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Xanax and sleep

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 1/3/2016 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
I came here to get some reasonable feedback on using xanax for sleep. I have a lot of issues sleeping and therefore have sleep anxiety. When I wake up at night and can't sleep, my .25 of xanax helps calm me down to sleep. The last few weeks, I have had a lot of problems sleeping. So I have needed every night. I am also on Lexapro for the last 6 weeks and my daytime anxiety is much better, but because of my sleep issues, nighttime is a problem.

My doctor claims it is such a low dose that it is not a problem. But of course all my internet searches claim I am going to be or are already addicted. It is the only time I use it, I do not use it during the day at all.

I was taking Trazodone, but it seems to have stopped working for me. I do have an appt with my doctor tomorrow to discuss other options.

Thank you for your feedback.
Posted 1/3/2016 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
I take xanax on very rare occasion and it works great. (Like you, I take .25 mg). But I am reluctant to take it much because I don't want to get addicted or build up a tolerance. So I keep it to a couple of times a year, or thereabout. Just when I REALLY need it.

For sleep, I like zaleplon, when I need a medication. Or sometimes Doxylamine Succinate 25 mg.

I have also tried passionflower tea. That can help calm me down before bedtime.

All this requires some trial and error. I think different things work with different people. And some of us are more willing to take meds, and others more reluctant.

I wish you all the best. Hopefully there will come a time when you will figure out why you are having trouble sleeping, and be able to address the underlying issues so that you can sleep well "naturally." That is the holy grail for all of us...
Posted 1/3/2016 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
Klonopin worked better for my sleep than xanax or ambien.
Klonopin is less intense but longer acting.

Last light I was pretty twisted so I did a
Guided sleep mediation when I was ready for bed. It really helped. There are tons of free ones online, I have several podcasts, some free, some a few dollars. Let me know if you need any rec's.
Posted 1/3/2016 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Would love some recommendations
Posted 1/3/2016 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
tlkat,

Have you tried Binarual Beats? (soundwave therapy) They work on the brain waves length and speed...and the links for sleep are very relaxing. Look them up on youtube, or let me know and I'll post you a direct link...or you can get a phone app! (I look mine up on youtube on my phone and use earphones so I don't disturb the hubs.)

This could be used alone, or with whatever you and your doctor decide at your appointment tomorrow to discuss Rx alternatives to your benzo.

Hope you get the answers and rest you seek through your consult tomorrow!

S.C.
Posted 1/3/2016 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
I used the iSleep easy app through Meditation Oasis it's $4.99, I don't even remember the end of it because I was already fast asleep.

Their website has a free one, look @ # 50 on the list:
http://www.meditationoasis.com/podcast/listen-to-podcast/

The Insight Timer app in the itunes app store is my go to for everyday meditation, it's free and they have sleep meditations too.

Regarding is trading Klonopin for Xanax is trading one problem for another, I suppose yes, you're trading one benzo for another. And yes, benzo's carry a risk of dependance, but not sleeping is no picnic either.
Posted 1/3/2016 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
Scaredy Cat,

Any particular ones on you-tube, there are so many of them.
Posted 1/4/2016 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
its kind of personal preference...

...some have just the soundwaves, and other have relaxing music in the foreground. Some are for short duration, while others can be hours long.

It just depends on what you need for the time. Just be sure you are clicking on the links for sleep (Theta and Delta waves) and not the ones used for alertness! ;)

S.C.
Posted 1/4/2016 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
Accept,

Yes I understand. I think my problem with sleeping is my anxiety, that is why I think xanax even though not a sleep aid, calms me down enough to fall asleep. I am currently upping my dose of Lexapro and hoping once it kicks in, it will no longer be an issue. I am just so scared of going to bed at night right now.
So I kind of accepted, that right now I need to sleep. I totally hate trying out new sleep meds. So afraid of addiction.

Thank you for all the info
Posted 1/4/2016 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Having anticipatory anxiety about sleep is just a cruel joke, dontcha think? We suffer and then we suffer about the thought of suffering. No fair! Hope the meds & meditation works.
Posted 1/4/2016 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Tikat, I used xanax for more than 10 years i have mentioned here many times i feel it saved my life and allowed me to hold a job and care for my family, i started with the 1.0 and over the years came down to the 0.25 like you i used it more for sleep but if i had a bad day i would take a half of the small one and it would get me through, once at home i was able to make it until bed time.
Now days i try to get to bed by 10pm i take a benadryl and start reading, most times i wake up with my glasses on and my book laying on my tummy, Please don't be afraid of your meds, the doctor knows best, i never had one bad day when i decided to quit taking them. Peace

Larry ***
Posted 1/4/2016 11:52 AM (GMT 0)
Larry,

Thank you for the reply. I know everyone was trying to help with the sleep suggestions, but I was more interested in people who take it for sleep and was able to discontinue without too many issues.

I had to take one again last night as my anxiety was through the roof going to bed. And then still had to take a unisom, but thank god I slept.

So you had no problem coming off them after that time? That is what I was hoping to hear. I know I need to increase my Lexapro to full dose and am hoping it helps like last time.
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