well that must bring some comfort. Just do this slow the slower the better then you may not have so many symptoms with the wd. you may want to add a good Vitamin if you do not already and eat well drink enough water Prepare your body so it will be strong and a Good attitude that you are doing something good for yourself will make your mind strong.. You can do this Rosemary..
I'm really glad CIK chimed in here.. No this is not a opiate. although you describe the restlessness associated with one. I should have looked further. I agree about speaking with your Dr. although it makes no sense to up a drug for noise problems. Tapering slowly is important and you should not go up and down.. I hope someone that knows of this drug comes on. Hope all is well with your test.. lesa
LOL....Lesa beat me to it! I was going to list some of what I read as well.
The particular Z drug (hypnotic) that you are on is not available in the U.S. but one that is very similar is Lunesta. From what I read, the withdrawal symptoms are worst the first 7 to 8 days and get better from there.
Because you have some heart history and are concerned, it would be good to discuss this with your doctor and wait for the tests he/she has ordered and then review the results. In the mean time, being aware of the withdrawal symptoms should help. You're doing good if you can just stick it out. Getting off a Z drug is very much like getting off a benzo which messes with your GABA receptors. Let us know how you fair, ok?
I found this when wd from this drug.
Evidence of drug abuse and dependency was found in case reports and small patient series. Dependency symptoms of severe rebound, severe anxiety, tremor, palpitations, tachycardia, and seizures were observed in some patients after withdrawal. Abuse occurred more commonly among patients with previous drug abuse or psychiatric illnesses. Many clinical trials have found evidence of rebound insomnia after recommended dosages were stopped, albeit for a minority of patients. Comparative studies of zopiclone and benzodiazepines or other “Z” drugs are conflicting.
I would suggest you speak with your Dr. as this drug is recommended for only 4 weeks at a time.. Hope this helps.
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Hi Rosemary349 Welcome to the forum. although I have never came off this drug I have been reading your responses on others threads and it sounds like any other opiate when stopping them.. That funny feeling in your legs is restless leg syndrome RLS This is where the saying comes from kicking drugs.. your legs feel as if they need to move all the time, This is why walking helps so much. Also Hot Baths with Epson's salts will force magnesium into your muscles and help. Our hot showers as many as you can.. They also sell a product called Hylands restful leg it helps . you can wrap your legs snugly in ace bandages our a heating pad/hot water bottle but movement is the best. The heart palpitations are probably from anxiety. I read you are going to the Dr. Clonidine is a Blood Pressure med they use for withdraw (wd) It will help with that and help the shakes.. Try to stay hydrated this is important It makes everything worse if you are dehydrated. a sports drink would be good for this. and eat. Keep a good attitude you are doing something good for yourself !! You can do this just keep moving forward.. lesa