Lunesta-Zopiclone Withdrawal and Detox
Lunesta-Zopiclone Info
Lunesta and Zopiclone are sleeping pills, used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. Classified as a non-benzodiazepine tranquiliser, Zopiclone is a central nervous system depressant. Typically, it is taken in tablet form and administered during alcohol rehab to provide relief from withdrawal symptoms. Both drugs are prescribed foe short-term use, as they have a high potential for abuse, possibly causing addiction in as little as two to three weeks.
If you become addicted to any of these drugs, you could keep taking the pills even after your prescription has expired. You would most likely begin to crave the drug; use it to ‘get high’; feel you’ll be worse off if you stop taking the pills; and could isolate yourself from loved ones. Addiction can have severe consequences if left unattended – from physical ailments caused by withdrawal to psychological and social problems.
Once you realise that you or a loved one have become dependent on any of these drugs, it’s important to seek professional medical help immediately. In order to break the habit of abuse, you’ll need to be rehabilitated, with the first step to recovery being detoxification (or ‘detox’). When you detox, your body rids itself of drug toxins as it adjusts to a normal state of functioning.
Withdrawal is accompanied by detox and can range from mildly uncomfortable to extremely distressing, depending on factors such as the quantity and frequency of usage, your unique body makeup and whether you’ve been abusing other substances simultaneously. Professional medical assistance is important at this stage, because medications may need to be administered to help ensure your safety and comfort during withdrawal.
What is Lunesta-Zopiclone Withdrawal?
Withdrawal refers to a set of symptoms experienced when you drastically reduce your dosage or suddenly stop using a substance upon which your body has come to depend. Symptoms may be physical or psychological in nature and may range from mild to severe, depending on your drug use pattern and unique biological features. While it is different for everyone, withdrawal may begin within about 12 hours after the last intake.
In order to prevent a painful withdrawal, a slow detox recommended, achievable by means of a tapering schedule. When applying a taper, a medical practitioner will place you on a schedule, allowing for gradual reduction of your dosage until you are completely weaned off the drug. The tapering process will be monitored as you progress, with adjustments made where necessary. You could also be given medications to help with symptoms, if necessary.
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Causes of Lunesta-Zopiclone Withdrawal
Withdrawal is caused by the sudden removal or drastic dosage reduction of a drug upon which you’ve become dependent. If you are dependent, this means your body needs that particular substance to function normally. Central nervous system depressants like Lunesta and Zopiclone cause some of your body’s crucial functions to slow down, while increasing the amount of the brain’s natural tranquiliser, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
While these drugs can help to correct GABA imbalances – and thus, aid restful sleep – they can worsen the naturally-occurring imbalance if used for a long period of time or in large amounts, after which dependency forms. At this point, if you suddenly stop using the drug, you could cause a ricochet effect, wherein you begin to experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms as your brain tries to adjust and regain a natural balance.
Phases of Lunesta-Zopiclone Withdrawal
There are two primary phases of withdrawal: acute and post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). The acute phase is the initial stage or early onset of withdrawal, experienced within the first few days or weeks of detox. During this stage, you’re likely to experience a range of unpleasant physical symptoms of withdrawal. The tapering technique is used primarily to help circumvent the difficult symptoms experienced during this phase.
Post-acute withdrawal is the final stage of withdrawal, wherein you may have to deal with more severe emotional and psychological symptoms, whilst experiencing less physical symptoms of withdrawal. At this stage, your brain will have been through the worst of the changes, slowly returning to its normal state of functioning. You’re likely to experience some of the same symptoms as before, but to a more manageable degree.
Lunesta-Zopiclone Withdrawal Symptoms: What to Expect
When you begin detox, you can expect withdrawal symptoms to begin sometime between five and twelve hours since your last intake. The first week is likely to be the worst, as your symptoms peak before they eventually begin to subside. Once the acute phase of withdrawal is over, you might begin to experience post-acute withdrawal, which can last several months. Over time, there may be periods when you won’t experience PAWS – only for them to return again for a period.
Some symptoms you could experience include: rebound insomnia, tremors, sweating, vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches, crazy dreams, dizziness, fatigue, memory problems, insomnia, headache, depression and anxiety. While Lunesta and Zopiclone are often compared to benzodiazepines, withdrawal from these sleeping pills should be significantly easier and less intense, even though symptoms may be similar.
