Insomnia can make life difficult. If you want to shift to sleeping pills and want to know to take alprazolam for sleep, keep reading!
Are you lying awake in bed for a long time, and it’s already past 2 am? Do you have insomnia? Do you plan to pop a Xanax (Alprazolam) so that you can fall asleep? If yes, you are on the right page. This blog will cover all the aspects of Xanax, and if you don’t know how to take alprazolam for sleep, stay tuned!
If you have insomnia or suffer from sleep problems and want help but don’t want to wait in long queues, then beat the traffic and book an online consultation at Therapy Fleet now. Our online medical healthcare provider can help with your diagnosis, and the Xanax prescription is just a click away.
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Does Sleep Aid Like Xanax Work?
After a long and hectic day at work, you only want a good night’s sleep. You prepare for bed, wishing to get one, but alas! It is past midnight, and you are tossing and turning, tormenting your partner too. Insomnia is a living nightmare, and almost all adults, at some point in their lives, suffer from it. Insomnia is not only the ability to sleep at night; it is a sleep disorder that affects blood pressure and keeps you tired and unable to concentrate the other day. A study showed that about 35% of American adults sleep < 7 hours at night, whereas the ideal is about 8 hours. Long-term insomnia can make you feel tired all the time.
To battle insomnia, people listen to calming music and white sounds; some drink caffeine-free tea and whatnot. When these don’t work, some people opt for over-the-counter supplements, such as melatonin. And some, tormented with lack of sleep, don’t take chances and go straight for alprazolam or Xanax. However, they don’t know how to take alprazolam for sleep and end up with adverse side effects.
Xanax is one of the most common prescription medications used for treating anxiety disorders. Although off-label, people use it to conquer insomnia. It does help in dozing off, but let’s be straight. They are not a viable option for insomnia, and wrong drug administration can lead to adverse reactions. More reasons are below the blog.
Xanax Mode of Action
Alprazolam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines or benzos. It is usually used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Unlike other SSRIs and SNRI antidepressants, Xanax offers immediate relief from anxiety symptoms and helps people with sleep disorders.
Xanax binds to GABA, a gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor responsible for feeling calm and relaxed. GABA is a neurotransmitter that regulates the central nervous system and calms the effects of anxiety and panic.
Can Xanax Make You Sleep?
Xanax helps people feel calm and relaxed. When relaxed, you naturally feel tired and sleepy. Therefore, people who have trouble sleeping at night use Xanax. This is what benzodiazepines do. They slow down the body, including sleep, just like Ativan. Although it is not FDA-approved for treating insomnia, since it helps, many medical professionals prescribe it for insomnia. They will also tell you how to take alprazolam for sleep.
So basically, yes, Xanax can make you sleep. However, using it long-term is not recommended as it belongs to Schedule 4 drugs, and they are habit-forming. So, please do not use it without a prescription and a doctor’s recommendation. Otherwise, legitimate issues and harmful effects will follow.
Note- Follow the medical advice the healthcare provider gave on how to take alprazolam for sleep.
How to Take Alprazolam for Sleep?
If your doctor has prescribed you Xanax for insomnia, use it as directed by the doctor. Please do not alter the dose, use it more frequently than recommended, and never take double doses. You should strictly follow ways on how to take alprazolam for sleep.
Risks of Alprazolam
Although Xanax will make you fall asleep, which people tormented with insomnia would love. Now, before you look for a way how to take alprazolam for sleep, read through the risks and potential side effects of Alprazolam when used for longer periods.
Alprazolam is not recommended for long durations. Remember, we discussed that it was never meant to be used as a sleeping aid in the first place. So, if you keep using it even after the recommended periods, the drug will lose its effectiveness, plus it leads to physical dependence. Not many studies have shown Benzos’ effectiveness as a sleeping pill; however, the ones have shown a decrease in effectiveness over time. This means that at first, Xanax will help with sleep, but eventually will make insomnia worse. This is called rebound insomnia. A time will come when you can’t sleep at all without alprazolam.
Even if you know how to take alprazolam for sleep correctly, it will impact your non-REM sleep, which is the deepest level of sleep. Non-Rem sleep is responsible for processing memory, cognitive functions, and learning. When you take Xanax for sleep, your non-REM decreases.
Xanax can lead to substance abuse and addiction. This is why many healthcare providers prescribe it for short-term use only. People often use higher doses for recreational purposes. In case of an emergency, seek medical attention right away.
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Alprazolam and Withdrawal
If you have been using Xanax for ages now and stop it out of the blue, you will suffer from what is known as withdrawal symptoms. You may feel weak, have insomnia, dizzy, irritable, and will have anxiety. (Some medical condition requires medical attention) The duration of the withdrawal effects depends on the dose and the duration you were on it. Discussing this with your medical officer before stopping any medication is highly recommended. Your doctor will taper off the dose to reduce side effects.
Possible Side Effects of Xanax
Like all other mental health condition medications, you will notice some side effects when you start using Xanax during the first few weeks of the treatment. You don’t need to worry, as they will resolve independently. In case of an adverse reaction, please seek medical help immediately. Please use all prescription drugs as per the doctor’s instructions to avoid the risk of side effects.
- Depression
- Severe Drowsiness and sedative effects
- Lightheadedness
- Trouble concentrating
- Reduced alertness
- Changes in hunger
- Insomnia or difficulty in falling asleep
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Memory problems
- Slurred speech
- Hypomania
- Vomiting
- Trouble balancing
- And muscle weakness
Note—Share your medical history with the prescribing doctor. If a dose is missed, move on to the next dose if little time is left.
