Xanax and sleep

Morning~

Does anyone know how long you can take xanax to help  you sleep? Im afraid of getting addicted...but If I don't sleep Im miserable with anxiety. Its a catch 22.

Sunshine :)

You'd be doing yourself a favor if you talked to your doctor about taking a sleeping pill like Zolpidem, Trazodone, etc. Relying on a benzo for that could lead to serious problems down the road.

Ive been on 4mgs of Xanax for around 7 years. I take it for panic attacks, not as a sleep aid. I would strongly advise that you dont use Xanax as a sleeping tablet, that you find something less addictive which is specifically made to aid with insomnia. That is not the purpose of Xanax- there are plenty of other good meds that are really effective with sleep. I would tread carefully with Xanax, its is powerfully addictive if not used correctly for its intended purpose.

Maz XX

Were you prescribed Xanax as a sleeping pill? My stepmother has been on it for sleep for years and in my opinion her doctor's license should be suspended or even revoked. It's malpractice.

Don't take it daily for sleep, like most of the others have said here. Not at all a good drug for that. I'm not sure there is a good drug for sleep but if there is one it's not Xanax.

Take care.

Trazadone for me, too, for about 7 years now.  100mg/night.  I also take 2mg. Klonapin (which is addictive, but I haven't had a problem with that and don't take all I am supposed to take during the day unless I'm having panic/PTSD symptoms.

I've tried Xanax and for my body type/structure or whatever it is that makes me tick - it makes me feel very loopy and almost scared when I was on it for awhile.

Trazadone is an anti-depressant that helps with anxiety and is taken only at night because of how it helps you get to sleep and stay asleep (ahhhhhhhhh).  It's really nice to be able to sleep when you've not been able to for years..

If you try it, let us know how it works for you!!

Julie O'

When I was diagnosed with PTSD about 10 years ago, my doctor put me on xanax--one during the day (as needed) and 3 at bedtime. They saved my life, as I just couldn't sleep. I've been on them ever since, and have not had any problems.

Yankee girl

Sunshine 29,

O honey please have your Dr. give U something else for sleep Xanax is very addictive thats 1 medication my PDr. will not give me. There are other med's for sleep and anxiety. Have your Dr. slowly take U off of that and put U on something else, I would never want U to get addicted to that, I have a family member that takes that. I have taken trazadone in the past and I never was addicted to it. Alot of other replys are telling U to try that, I think there right. Let us know how everything goes!


NES Non-Epelectic seizures or(psuedoseizures)
depression, anxiety

Hey Sunshine,

When I first started the Trazodone I was using up to 4 mg of Ativan per day..........wow, that was a lot of med. So my Pdoc wanted me down on the benzo and wanted me to try Trazodone for sleep. The first couple of nights I took 100mg and I still tossed and turned but by the third night I settled down and fell asleep. Now I use it every night. I may take up to 150 mg if I feel I need too. So give it sometime and do not expect an instant cure. Allow your body to accept this med and it will work for you.

I weaned off the Ativan completely and now have 2 mg Valium to use for day time anxiety on an as needed basis.

I live with anxiety in my daily life and have for many years. It is chronic for me and I work very hard trying to kick the "stinkin thinkin" to the curb as well as staying in the moment.

I also see a therapist. I see the therapist when I start to feel I am going downhill and need a good dose of "talking" and learning to turn my thoughts around. I have 27 years of living with anxiety and depression but I am able to tell you that I live a good life.

Gentle Hugs to you,

Kitt

Sunshine, have you tried relaxation CDs or yoga in the evening to get yourself in a more restful state? If you really don't want to take the 2 anti-depressants you can talk to your Dr about a longer acting Benzo like Klonopin. The addictive properties are still an issue, but it may be an option for you. I have been taking it for aboout 2yrs for sleep at various doses. I am now down to about 0.625mg due to therapy and using relaxation/deep breathing techniques, cutting out stimulants (caffiene, sugar, etc).

Good Luck

Sunshine,

I never think of Trazodone as an Antidepressant as it is given subtherapeutic dose for sleep. "The maximum dose for outpatients usually should not exceed 400 mg/day in divided doses" At a 100mg per day it is not really in the therapeutic zone for most people.

Try not to over-think this one and try the medications is my best advice.

Being unable to sleep is really a bad one for me so I use my meds. Just my Friday night's 2 cents worth sweetie.

Kitt

Well, I took Ambien last night...slept 5 hours solid...didnt even know i slept! I feel okay this morning..not drowsy like some people told me. who knows.....
Sunshine