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Timeline of Lunesta-Zopiclone Withdrawal
You might begin to experience withdrawal symptoms any time within the first 48 hours or so since quitting. There is no set timeframe, so the timeline of withdrawal tends to differ from one person to another. However, a general timeline is provided below to give you an idea of what to expect.
Days 3 to 7: During this period, symptoms may peak, while your rebound symptoms start to reduce over a period of a few days. After your rebound symptoms have passed, you could still have to deal with sleeping problems, even though these issues would have reduced in intensity. Nausea, fatigue and irritability can also be expected at this time.
Days 8 to 21: During this time, your symptoms should become less severe, completely fading over time. You could still have trouble sleeping however.
Day 22 and beyond: Any symptoms that remain at this point should be mild and you may begin to experience PAWS, which could peak four to eight weeks after cessation of drug use.
What is Lunesta-Zopiclone Detoxification?
Detox is a process by which your body rids itself of drug toxins and paves the way for further treatment. Detox is necessary, because the presence of the drug in your system has to be eliminated for healing to commence. If your addiction is severe, the best way to detox would be to do so in a professional setting, where you can enjoy the benefit of medical supervision.
A medical detox programme ensures you can detox safely and with minimal discomfort. This is important, because quitting abruptly or drastically reducing your regular dosage can throw your body off kilter, as it tries to return to a state of balance. This can result in severe symptoms of withdrawal, especially if you’ve been abusing drugs for a long time or using them in high doses.
Lunesta-Zopiclone Detox Process
The process of detox and withdrawal are important first steps in defining your treatment plan. The presence of Lunesta-Zopiclone in your system can skew good judgement and cause you to rationalise continued usage, so a period of not consuming drugs at all is necessary for achieving a stable state of mind. Essentially, the detox process provides a much-needed opportunity for you to recognise the addiction and consider further treatment.
Before you begin a detox programme, you must go through an evaluation stage wherein your addiction is identified and any underlying psychological or medical conditions are uncovered. The next stage in the detox process is stabilisation wherein withdrawal begins. Your physician may recommend medications to help with symptoms. Finally, the process is completed by a stage of fostering entry into further treatment, that is, therapy.
Home Detox
If you’re looking to detox via the easiest method possible, you may wonder if it is feasible to do so at home on your own. While it is possible to detox at home, it’s not always the best route to take, depending on the severity of your addiction and the nature of any underlying conditions which might cause complications during withdrawal. Home detox doesn’t always work and could in fact be unsafe – not to mention that it can be extremely uncomfortable.
Medical detox is recommended over home detox, because at a proper detox clinic, you’ll have access to round-the-clock medical care. This is crucial, because complications could arise, especially if you have an underlying condition. If you must detox at home, consult a physician first to determine whether you’re fit enough to do so. In the event that you are found to have an underlying condition or a severe addiction, you are best opting for a medical detox.
Why Detoxification at Home can be Harmful
Detoxifying at home can be dangerous to your health, as it is not entirely safe – especially if your addiction is severe or you have an underlying condition that can cause complications. In the event that complications do occur, not having immediate medical attention can prove harmful. There’s also the danger of overdosing if you happen to give in to temptation and subsequently relapse. An overdose can lead to serious health problems if you have no one to take you to hospital.
If opting for home detox, you could decide to use a home detox kit, but this isn’t advised. Drug detox kits are unsafe, as they are general products not designed for unique individual needs. Also, detox varies widely from one person to the next. Such kits don’t take into consideration issues like multiple substance abuse or the nature of any co-occurring conditions.
Medically Supervised Lunesta-Zopiclone Withdrawal Detox
The best way to detox is by taking the medically supervised route. Withdrawal and detox can be dangerous and uncomfortable, depending on the nature of your particular drug problem. The severity of withdrawal can be affected by factors such as how much of the drug you’ve been taking; how long you’ve been taking it; whether you’ve been abusing multiple substances; and the nature of any co-occurring psychological or physical conditions.
When medical staff are constantly on standby, you will have all the professional help you need if complications do arise. The detox and withdrawal process will also be significantly less uncomfortable, since you will most likely be prescribed medications to help deal with the most challenging of your symptoms. Also, if you have any underlying conditions, they can be treated simultaneously alongside your substance use disorder.
Medications Used during Lunesta-Zopiclone Detox
Various medications could be prescribed for dealing with different symptoms, depending on what withdrawal and detox are like for you personally. For instance, benzodiazepines may be prescribed for reducing irritability and anxiety. However, physicians prefer to be cautious about administering ‘benzos’ due to their addictive nature.
