Sleeping pills how long to take effect

Many people with insomnia wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to go back to sleep. There is one sleeping pill that is FDA approved for sleep maintenance insomnia. Intermezzo can be taken in the middle of the night. You should take it when you have at least four hours of bedtime left. Talk to your doctor to determine if a sleeping pill is right for you. Another effective treatment option is c ognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.

CBT-I helps you learn new strategies to sleep better. Treatment may include methods such as stress reduction, relaxation and sleep schedule management. Ask your doctor if these are safe for you. A type of short-term counseling called cognitive-behavioral therapy CBT may be a better option for you. Some newer drugs may cost even more. Your doctor visits are added costs. Over time, CBT may cost less. For CBT, you may need only six one-hour sessions.

Usually, you meet with a psychologist trained in CBT for insomnia. Sleeping pills may be helpful if you have short-term insomnia caused by a stressful event—such as a death in the family, a major illness, or a divorce. This is more likely to happen if you take zopiclone with alcohol or other medicines for mental health problems like depression or anxiety.

This is because your body gets used to this medicine quickly, and after this time it's unlikely to have the same effect. If you still have sleeping problems after finishing your course of zopiclone, try the lifestyle changes recommended below. They can help you come off your medicine gradually if you have been taking it for a long time, or if you're worried about becoming dependent on it. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without telling your doctor, as you may get withdrawal symptoms.

You may also feel anxious, restless, have mood changes, and become very sensitive to light, noise and being touched. Speak to your doctor about coming off zopiclone. They may suggest that you reduce your dose of zopiclone slowly, over a few days or weeks, to prevent withdrawal symptoms. But if you have been taking zopiclone for less than a month, you're unlikely to have any of these symptoms. Do not drive a car, ride a bike or operate machinery if zopiclone makes you sleepy during the daytime, gives you blurred vision, or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions.

This may be more likely when you first start taking zopiclone, but could happen at any time — for example, when starting another medicine. It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive. UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking zopiclone.

There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking zopiclone will reduce fertility in either men or women. But speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment. Zopiclone does not affect how contraception works, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.

Do not drink caffeine-containing drinks like coffee, cola or energy drinks while you're on zopiclone. Alcohol and zopiclone together can make you sleep very deeply, so you do not breathe properly and can have difficulty waking up. If this happens to you, do not do any activities that require you to be fully alert, such as driving, cycling, or using tools or machinery.

Talk to your doctor if you think you might use recreational drugs while you're taking zopiclone. There are a number of things you can do to help yourself beat insomnia :.

Some people find sleeping tablets you can buy in a pharmacy helpful. But these do not cure insomnia and can have unwanted side effects. Page last reviewed: 30 January Next review due: 30 January Zopiclone On this page About zopiclone Key facts Who can and cannot take zopiclone How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.

About zopiclone Zopiclone is a type of sleeping pill that can be taken to treat bad bouts of insomnia. It helps you fall asleep more quickly, and also helps stop you waking up during the night. This medicine is only available on prescription. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

What if I take too much? Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:. Go to Common side effects A common side effect is a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth or a dry mouth. Serious side effects Some people can get serious side effects with zolpidem. Stop taking zolpidem and call a doctor as soon as possible if you: develop memory loss amnesia see or hear things that are not real hallucinations fall over — particularly if you are over the age of 65 think things that are not true — these are called delusions feel low or sad — this could be a sign of depression Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to zolpidem.

Information: You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme. Zolpidem and breastfeeding If a doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it's OK to take zolpidem while breastfeeding. Do not share a bed with your baby if you're taking zolpidem. Non-urgent advice: Tell a doctor or a pharmacist if you're:. Speak to a doctor or a pharmacist before starting on zolpidem if you take any of the following: drowsy antihistamines such as chlorphenamine or promethazine medicines to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder medicines to treat depression medicines for epilepsy medicines to calm or reduce anxiety medicines for sleep problems medicines used to treat fungal infections such as ketoconazole and itraconazole ritonavir a medicine used to treat HIV infections strong painkillers such as codeine , methadone, morphine , oxycodone, pethidine or tramadol Mixing zolpidem with herbal remedies and supplements Do not take any herbal remedies that make you feel sleepy while taking zolpidem.

These can increaase the drowsy sedating effects of your medicine. Important For safety, tell a doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

How does zolpidem work? How long will it take to work? Zolpidem should work within 1 hour of taking it. How will zolpidem make me feel? Will I sleepwalk with zolpidem? If this happens to you, stop taking zolpidem and go back to the doctor for advice. How long will I take it for? You'll usually be prescribed zolpidem for just 2 to 4 weeks.

See the doctor again if these changes do not help. Can I get addicted to zolpidem? If you just take it for a few weeks, you're unlikely to become addicted to zolpidem. However, you may become dependent on this medicine if you take it for longer than 4 weeks.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice about stopping zolpidem. Is it safe to take for a long time? What will happen when I stop taking it? If you have been taking zolpidem for less than 4 weeks, you're unlikely to have any problems. Can I drive or ride a bike? UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking zolpidem.

Will it affect my fertility? Will it affect my contraception? Is there any food or drink I need to avoid? Caffeine has the opposite effect of zolpidem on your body and stops it working.

Can I drink alcohol with it?