A few Imovane questions

[Krisco]

I was given imovane as a sleep aid and found it ineffective at doses as high as 22.5 mg. I did find however, that worked wonders for my anxiety (i am on paxil for that right now, but it has yet to 'kick in'). At a recent doctors appointment i was given seroquel for sleep, which would replace the imovane. I had been meaning to ask him if i could continue taking the imovane in the daytime for the anxiety until the paxil kicked in but forgot. I phoned up the pharmacist the next day and asked him, and he siad that it would be all right to take it every 4-5 hours. I want to know, that since Imovane has never been used for anxiety, if i'm going to lose credibility with my doctor by saying it helps my anxiety.(i don't want to risk messing up my supply of paxil and seroquel over this). Or could its close relationship with benzos account for its relief of anxiety? Also, I found this while researching the drug and was wondering if it basically means that i can increase my dose safely as long as it stays well under 340 mg? For example 90mg would probably not kill me? thanks a lot for any responses.

"In voluntary or accidental cases of zopiclone overdosage involving doses up to 340 mg, the principal effects reported were prolonged sleep, drowsiness, lethargy and ataxia. Full manifestation of zopiclone overdosage can be expected to be consistent with its pharmacological activity i.e. somnolence, confusion and coma with reduced or absent reflexes. Treatment should be supportive and in response to clinical signs and symptoms. It should be borne in mind that multiple agents may have been ingested. "

 

[superbabydoc]

I am not surprised that Imovane reduces anxiety, given that it's effects are similar to benzo's. I have never heard of it being used in the daytime though, and while your Dr may be happy to take it this way if you ask him/her, the cost would probably be prohibitive (if paying privately), or your insurance may not cover it for an 'off label use'). This would depend where you are - I guess you would have to check. Re: the toxicity, I found one case where a woman died after taking 125mg plus alcohol.

I wonder whether taking higher doses would increase the risk of dependency (which can happen with zopiclone) and withdrawal effects on cessation.

I doubt you risk losing your scripts of Seroquel and Paxil, given that they both have no abuse potential, Dr's are usually quite happy to give them out even to people with a history of pharmaceutical abuse / dependency. However, not discussing the way you are taking the zopiclone could mean you lose this script, so I suggest you talk to him/her about it.

 

[Krisco]

your reply is greatly appreciated. how does one go about judging what would be a safe dose. could a person die from consuming 60mg without alcohol?

 

[Why am I here?]

Krisco

I'm sorry I didn't see this earlier as I'm in a similiar situation

I take paxil as well for anxiety but it seems to do the trick. The only multi use I would have for Imovane is to take it while IVing cocaine, as I found that really took the edge and paranoia off over the duration of use (off topic, but it wasn't a cure all in the end, and I can't even look at coke without getting sick now). Yet I can see how it would be somewhat effective for anxiety, as the onset definitelty calms you if you can stay awake past chosen dose. I find it a little too clumsy and heavy headed even at 7.5mg to use throughout the day though...

Anyhow... 15 mg always knocks me off my ass and to sleep. Under weird circumstances I've taken a 30 mg dose, which made me sleep too much and feel really drowsy and stupid all of the following day. From my experiences I am pretty sure I would not die from a 60 mg dose, and I have a very low tolerance to anything. Yet at the same time... that kind of dose would'nt make for too productive 24 a hours.

Funny though, as this raises a question regarding my own doctor not letting me use imovane anymore....