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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Linda from Sweden on July 25, 2002, at 16:22:30
Hi, I am on 20 mg of Celexa for anxiety and depression and have used 7.5 mg Imovane (zopiclone) for sleep every night for 3 months with good results, but now I have started to wake up after 3-4 hours of sleep.
Is it safe to take more than 7,5 mg of Imovane? I do not like to take Xanax every night, maybe I can alternate in any way?
Hope someone can answer me…..Linda
Posted by Ed O`Flaherty on July 25, 2002, at 16:55:57
In reply to Sleepmed..How much Imovane (Zopiclone) can I take?, posted by Linda from Sweden on July 25, 2002, at 16:22:30
Occasionally 15mg is taken.However you should try to reduce the need for hypnotics as soon as possible as there is a dependency problem,although less than in benzodiazepines.Try taking 5-10g of omega-3 fish oil at night and see if it helps-it does but only in some people.
Posted by CamW. on July 25, 2002, at 22:48:46
In reply to Sleepmed..How much Imovane (Zopiclone) can I take?, posted by Linda from Sweden on July 25, 2002, at 16:22:30
Linda - Always check with your doctor before adjusting doses of medications. It is important to have an alternate and objective view of your treatment and progress.
Zopiclone (Imovane™ - CDN) is a kinda weird drug. Taking more of it makes you sleep longer, but does not make you sleepier (at least, not much more sleepy). I have seen doses to 22.5mg (several times) and to 30mg (once). Quite frankly, I think that taking more than 15mg a night is counter-productive; the risk of a hangover effect the next day is greatly increased.
Also, as with other hypnotics, zopiclone can produce both a psychological and mild physical dependence when taken longterm. After awhile it is harder to get to sleep without it.
Perhaps ask your doc about trazodone (Desyrel™ - CDN); 50mg to 100mg works as a good, nonaddictive hypnotic in many people. It is also less likely to cause dependence than zopiclone; which itself is much less like to cause dependence than benzodiazepine hypnotics (eg. Restoril™ [temazepam], Halcion™ [triazolam], or Mogadon™ [nitrazepam]).
Again, before increasing the dose by yourself, it is wise to talk to your doc first.
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
Posted by mscrane on July 27, 2002, at 9:17:28
In reply to Sleepmed..How much Imovane (Zopiclone) can I take?, posted by Linda from Sweden on July 25, 2002, at 16:22:30
I too take Celexa(I have got myself down to 10mg) for depression, but I find it doesn't help much with the anxiety...which leads to the horrible experience of insomnia. I have taken Imovane(7.5mg), but it's very addictive and becomes less effective after time.
My psychiatrist now has me taking 0.5mg of Ativan at night (under my tongue) and it helps wonderfully with the anxiety, and the insomnia. I can take 2 ativans if my anxiety is bad (menstrual period, ect.)
I found the Imovane made me feel quite oogey during the day and the after-taste was especially nasty! You can take 2 at night, but it will only lead to eventually taking 3 and so on and so on. I have heard of someone taking SEVEN at night to sleep!!!!! Maybe ask your doctor to try the ativan??? You will have rebound insomina when you stop the Imovane, so be prepared for that, you may have to start with a high dose of Ativan and ease down to a lower dose.
I also have some lovely catnip tea before I go to bed, which relaxes me. Be weary of valerian root tea, as it made me feel awful...!!!
Insomina SUCKS!! I HATE IT!!!!! But we are here for you...let us know!
Posted by JonW on July 28, 2002, at 5:50:16
In reply to Sleepmed..How much Imovane (Zopiclone) can I take?, posted by Linda from Sweden on July 25, 2002, at 16:22:30
Hi Linda,
Have you tried ambien? I've used it to deal with insomnia caused by Nardil (which is usually more intractable than that caused by the SSRIs). Unfortunately, it only gives me about 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. However, it seems like it would have more of a fighting chance against an SSRI. I was a patient of Dr. Michael Liebowitz from Columbia and he had no problem with me taking 20 or 30mg of the stuff (manufacturer recommends no more than 10mg). He felt it very important to aggressively treat the insomnia, and I'm sure you agree! :) Also, have you tried over the counter things like Benadryl or Velarian? Velarian is sort of like a benzo but not at all addictive.
Pleasant dreams,
Jon ;)
This is the end of the thread.
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