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
poster:CamW.
thread:113705
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020725/msgs/113747.html