If you suffer from depression during detox, antidepressants may be prescribed. Among the most popular options are Prozac and Zoloft. Due to addiction, your brain will be unable to produce sufficient amounts of happiness-inducing chemicals, subsequently leading to depression. Antidepressants stimulate production of the necessary hormones until your brain is able to do so on its own again.
Treatment for Withdrawal
Treatment for withdrawal can take on various forms, but the goal is the same: to ensure the safest possible and most comfortable withdrawal, while your body returns to its normal state of functioning. It’s for this reason that the tapering technique is used and medications are administered to control certain symptoms. Treatment is tailored according to your individual needs, so you can be certain of enrolling on a programme that’s perfectly suited to you.
Treatment can occur on both an inpatient or outpatient basis. Inpatient or residential treatment is the preferred option for addictions ranging from moderate to severe, because it allows for round-the-clock medical supervision. Conversely, outpatient treatment does not require you to reside in the treatment facility until the programme has been completed. The better option for you will depend on your unique circumstances.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.
Withdrawing from Lunesta-Zopiclone: Treatment Methods and Options
The most widely used treatment method for facilitating withdrawal from Lunesta-Zopiclone is tapering, which allows you to gradually reduce your dosage until you’re completely weaned off the drug. A physician will place you on a tapering schedule, which will determine what percentage of your current dosage will be reduced week after week, until you no longer need to use the drug. A tapering schedule can be applied in both inpatient and outpatient treatment.
Holistic and complementary treatment methods can also be beneficial, as Lunesta and Zopiclone are sleep aids, so withdrawal is likely to negatively affect your ability to sleep. In order to promote healthy sleep habits, regular treatment may be combined with fitness programmes, nutritional meal planning, massage therapy, chiropractic care, mindfulness techniques, meditation, and yoga.
Drug treatment for withdrawal
Medication has come to play a crucial role in managing withdrawal and ensuring that detox is as safe and comfortable as possible. Depending on the symptoms that manifest and how severe they are, you may be given medication to help provide relief. Among the most popular kinds are antidepressants, which can help relieve symptoms of depression, until your brain can produce the natural happiness-inducing chemicals once more.
Another common side effect of withdrawal is anxiety; to provide relief, anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed. Withdrawal is a threat to successful treatment – especially the outpatient variety, as symptoms can be so distressing that you’re pushed towards a relapse. Drugs can literally save the day by helping to reduce or even eliminate the most uncomfortable of your symptoms. This is why the best option for detox and withdrawal is to work closely with a medical professional.
Guided Lunesta-Zopiclone therapy
Guided therapy can take various forms, but perhaps the most well-known is Guided Meditation Therapy. This entails meditating as a trained practitioner guides you in person, by video recording, or sound recording (or a combination). In many cases, visual imagery is used to describe certain scenarios, with the intention of invoking certain experiences, thoughts, or moods. Essentially, the practitioner tries to help you subdue negative thoughts by focusing on positive emotions.
During meditation, your body and mind relax. This causes your brain to stop releasing the natural stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, and slows down your heart rate. As a result, symptoms of depression and anxiety are also reduced. Guided therapy can accelerate addiction recovery, as it can help your brain relearn natural methods of stimulating production of its neurotransmitters again. Not only can it make you happier, but it can reduce cravings as well.
Live a Drug-Free Again
No matter how deep in the pit of addiction you think you are, it’s possible to dig yourself out with a bit of help. So, get the treatment you need and live a drug-free life again, not only for your own good but for the interest of your family and others around you. You can take the first step and seek treatment today, because the sooner, the better.
Attaining freedom from addiction and maintaining lifelong abstinence can be achieved once you put in the effort. While treatment can be a great help in getting you on the right path, you’ll need to maintain the momentum and continue on the path of recovery for as long as you need to – for life if necessary. Make the most of whatever support system you have and be sure to stay focused on your goal of lifelong abstinence.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.
Preventing relapse
A relapse occurs when you return to using drugs – even after you’ve successfully completed an addiction treatment programme. The risk of relapsing is always there – especially since cravings may occur, even long after you stop using drugs. In order to successfully avoid relapse, it’s important to have a proper plan for preventing relapse. It is for this reason that most rehab centres devise some form of relapse prevention strategy to help you cope once you’re discharged.
