Xanax is a prescription medication that is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and panic attacks. But off-label, it is also used to treat sleep problems like insomnia. Xanax for sleep is among the most used sleep medications used by millions of people in the United States as they struggle to sleep at night. It has a calming effect that aids in sleeping. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of people in America do not get optimal hours of sleep at night.
Suppose you or a family member has insomnia and want to get rid of the sleepless nights and get a prescription for Xanax for sleep. In that case, all you need to do is contact Therapy Fleet, our online telemedicine platform, which is your one-stop destination for all your mental healthcare conditions.
Regardless of whether you need a cure for OCD, anxiety disorder, social anxiety, PTSD, or suffering from any other mental health issues, we have got it covered. Book your appointment now.
Get Started Now From just $50/week
How does Xanax Work for Sleep?
Sleep disorders are quite common in people all over the world, and there are several treatment plans and different prescription drugs available to combat insomnia. It is among the most common medical conditions that immediately need medical attention.
Long-term, sleepless nights can lead to chronic insomnia. Xanax is a potent depressant that has sedative effects and leads to drowsiness because of the same effect it is used for sleep disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Xanax for sleep leads to a similar effect as that of alcohol. With the correct drug administration, Xanax can cause inhibition release, sedation, and euphoria effects, among many others.
Tips Before You Use Xanax for Sleep
- The generic version of Xanax is alprazolam. Xanax is the brand name
- Xanax should only be used as directed by the doctor as it has a high potential for abuse, and many young adults misuse
- higher doses are not recommended
- Xanax substance abuse leads to dependence, addiction, and tolerance.
- When Xanax for sleep is misused, it can lead to other potential health problems, and sometimes overdoses can kill, especially when mixed with other depressants or opioids.
How To Take Alprazolam For Sleep Disorders?
- Xanax for sleep is taken by mouth.
- Make sure you use the medicine as directed by the doctor.
- Do not use it more often than directed, and do not stop the medication abruptly, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Ensure your pharmacist gives you a guide with information on each prescription and refill. Read this information carefully each time and take special notice when giving this medicine to children and patients over 65 years of age, as they can have a stronger reaction to Xanax for sleep. The doctor will recommend a smaller dose.
How Long Does Xanax for Sleep Work?
Since Xanax causes drowsiness and sedation, it is likely to make you sleep. Xanax is used to improve the sleep quality. The question remains: how long does Xanax for sleep work?
Research on alprazolam shows that on the first few nights of taking Xanax, people stay asleep all night, and the results are very efficient. However, after about one week, the effectiveness is reduced by 40%.
Moreover, stopping the medication can cause rebound insomnia, which is one of the possible side effects of taking Xanax in the long term. It is agreed that benzos like Xanax are effective for short-term use, only for a few weeks before the results wear off.
For chronic insomnia, Xanax is not the best fit for you. And high doses are not recommended. Remember, insomnia is curable, and you don’t need to end up having habit-forming medication. There are alternatives available. The first step is to get a diagnosis from a qualified doctor.
Half-life of Xanax
In immediate-release formulas, Xanax’s half-life is around 11 to 13 hours. Half-life is when the active drug concentration takes to reduce to half. Half-life also indicates how long you might feel the effects of the drug.
It takes about six hours for the ending anxiety effects of Xanax to wear off; however, when used as a sleep aid, you’ll feel groggy and sedated even the following day after taking it. Other sleep aids do not cause daytime sleepiness.
Is Xanax for Sleep the First Option for Insomnia?
No, Xanax is not the first-line medication. Although Xanax, along with other antidepressants like Zoloft and Lexapro, is the first life medication for panic and anxiety disorders, at times, other antidepressants may be used as well.
Xanax is not considered safe for sleep disorders. If you have trouble sleeping at night and suffer from chronic Insomnia, you should know that it can be treated in many other ways. For example, sleep hygiene is essential. The next step would be behavior to address sleep shows like CBT, etc.
If medication is required, the best choice is a medication approved by the FDA for insomnia, like Ramleton, Mirtazapine, or Ambien. Ambien is a non-benzo sedative-hypnotic. It has the same sedating effect but does not cause serious side effects, and the potential risks are comparatively lower.
Like Xanax, Ambien is a depressant but is not potent and is mild compared to Xanax. But they are as effective as Xanax.
If the non-benzos sleep aid is not as effective and does not cure insomnia, then the doctor might prescribe you sleep-inducing benzodiazepines like temazepam, Dalmane, dorsal, and Helicon.
Effectivity of Xanax as a Sleep Aid
Alprazolam is a potent depressant used to induce feelings of fatigue, hypnosis, and sedation. It is also effective as a sleep aid, causing sleep about 20 to 60 minutes after administering the drug.
However, as we already mentioned, it has a high potential for substance abuse, and using it long-term may not be a feasible option. All benzos lead to physical dependence.
