Using herbals to break Zopiclone addiction

[baron samedi]

SWIM has been using Zopiclone for several months now and assumes he is pscychologically, if not physically, addicted.
He has quite a few sedative ethnobotanicals (valerian, kava, THP, skullcap etc). Could any of these be useful as an alternative sleeping-aid, so that SWIM doesn't have to use Zopiclone every night, so that he does not become too addicted?

[humdroid]

Valerian?
SWIM uses the tincture from holland and barrett (UK)
SWIM has also used the capsules.
Valerian is like a herbal sledgehammer, and a very good sleep/anti anxiety aid.
SWIM rates valerian so much, he compares it as good as valium 5mgs with out the bad bits.

[Panthers007]

I'll second the Valerian as a good anxiolytic. If one wants the dulling buzz of Valium (diazepam) - they won't like it. But for the job of relaxing the mind and allowing sleep, it works great. One suggestion: Take it with something high in vitamin C. Like rose-hips tea. That seems to potentiate it. Why I do not know.

Valerian was handed out to Londoners during Hitler's blitz in World War II to calm the frayed nerves of the citizenry.

[baron samedi]

Yes, SWIM has found when playing about with valerian before it has a definate effect on him, surprising given that it's legal and so easily obtainable.
Does SWIY think it would help him with any physical effects of Zopiclone withdrawl?
Also, is it true that it takes a while to build up in the body, before one feels its full effects?

[Panthers007]

Never heard that. But the method of usage in Europe, where it is much more widely used than the USA, would not support that. You might be thinking of St. John's Wort - which, like other anti-depressants, does take a few weeks to show activity.

Do remember: Just because these are natural products does not mean they are without risk or toxicity. Tread carefully.

<edit> I see no information on Zopiclone withdrawl, so SWIM might be the first to publish any results. Please ask SWIM to write up any findings carefully and articulately. Thanks!

[humdroid]

I'll second the Valerian as a good anxiolytic. If one wants the dulling buzz of Valium (diazepam) - they won't like it. But for the job of relaxing the mind and allowing sleep, it works great. One suggestion: Take it with something high in vitamin C. Like rose-hips tea. That seems to potentiate it. Why I do not know.

Valerian was handed out to Londoners during Hitler's blitz in World War II to calm the frayed nerves of the citizenry.
SWIM thanks you for the Vitamin C.
Maybe, unknowingly, that's why valerian is so good for SWIM, as it was used on comdowns from base, and SWIM used boatloads of Vitamin C when using base.

humdroid added 2 Minutes and 9 Seconds later...

Yes, SWIM has found when playing about with valerian before it has a definate effect on him, surprising given that it's legal and so easily obtainable.
Does SWIY think it would help him with any physical effects of Zopiclone withdrawl?
Also, is it true that it takes a while to build up in the body, before one feels its full effects?
SWIM would say, it's definitely worth a try, as it's strong stuff. If it can level a comedown in the same way a valium would, then SWIMS cat would say "go for it" Capsules or tincture.

humdroid added 3 Minutes and 1 Seconds later...

Yes, SWIM has found when playing about with valerian before it has a definate effect on him, surprising given that it's legal and so easily obtainable.
Does SWIY think it would help him with any physical effects of Zopiclone withdrawl?
Also, is it true that it takes a while to build up in the body, before one feels its full effects?
Sorry, forgot about last Q. SWIMs personal exerience shows it didnt need a buildup before effectiveness took hold. SWIM would get the strongest ones though, as SWIMS local chemist stocked weak ones, which you needed loads of. SWIM would suggest valerian root capsules or tincture.

[baron samedi]

Well, SWIM's method of taking valerian root in the past has been simply to swallow about 3 grams with water, which he does with most herbals that work well with this method. Maybe capsules would be more refined but as long as SWIM can tolerate the taste, he doubts it makes much differance.
Might even come on quicker by just swallowing it.

[Romulusza]

I buy Valerian in concentrated liquid form… Add about 10 drops to my fruit juice every night (actually like the taste, think it’s unique and pleasant), I find it effective, but still have my zopiclone as a backup and… I more often combined the two… Thanks for the vit c trick.. I’ll give it try, use to always take my 600mg in the morning :). One more thing.. Should put some thought into researching and trying melatonin.. Even if it doesn’t help you sleep, it has other health benefits.