Another newbie seeking help

[[Lu...]]

The reason I have searched out this site is to find some help in weaning off of zopiclone and Hydroxyzine. I have taken both for well over 10 years and of course have hit tolerance. I am at the point where I get zero sleep.  I am 65 and very active women which confuses me because I get so little rest. 

 

I am looking for suggestions as to where to start my tapering off of zopiclone.  I have done this before by cutting the 7.5 mg tab in quarters and did get down to 1/4 tab but was a zombie with the withdrawal and no sleep.

 

Any suggestions would certInky help and be appreciated.

 

 

[Guest [Mi...]]

Hi, Lucille2010.

 

Welcome to benzobuddies. 

 

I'm glad you're ready to try another taper. Sounds like your first attempt might have been a bit too quick. I was on various benzos for close to 30 years before coming off them last June. Best to set up a slow and steady taper.

 

A good resource about benzodiazepines is the Ashton Manual. Here is a link to the manual: Professor Ashtons Manual  It’s great for learning about these meds and for taper plans. Ashton recommends reducing between 5 - 10% every 10/14 days.

 

You'll find a great community of people here who will support and encourage you. Feel free to check out the forum and to post to any of the dedicated boards.

 

In addition to the Ashton Manual, here are some other resources:

 

For tapering advice, post here: General Taper Plans

 

For support with any symptoms you may have, post here: Withdrawal Support

 

Please add a signature (history of medication/doses etc). It will help members give you relevant advice. This link will show you how to Create a signature

 

Please let us know if you have any questions.

 

~ Mind

 

[[Na...]]

Welcome Lucille. What is your present dose of Zoplicone? 7.5?

I joined on behalf of my wife to help her with getting off benzos and Z drugs. She was originally on 15mgs of Zopiclone.

We started with the Zopiclone first which was recommended. I reduced her by 2.5 mgs every 2-3 weeks until she reached 5mgs. Once that was reached we went to 5mg pills and made each cut 1.25 and held longer depending on her symptoms, sometime holding for 1 month or more.

 

I can tell you that prior to getting off this evil drug (and that's being nice) she was getting barely any sleep at all. Needless to say in her desperation, she began abusing the Zop, which really made thing horrible, sleep walking, night eating ect... with no memory of anything.

The good news is she is completely off Zop now and sleeps very well.

 

Sorry I cant give any input on the Hydroxyzine.

 

I think your making a very wise decision on getting off the Zoplicone and I wishyou the very best.

[[Lu...]]

I have decided to taper my 7.5 mg/nightly of Zopiclone by 1.8 mg each month, taking 4 months complete. I figure I have been on the 7.5 mg dosage nightly for more years than I can remember so taking 4 months to taper off is reasonable. I may have to slow down the last 1.8 mg- we will see. The Hydroxyzine, I'm not too concerned about right now.

 

Last night was my first cut- I'll let u know how it goes.

 

Thanks for your help. 

 

 

[[Ci...]]

Howdy .  I haven't tapered off of that specific drug, or any for that matter.  I was always the cold turkey type and no that's not always smart lol.  Anyway, just know that any time you wana get off this stuff it's for the best however fast or slow.  Wish ya well on your journey and just know it's gonna be a struggle and fight but it's a fight worth winning.  Stay strong

[[Lu...]]

Two days into my taper- no withdrawal symptoms yet. I'll keep u up to date.

[[Lu...]]

Tonight will be night "4" of my tapering off of 7.5 mg Zopiclone. I'm on 5.7 mg till Febuary 24th. Had bad night last night- restless leg.  I have had tintinitus for years and it is really pronounced today. Having some d/p today but not sure if it is sleep deprivation or w/d. 

 

Will keep u up to date.

 

 

 

 

[[Ch...]]

Hi Lucille... just wanted to give you a link to the main board where more of the forum's members will see and respond to your posts.  This is still Introductions.  If you click the link below it'll take you to Withdrawal Support, where you can click 'New Topic' to start a thread or 'Reply' to reply to existing threads.

 

Here ya go:  Withdrawal Support

 

Challis