I’ve been on Zaleplon 10 mg for a few weeks now, usually 2-3 times a week, and it works really well to put me to sleep. The issue is, I do have concerns about long-term use.
I’ve read some sites that say it has low potential for dependency, especially compared to the benzodiazepines, but I don’t want to be overcautious.
Does anyone here have experience taking Zaleplon regularly for many months or more?
Did you have any withdrawal when quitting?
Any advice on how to avoid developing a tolerance?
Can it be used safely without impacting REM sleep or memory?
Good afternoon Elan … How lucky you are. I have Parkinson’s & take Sinemet which causes insomnia, Rem sleep & nightmares. There is no way that my Gp will give me sleeping pills as they are addictive. I have begged & begged. Instead they put me on other pills like Clonazepam, which is also addictive & you are only to take it for 2 to 4 weeks. I have been on it for 6 months.
I was in hospital for a day & could not sleep & they gave me 8 Zopiclone sleeping pills.
Bliss i had 8 wonderful nights sleep, but all gone now & I am on Clonazepam & Melatonin which leave me exhausted for most of the day.
In your position I would carry on taking these pills that clearly work … take it from me the alternatives are way worse on every level.
Best wishes
Steve2
Zopiclone and Zaleplon are both non-benzodiazepine hypnotics used to treat insomnia, but they differ in their duration of action and potential side effects. Zaleplon has a very short half-life (1 hour) and a rapid onset, making it suitable for individuals who have trouble falling asleep. Zopiclone has a longer half-life (3.5-6.5 hours) and a more gradual onset, potentially leading to more residual side effects but also providing a longer duration of sleep.