Alternatives to Xanax
Xanax is not the first line of treatment for insomnia. If all other treatment options fail, then maybe your doctor will prescribe you Xanax.
There are many downsides to the drug, but the good news is that better and more viable options are available in the market. The medications mentioned below are as effective as Xanax as they don’t have risks of addiction or dependency and do not have potentially harmful side effects.
If you are in desperate need of an Xanax alternative, talk about the following with your doctor.
- Zolpidem (Ambien®)
- Doxepin
- Trazodone
- OTC sleeping aids
Zolpidem (Ambien®)
Ambien is the brand name for Zolpidem, the generic version. You will usually find the brand name in the market. Doctors prescribe Ambien as an alternative to Xanax. It works similarly to Xanax, but it is not a Benzo. It does bind to the GABA receptors and is usually used for short-term treatment of insomnia. However, just like Xanax, Zolpidem is also a controlled substance.
In contrast to Xanax, it is less addictive and more effective, especially when conjoined with cognitive behavioral therapy CBT. Although, let’s look at some serious side effects. Zolpidem can cause sleepwalking and hallucinations.
Trazodone
The FDA approves Trazodone to treat major depressive disorder. Trazodone belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin modulators; they are similar to serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs in nature.
Trazodone is also an antidepressant and is a sedative. Therefore, many doctors prescribe it off-label for insomnia. Trazodone is also used for Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress disorder, bulimia, etc. for insomnia. Usually, a lower dose is prescribed. Did you know that Trazodone may not be the first choice of doctors for depression, but it is often more prescribed for insomnia?
The next time you visit your doctor, discuss about this drug. Having said so, Trazodone has side effects, too; headaches, dizziness, and fatigue are common when using Trazodone.
Doxepin
Doxepin is another alternative to Xanax. It belongs to tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs, similar to Mirzatepine. Originally invented and approved by the FDA to treat depression in 1969, Doxepin has proved its worth in handling other mental health conditions at small doses, including insomnia.
Doxepin helps people fall asleep and allows them to keep sleeping throughout without frequent wake-ups.
Several studies were conducted on Doxepin for insomnia, and a review in 2013 suggested that low doses of 3 and 6 mg of this drug are very effective in combating insomnia. What’s more, it is well-tolerated by the body. Some common side effects are drowsiness, although you won’t be lethargic the next day.
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Over-the-Counter Sleep Medication
Finally, if all else fails, try OTC supplements. The best part about these medications is that they are free of nasty side effects. However, it only works if you’ve mild insomnia. However, let’s get this straight. OTC won’t be as effective as Xanax. Of course, it will surely help you relax. In turn, a relaxed mind leads to sleep.
Another benefit of OTCs is that you don’t need a prescription from a doctor.
Some common supplements you can buy are;
- Lavender
- Chamomile tea
- L-theanine
- Melatonin
- Magnesium
- Anti histamines like Unisom or Diphenhydramne
The best ones are melatonin supplements. They are safe and effective in treating insomnia. Some experts also believe that they can curb chronic use of benzos.
Therapy for Sleep Disorders
Living with insomnia is a nightmare. Unable to fall asleep and going to work the other day is exhausting. It can drive some people to the edge. The first line of treatment is always medications. Depending on the seriousness of the insomnia, your mental health provider will refer a therapist to you.
Therapies are of different types: for instance, psychotherapy or talk therapy, CBT, and much more. CBT has proven to be extremely beneficial in treating insomnia.
If you don’t want to wait the long queues, you can always connect with an online mental health platform. Online platforms are equally good and more convenient. What else could you ask for in the comfort of your home? Contact Therapy Fleet now and get connected with a mental health specialist.
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The Bottom Line
Stop searching for how to take alprazolam for sleep. Yes, initially, you will get good sleep at night, but in the long run, it will interfere with your deep sleep cycle and mess up your brain. You don’t want to end up addicted, dependent, and lead a bizarre life, waiting to pop the sleeping pills because sleep won’t come naturally once you are used to the drug for that instant calming effect; now, do you?
Stay away from the serious side effects, addictive qualities, and withdrawal symptoms, and try to go for natural ways to combat insomnia. Yes, insomnia makes your life difficult, and it can impact your mind. But sleeping pills are not the answer. It can be used for short periods, but not longer than the recommended durations.
Your only hope is to connect with a professional healthcare doctor and discuss your concerns. They can guide you and tell you ways to come out of it. Stop looking elsewhere and book an appointment with Therapy Fleet.
Medical Disclaimer:
At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.
Remember to establish a regular sleep routine and create a relaxing bedtime environment to help combat insomnia.
FAQs
1. How long can I use the Xanax prescription?
The initial prescription or refill lasts no more than a 34-days. However, the prescribing doctor offers refills for up to 6 months supply.
2. How to take alprazolam for sleep?
If you have been given alprazolam for sleep, use it according to the doctor’s prescription. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
3. My Xanax refill ended. Can I get a prescription refilled before then?
All Schedule 4 controlled drugs have limited refills and thus can only be refilled a few days before the actual refill date.
4. I am on a couple of daily medications for various health conditions. Should I worry about the drug interactions?
Xanax interacts with several drugs. Do not use opioids, Benadryl, seizure medications, and alcohol when on Xanax. Avoid all other medicines that cause drowsiness.
5. Is Xanax addictive when used for sleeping?
Yes, Xanax has a high potential for addiction, dependency, and substance abuse. No matter the dose you are on, long-term use results in addiction. You may notice physical dependency and withdrawal symptoms when you take the drug as prescribed. Getting rid of withdrawal symptoms is tough; contact your doctor for help. They will help taper Xanax off your body.