Things to Tell Your Doctor Before You Take Xanax for Sleep
Before you start your treatment plan with Xanax, make sure you tell the following things to your medical healthcare professional;
- if you’re suffering from pre-existing mental health care problems
- If you have any history of drug abuse and addiction
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Breathing problems
- Seizure disorder
- Any suicidal behavior and thoughts
- an allergic reaction to benzos, food colors, and preservatives
- if you’re planning to get pregnant soon
- If you breastfeed a tiny baby
Risks of Xanax Overdose
In case of overdose, call 911 or take the patient to the nearest emergency room. In any case, do not share the prescription with others. Look out for the following symptoms;
Mild Symptoms of Overdose
- uncontrolled movements of the muscles
- confusion
- slurred speech
- slow reflexes
- rapid heartbeat
- and poor coordination
Serious Symptoms of Overdose
- Seizures
- hallucinations
- difficulty breathing
- abnormal heartbeat
- chest pain
- and coma
Missed Dose of Xanax
If you missed those, take them as soon as you remember. Since it’s almost time for your next dosage, skip the earlier dosage. Do not take a double dose.
Medications to Avoid When on Xanax
Xanax for sleep leads to some severe drug interactions. Make sure you do not combine the following medications with Xanax.
- Narcotic medications for cough
- Sodium oxybate
- Grapefruit juice
- Clarithromycin
- Antifungal medications
- Specific antivirals used for Hepatitis or HIV
Xanax interacts with the following as well
- alcohol
- Anti-seizure medication
- Certain medications for anxiety and depression-like Sertraline, which is an SNRI antidepressant
- Erythromycin
- Female hormones
- General anaesthetic
- Muscle relaxant
- Narcotic medication for pain
It is not a complete list of drug interactions. Make sure you list down all OTC supplements and vitamins you take regularly before your doctor prescribes you Xanax for sleep. Also, do not keep any medical condition to yourself. Be vocal about your health conditions.
Let your doctor know if you wish to become pregnant in the future because Xanax for sleep is not recommended for pregnant women and, especially not for a breastfeeding woman.
How Should I Store Xanax at Home?
Keeping Xanax away from children, pets, and people with a history of substance abuse disorder is crucial. Read the following to know how to store Xanax at home;
- Xanax is a Schedule 4 controlled substance that needs to be kept away from children and pets. Xanax abuse is relatively high.
- Never share your prescription with anyone selling or giving away the medication without authorization is illegal and against the law.
- Store Xanax at room temperature between 20 and 25°C.
- Never store any expired medication; throw it away.
- Xanax for sleep can cause serious health complications and even death in people, especially in children or pets.
- Do not use it without prior consultation with a doctor.
How to Dispose of Xanax?
Many pharmacies and law enforcement have medicine takeback programs. Check-in with the local pharmacy. If you cannot return the medicine, check the labels or insert a guide on how to dispose of the medication in the garbage or if it can be flushed down the toilet.
If it is safe to throw in the garbage, take the medicine out of the container and mix it with dirt, coffee grounds, or anything else that hides the Xanax’s contents. Now, make sure the container is disposed of in the trash.
Note: For more information about disposing of and storing the medicine, please contact your doctor, pharmacist, or local healthcare provider.
The Bottom Line
If you are suffering from insomnia and looking for short-term relief, then Xanax for sleep is your best option. Xanax induces sleep in about half an hour, but it comes with its own set of potential side effects. When used for the long term, it can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
Living with insomnia is difficult, but dealing with addiction will only make your life worse. It is better to contact a healthcare provider who can offer you guidance, medical advice, and treatment options and bring the best treatment plan.
Read this blog on how to get Xanax prescribed to you quickly. Contact Therapy Fleet now and connect to an online medical healthcare professional, as we can help prescribe online medication.
Get Started Now From just $50/week
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.
Even in the quiet of the night, your mind is a powerful force. Embrace these moments of sleeplessness as an opportunity to reflect, plan, and grow. Remember, the darkest nights produce the brightest stars. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll find your way to the dawn.
FAQs
1. Can Xanax be used for sleep?
Yes, but Xanax is not the first line of treatment for insomnia cure. But your doctor may sometimes prescribe it when other treatment options fail. Each individual varies, and response to medication varies too.
But if you have already tried all of the treatment options for insomnia and failed, discuss your concerns about the chronic effect of insomnia in your life. Your doctor will prescribe you Xanax for a short-term.
2. Can Xanax worsen insomnia?
In some cases, when Xanax becomes addictive, and the person has been using it for some time now, it can lead to physical dependence and thus worsen insomnia. Xanax leads to drug tolerance, and after some time, it loses its effectiveness.
You might need to increase the dosage to get back to sleep. But if you suffer from anxiety disorders and cannot sleep due to that, Xanax can help in this case, but only for short-term use. For more questions and concerns, please contact your doctor.
3. Is Xanax abuse common?
Yes, Xanax is one of the most commonly abused medications after alcohol. Xanax leads to tolerance and independence after a week or two. This dependence leads to the individual increasing the dosage. Xanax’s risk of addiction is high.
It has similar withdrawal effects as that of alcohol. Since insomnia and anxiety are chronic disorders, getting treated for anxiety disorder is essential rather than curing insomnia in this case. Xanax is not recommended for long-term use by doctors.
