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How To Wean Off Zopiclone?

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Posted on Mon, 22 Dec 2014
Question: I have been taking ZIPICLONE for 6 weeks and now I have the problem of how to stop taking this drug. I have been depressed since I lost my husband suddenly . I have been given TraZODone (Desyrel) 50mg every other day. Does this sound like a
reasonable way to discontinue Zipiclone. Thank-you. XXXX
p.s. I also have difficulty sleeping as I constantly can't deal with the loss of my husband.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Better to take trazodone

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.

At age of 78, most of people get physiological sleep disturbance and needs sleeping pills. In your case, reason of taking pills could be death of husband and age factor. In that case, definitely you need a pill to get sleep. If any patient gets problem in leaving benzodiazepine, then best solution is to shift him/her to alternate medicine like sedative antidepressant or low dose antipsychotic. In your case, trazodone is good option. It is sedative antidepressant and it would help to get sound sleep as well as keep your mood in balance. Better to take this without any worry.

If you have any more query, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (14 minutes later)
I have taken the first trazodone Hcl (50 mg) the first night yesterday and after 2 hrs,I was sick to my stomach and felt dizzy. It has been suggested that I take trazodone every second night with zopiclone between in order to stop taking zopiclone for a period of two weeks Is this a reasonable direction to follow?
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Take it daily at night

Detailed Answer:
HI

Usually antidepressant takes two weeks to show response, but sedative effect would come since first day. In that case, you need to take trazodone daily rather than on alternate day. Initial few days, antidepressant could lead to few gastric symptoms, but that would decrease with time. I would suggest to take trazodone daily at night and stop taking zopiclone. Rest, you can discuss with treating doctor.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (10 hours later)
When I take Trazodone 50mg on a daily basis, can it be expected that I will continue to be dizzy and sick to my stomach each time I take it........like every night? XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Can try trazodone at low dose

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Trazodone has good sedative effect. In case, you feel dizziness, you can decrease the dose upto 25mg or shift to another sedative antidepressant like mirtazapine. Gastric upset due to antidepressants are quiet common and in that case, you can try antacid with trazodone. Usually, such side effects stay for few days and get resolved on its own.

Please discuss with your treating doctor about the same.

In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Abhishek Kapoor

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2496 Questions

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How To Wean Off Zopiclone?

Brief Answer: Better to take trazodone Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query. At age of 78, most of people get physiological sleep disturbance and needs sleeping pills. In your case, reason of taking pills could be death of husband and age factor. In that case, definitely you need a pill to get sleep. If any patient gets problem in leaving benzodiazepine, then best solution is to shift him/her to alternate medicine like sedative antidepressant or low dose antipsychotic. In your case, trazodone is good option. It is sedative antidepressant and it would help to get sound sleep as well as keep your mood in balance. Better to take this without any worry. If you have any more query, you can ask. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist