Hello :) diazepam-zopiclone cross tolerance question

[[Pu...]]

Hi there, only just discovered this community after searching google for information on cross tolerance between diazepam and zopiclone. I am taking 7.5mg zopiclone most nights but am worried it might cause me to develop a tolerance to diazepam - I have read that benzo tolerance is pretty much permanent, which is quite concerning. I occasionally use diazepam for anxiety relief, and have no plans nor compulsion to start using them regularly.

 

I decided to sign up so I could read up more on this topic, specifically a thread on how benzo cause HPA axis days regulation so I could consider any implications that might have for me. A google search on the topic of cross tolerance hasn't yet given me definitive answers.

 

I find zopiclone quite helpful for sleeping but don't want my use of it to compromise the effectiveness of the diazepam (doses at 5mg but sometimes use more). I only need diazepam intermittently but when I do it can be a real life saver in terms of reducing anxiety. I have been using diazepam intermittently for about 2 months perhaps, and zopiclone most nights, for about just 1.

 

Any answers would be much appreciated. Many thanks!

[[Ch...]]

Hi and welcome to the forum, Purpoise.

 

Benzodiazepines are intended and recommended to be used for no longer than about two weeks due to the risk of dependence, physical addiction.  Zopiclone is a Z-drug and similar in many ways to benzodiazepines, including dependence and withdrawal.

 

Both drug are addictive and recommended for only very short term use. 

 

As far as interactions, you may want to post in General Taper Plans even though you're not tapering at this time.  I'm not sure what other board to send you to to post about the two drugs used together. 

 

If you're not familiar with the Ashton Manual it contains a huge amount of information about benzodiazepines and withdrawal.

 

Please include your benzodizepine information in your posts.  To make that easier by adding it to each post automatically, you can go up to Profile, choose Forum Profile, write the information in the text box and click Change Profile.

 

Take care,

Challis

 

[[Pu...]]

Hi Challis, many thanks for your reply. I have now posted my query in the general taper plans board as per your suggestion. I will try to update my profile so that my information is available. I have not been using benzo-type drugs for long nor do I intend to. The withdrawals sound unpleasant, to say the least. Thanks for the reference to the Ashton Manual, I will give it a look.

[[be...]]

Welcome  I personally would get off the valium as soon as possible.......