The most important step you can take to prevent relapse is to avoid exposing yourself to triggers and stressors. To do this, identify what your triggers and stressors are; for example, whether they are people and places that remind you of drug use or situations that leave you stressed. You’ll also need to learn how best to manage cravings, so they don’t overwhelm you when they surface.
Tips for Handling Cravings
Cravings can be difficult to deal with, but are to be expected, because they can occur at any time, even long after you quit taking Lunesta-Zopiclone. When they do surface, one of the most effective ways to deal with them is to speak to a family member or friend who is supportive of your recovery journey. Another effective tactic is to meditate. This is something you can do anywhere at any time, and it’s a great way to calm the body and clear the mind.
You might also want to take a walk for exercise and fresh air. You can try any other form of exercise as well, but taking a walk may be the best option if you happen to be in an environment with easy access to Lunesta and Zopiclone. It’s also a good idea to immerse yourself in a new hobby once you leave treatment, so there’ll be something to keep you busy once cravings begin. Distraction can be a fantastic way to get your mind off drugs.
Find a treatment centre
The first step to successfully treating your addiction is seeking the help you need. There are several options for treatment scattered across the UK and beyond, so you can rest assured there is no shortage of treatment facilities.
It can be difficult to find the right treatment centre for yourself or a loved one if you’ve never had to before. Speak to a local addiction expert, who can help you find an option that suits your needs. Alternatively, get in touch with an addiction helpline that can connect you with facilities anywhere in the UK and abroad. Regardless of where the facility is located, the most important consideration is that it suits your needs perfectly.
FAQs
How Long Does Lunesta-Zopiclone Withdrawal Last?
It is difficult to determine an exact duration of withdrawal, as everyone will have a different experience. If you‘ve been using any of these drugs at a low dose and for short period of time, you might hardly notice any symptoms of withdrawal; even if they do occur, they will most likely be mild. However, if you’ve been using Lunesta or Zopiclone at a relatively high dose over a long period of time (possibly even years), withdrawal could be tough for you.
The manner in which you detox also matters. If slowly tapering off Lunesta-Zopiclone, you’re likely to experience minimal symptoms; if they occur at all, they may not reach the point of being protracted. On the other hand, if you’ve been using high doses and then quit ‘cold turkey’, you may well experience protracted withdrawal symptoms. Generally, withdrawal should last a few weeks and no more. However, symptoms can last for months if your case is a severe one.
Are There any Home Remedies for Getting Clean Safely?
There are a number of remedies you can try at home to help make withdrawal less of dangerous. While home remedies may help with some symptoms, it’s best to consult an addiction specialist before you proceed to detox at home. That said, one of the most beneficial remedies is consuming more nutritious foods and drinks. For instance, green smoothies are extremely beneficial – as are raw vegetables and fruit juices.
Since Lunesta and Zopiclone affect GABA levels, a supplement that can convert glutamine into GABA will be particularly useful. One such example is pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P), which is the active form of vitamin B6. Another beneficial supplement would be vitamin C, while other effective options include ashwaganda, valerian, passiflora and amino acid L taurine, combined with magnesium. Also, it’s important to drink a lot of water whilst you detox in order to stay hydrated.
How Long Does It Take to Detox from Lunesta-Zopiclone?
There is no specific duration set in stone for detoxing from Lunesta-Zopiclone, as this may differ from one person to another, based on various factors. For instance, you could experience a shorter detox duration from the next person if you haven’t used the drug as frequently (and in smaller doses) Potential complications and the nature of any co-occurring disorders can also affect the duration of detox.
The method of detox also matters, because doing so using the tapering method is likely to take more time than quitting ‘cold turkey’. When you taper slowly, the drug will remain in your system for weeks after you quit. There is also the rapid detox method, which can take as little as two days to complete.
Can You Die from Lunesta-Zopiclone Withdrawal?
While the likelihood of dying from withdrawal is low, it is possible if withdrawal is mishandled. If proceeding to detox without seeking medical advice first, you may end up experiencing unexpected complications, due to a possible underlying physical or mental condition you were unaware of.
Even the symptoms of withdrawal themselves can lead to complications. For instance, you could become dehydrated or inhale the contents of your stomach if you vomit excessively. While you might be able to prevent dehydration by drinking enough fluids, you would need medical care to avoid developing an infection if vomit ends up in your lungs. There’s also the danger of a fatal overdose if you relapse during withdrawal, when your tolerance levels would have been lowered.
