why does zopiclone make me more paranoid?

[Stellata]

Any ideas?

Zopiclone seems to, on most mornings after taking it [rarely, at the most once a week, so like 3 weeks out of 4 kind of thing] make me more jittery and paranoid/hyper-vigilant.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to why?

I will try Google, but personal experiences, or science explained in plain English is always welcome!

[Stellata]

I'm taking it once a week or less. When I am unable to shut my mind down to sleep myself with just the mirtazapine, with the stress and everything.

[whirlpools]

This is an off-the-wall guess, and probably nothing to do with it at all, but sometimes our dreams affect how we are when we wake up, so maybe it has a different effect on the way you're dreaming?

[Stellata]

I don't remember dreaming at all last night...
Hmm...
Yeah.

[when.will.it.end]

Taking Zopiclone makes me go completely nuts. I don't really know how or why as I'm always off my face when I do it anyway. Speak to your doc?

[random.swirls]

You've seen what happens to me on zoplicone by my threads!!

I see things that arent there and become convinced people are trying to kill me (paranoia?) This is apparantly pretty standard with zopiclone

It whacks me out so I don't remember anything so if you are dreaming you may not remember it.

[perry_mason]

im not a fan of it either, it really mad e me loose the plot.

no idea why or how thogugh but obviously its a pretty common thing.

i like valium far better and IMO can handle that a lot more easily without problems. however, im pretty sure doctors think that Z-drugs are a lot less harmful than benzos (which they seem to have a fear of), even though i think studies are now showing they are the same if not worse.

[roiben]

Zopiclone is a hypnotic and will make you very drowsy - As I know it has quite a strong effect on you, Katie it may well be that you are experiencing the effect of being between an asleep and an awake state. This can cause hallucinations and parts of the dream world leaking into the awake world.

There is also the possibility that you are expriencing the hypnotic side effect that others have mentioned - that of mild psychosis. My understanding is that most people have these if they stay awake and do not sleep having taken the medication - but it sounds like you are describing feelings in the morning. It may be worth talking to your GP to see if they think the dose is wrong for you if you are experiencing such strong effects the next morning.

I know, that for me, zopiclone is a good medication - I get drowsy and it tends to need at least to 11:00 the next morning to wear of on the lower dose (longer on higher doses) with the standard metalic taste. Rarely have I experienced the psychosis side - but then for me, the psychosis is when I am tired and need the sleep the zopiclone provides.

Sorry that was waffly and long... hope it helps somewhat.

Roiben x

[Stellata]

Thanks everyone.

Roiben, I'm on 3.75 mg.

I don't think my GP would change anything. She'd say I was exaggerating, and to just deal with it if I take a dose [not in so many words, but close].

I don't know what to do.

[random.swirls]

If it's a side effect Katie I would say look at whether taking zopiclone is worthwhile?

For me getting sleep is the most important thing and thus i put up with the odd things that happen. If the paranoia etc. became to much then I would stop the zopiclone - what do you think is more important?

[roiben]

*leaves cuddles for Katie*

[Stellata]

Thanks all.

Irene, that's REALLY interesting what you say, I think you're onto something there...

I'm so tired right now, but will try to respond better tomorrow.