Use of Rhovane

I just lost my hosband over a month ago.  He was 53 and it was very sudden.  My family doctor has prescribed Rhodane (7.5mg) to help me sleep.  I don't think I have had one night of uninterrupted sleep since he has been gone.  I would like to know what the effects of Rhodane are.  The warning on the prescription states that it can be addictive.  When I went to my gynecologist, he said, "I hope you are taking less rather than more of these."  Please advise what is a safe dose and how long it is safe to take this drug.

[HFHS-M.D-HG]

Dear Sleepless

It must be  hard for you to deal with your husband's death.Sleep disturbances that result from a stressor usually resolve without   using  any medications after a  certain period depending upon the severity of the stressor. Rhovane (Zopiclone) is a new medication ( hypnotic) which is  similar to Benzodiazepines.It was shown to decrease the sleep latency. People who were on this medication showed withdrawal symptoms after stopping the medication  which  shows that it may be a habit forming medication(preferably not to take if for longer periods). But there are not enough studies done in human beings to prove this.As of now this medication is not available in the market in United States. For more information you may have to check with your physician that has prescribed  you the medication.Rhovane is usually given at a dose of 7.5mg for sleep disturbances.I hope this information is helpful to you.

[Tomas Guzman]

I have suffered from depression for many years.  After trying what seems like everything else on the market, as well as ETC, my doctor put me on Nardil, which caused major side effects.  So now he has started me on Parnate, which seems to be the same thing with a different name.  As one of the major problems right now is also severe sleeplessness, he has also put me on Rhovane.  I vaguely recall reading something about MAOI's and sleeping pills not being a good combination?  What might I expect?