Can Medications Help?
Yes, medications can be a great help for handling many of the withdrawal symptoms you could experience, as well as helping to reduce the discomfort of withdrawal. For example, antidepressants can alleviate symptoms of depression.
When symptoms of withdrawal are reduced or eliminated with the help of certain medications, not only will this process be safer, but your mind will be in better shape to receive further treatment. If your symptoms are under control, you might not even have to wait until withdrawal is over before you commence therapy.
Why is Detox Necessary for Recovery?
In order for treatment to commence and recovery to be possible, you need to be free of the drug’s effects and break the cycle of physical addiction. Detox is important, as it helps you to achieve this.
What Is Lunesta-Zopiclone Withdrawal?
Withdrawal is a set of uncomfortable symptoms, which manifest as a result of your body trying to adjust to the absence of a substance upon which it has come to rely for normal functioning. Lunesta and Zopiclone are central nervous system depressants that enhance your ability to relax and sleep better, due to their GABA-enhancing effects. By the time you become dependent upon these substances, your brain will have become used to a certain level of GABA being present.
If you suddenly stop using any of these drugs, your brain is thrown off kilter as it struggles to maintain its normal conditions of functioning. This can actually cause your natural GABA imbalances to worsen. Some of the symptoms you can experience during withdrawal include: mood swings, memory impairment, tremors, vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches, depression, anxiety, fatigue, rebound insomnia, strange dreams, dizziness and difficulty concentrating.
Is Lunesta-Zopiclone Withdrawal Dangerous?
Withdrawal from these drugs is not as severe or dangerous as withdrawal from other types of drugs such as benzodiazepines, which induce similar withdrawal symptoms. However, it can be dangerous if not properly handled. Sleeping pills have the tendency to be underestimated, but they shouldn’t be. They can cause dependence after using them daily for only two weeks, causing a huge shock when you experience withdrawal symptoms after you stop using them abruptly.
It’s best to consult your doctor first, before you stop using Lunesta-Zopiclone, especially if you have a severe addiction, as you’re likely to suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms if you quit ‘cold turkey’ or drastically reduce your dosage. It is possible to experience symptoms such as excessive vomiting, panic attacks and seizures – all of which can be extremely dangerous. In order to avoid symptoms that may prove fatal, it’s best to detox in a rehab centre.
Can I Find Help?
Yes, you can. Help for addiction is available and accessible. You can reach out to a local addiction counsellor to help find the right treatment programme for you. If you can’t find one, call an addiction helpline for prompt assistance.
Another option is to visit your doctor and ask for advice with regards quitting Lunesta Zopiclone. You could also seek help from people who’ve been in a similar situation as yours by attending a 12-step group, such as Narcotics Anonymous.
Are there ways to prevent or reduce withdrawal symptoms?
Yes, there are. In fact, the treatment approaches for managing withdrawal are intended to significantly reduce or prevent symptoms. For instance, medications are often used to reduce the intensity of certain withdrawal symptoms.
The tapering method is another approach intended to prevent withdrawal symptoms. As your dosage is gradually reduced over time, your system gets used to each smaller dose, until you don’t need the substance anymore, thereby eliminating or significantly reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Can you experience Withdrawal from using Lunesta-Zopiclone?
Yes, you can experience withdrawal if suddenly stop using either drug. Both Lunesta and Zopiclone can cause dependence and addiction in as little as two to three weeks. Withdrawal occurs when you suddenly stop using a drug your body has come to depend upon. Therefore, it’s important to stick to the prescription provided by your doctor.
The longer you’ve been taking any of these drugs (and the more you’ve taken with each dose), the more likely it is for withdrawal to be intense and longer- lasting. The symptoms you experience may include mood swings, dizziness, trouble concentrating, nausea and vomiting, rebound insomnia, stomach cramps, headaches, depression, anxiety and fatigue, amongst others.
How do you Care for Someone Going Through Withdrawal?
Inpatient rehabilitation is not always possible, but that doesn’t mean your loved one has to be deprived of the necessary care and support. You can assist by helping them to keep to their treatment plan – even at times when they feel like giving up.
Do your best to keep the environment as stress-free and peaceful as possible. Also, you can help by administering medication and providing emotional support.
Without undergoing detox, your mind won’t be adequately prepared for the next stage of treatment, which is therapy and counselling.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.