She had a supportive family and a loving husband who could not stand to watch her suffer at the hand of the Zopiclone sleeping pill. They contacted a rehab center to find help for Suzie as she had trouble stopping Zopiclone alone.
The rehabilitation team at the facility showed Suzie compassion and crafted a program that suited her particular needs. After following the program religiously for 10 months, Suzie is finally free from Zopiclone withdrawals and addiction. She proudly said, “I now use my time to build my mind, body, and health. The life I lead now is much better than before, and I only have appreciation and gratitude for all that helped me on my journey.”
Sherryl’s Zopiclone Withdrawal Success Story
For over three and a half years, Sherryl had been struggling with insomnia and depressive moods. She was stressed out over work, and due to the recent deaths of two family members, so her doctor prescribed Zimovane to alleviate some of these stresses.
After only a few days of taking the medication, she was completely hooked and began using it every night to fall asleep. This led to her extending her prescription past the recommended period and eventually seeking out the drug on the black market.
A year later, Sherryl was deep into her Zopiclone addiction, and her husband started to really worry about her mental health. He searched high and low for a drug and alcohol treatment centre in Ottawa and came across a great solution.
With the help of the trained counsellor, Sherryl was able to convey her feelings about the past and locate the cause of her Zopiclone addiction. The addiction specialists tailored a plan to help Sherryl wean off Zopiclone while easing the withdrawal process.
After only six months of working, Sherryl was completely free from Zopiclone. Her husband was ecstatic about her results and said, “My wife has made me so proud. After all, we’ve been through, she came out on top and is stronger than ever. Our relationship is flourishing, and our children are happy to have their mother back.”
Conclusion
Zopiclone withdrawal and addiction are two of the most challenging things to experience when you’re a drug user. The quick onset of withdrawal symptoms and the potential to create habit-forming tendencies make Zopiclone a medication that can ruin lives.
If you or someone you love is struggling with Zopiclone withdrawals or addiction, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional at one of the following four rehab centers:
Each facility has trained experts who can help Zopiclone users overcome their addictions and live better lives. All patients are treated with the utmost dignity and respect, while counselling sessions and 24-hour support are handled with compassion and integrity. Contact a specialist to find out more about the options available.