Xanax, or Alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It acts on the brain and the central nervous system to produce a calming effect on the body. This drug works but mimics the brain’s GABA neurotransmitter to provide a sedating effect. This drug calms you down and makes you sleepy, which is why many people think it is okay to take to treat insomnia. Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up too early. Insomnia can affect your energy level, mood, health, performance at work, and general quality of life.
Dangers of Xanax for Sleep Disorders
In their early life, Xanax was prescribed to treat insomnia beginning in the early 1970s; however, Xanax has rarely prescribed anymore for treating this sleep disorder, and it is no longer recommended because of the drug’s high potential for dependence and addiction. Yes, Xanax will ultimately make you very sleepy; however, its short half-life is not as effective as other medications and has a high risk for dependence and addiction.
Xanax has a very high risk of dependency, abuse, and addiction. You can become physically dependent upon this drug even if you take it as prescribed, and you will most likely experience withdrawal. Withdrawal is a combination of mental and physical symptoms that a person experiences when they stop taking to decrease their intake of a drug like Xanax.
Whether you are physically dependent and/or abusing Xanax, this drug can worsen insomnia due to withdrawal. During withdrawal of the drug, a person may experience a worsened return of insomnia symptoms while the brain tries to rebound without the drugs. In fact, according to NIH:
Rebound insomnia, a worsening of sleep compared with pretreatment levels, has been reported upon discontinuation of short half-life benzodiazepine hypnotics.
Xanax truly does not do anything to treat insomnia. It simply numbs you from the symptoms and will return as soon as the drug is not taken. There are many other, much less addictive medications you can take to treat insomnia and some natural remedies to cure it. A healthy sleep schedule and good nutrition are known to be linked together. Some of the most beneficial ways to treat insomnia include:
Mindful Meditation: This technique consists of slow and steady breathing while observing your body, breathing, thoughts, feeling, and other sensations and they happen. It is said to reduce stress, boost immunity, and improve concentration. All things that promote good sleep.
Exercise: Exercising will boost a person’s overall health. It heightens mood, gives more daily energy, and promotes better sleep. Making your body more active during the day will make your body and mind calmer at night.
Melatonin: Taking a very low dose of melatonin has been shown to help insomnia in the short term, but we recommend speaking to your medical provider for more information.
Treatment for Xanax Dependency
We offer many treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it. Contact Garden State Treatment Center today to learn how we can help you safely recover from Xanax dependence and abuse.
FAQ
Does Xanax help you sleep?
Xanax for sleep
Xanax, or alprazolam, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It is primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders because it can help to reduce abnormal excitement in the brain and promote a calming effect.
While it’s not specifically intended or approved for use as a sleep aid, Xanax may cause drowsiness and may sometimes be prescribed off-label for short-term management of insomnia, particularly if it’s associated with anxiety. However, this is not typically the first choice for treating sleep disorders.
Using Xanax regularly for sleep can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped. This is especially the case if it is used for longer periods or at higher doses. Over time, the effectiveness of Xanax (and other benzodiazepines) for sleep can decrease as the body builds tolerance to the medication.
Additionally, it is important to be aware that Xanax can have side effects such as daytime drowsiness, memory problems, and balance issues. It can also interact with many other medications, and it should not be combined with alcohol.
Sleep difficulties can often be better managed with other approaches, including good sleep hygiene practices, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), and certain other medications that have a lower risk of dependence.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s important to discuss this with a healthcare provider. They can help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to your sleep problems and can discuss the best treatment options for you.
Can Xanax make you sleepy?
Yes, Xanax (generic name: alprazolam) can make you sleepy. It is a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs that are central nervous system depressants. These drugs act by enhancing the effect of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which can lead to effects such as:
Reducing anxiety
Inducing sleep
Relaxing muscles
Stopping seizures
So, sedation or drowsiness is one of the common side effects of Xanax. This is why it’s usually advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Xanax affects you. Additionally, combining Xanax with other substances that cause drowsiness (like alcohol, opioids, or certain over-the-counter medications) can enhance this effect and can be dangerous.
As always, if you have been prescribed Xanax, make sure you’re taking it as directed by your healthcare provider, and discuss any side effects or concerns you may have with them.
If you take Xanax 1-2 times a week at .25 mg for insomnia , shouldn’t that prevent addiction?
Taking Xanax (alprazolam) 1-2 times a week at a low dose of 0.25 mg for insomnia may reduce the risk of physical dependence and addiction compared to more frequent or higher-dose use. However, it’s important to understand that even with intermittent use and at lower doses, there is still a potential for dependence and addiction to develop over time.
Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication that can be effective for short-term treatment of insomnia and anxiety. However, it is also known to have a high potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms, especially with long-term or regular use.
Here are some key considerations:
Individual Variability: Everyone’s response to medication can vary. While some individuals may not develop dependence or addiction with intermittent use, others may be more susceptible even at low doses.
Tolerance: With regular use, the body can develop tolerance to the effects of Xanax. This means that over time, the same dose may become less effective, leading to a potential desire to increase the dosage or frequency of use.
Withdrawal: If physical dependence on Xanax occurs, abruptly stopping or reducing the dose may lead to withdrawal symptoms, including rebound insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and other physical and psychological effects.
Long-Term Use: The longer Xanax is used, even at low doses, the higher the risk of developing dependence and addiction.
To minimize the risk, it’s important to follow the prescribed dosage and usage instructions provided by a healthcare professional. Regularly reassessing the need for continued use of Xanax and exploring non-medication approaches for managing insomnia, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), can be beneficial.
Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to monitor your specific situation, ensure appropriate use, and discuss any concerns regarding dependence, addiction, or alternative treatment options. They can provide personalized guidance and support based on your unique needs and circumstances.
What medications are safe to take for Insomnia?
Several medications are commonly used to treat insomnia. It’s important to note that the safety and effectiveness of these medications can vary depending on the individual and their specific health conditions. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate medication for your specific situation. Here are some commonly prescribed medications for insomnia:
Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin supplements are available over-the-counter and can be useful for adjusting sleep patterns. Melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use.
Sedative Antihistamines: Some over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), have sedating effects and are occasionally used for short-term relief of insomnia. However, these medications can cause drowsiness and may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions or older adults.
Prescription Sleep Medications (Hypnotics): Several prescription medications, known as hypnotics, are specifically designed to treat insomnia. These include:
Zolpidem (Ambien): Zolpidem helps with falling asleep and staying asleep. It is typically prescribed for short-term use.
Eszopiclone (Lunesta): Eszopiclone is used for the treatment of insomnia, helping with sleep initiation and maintenance. It is prescribed for short-term use.
Zaleplon (Sonata): Zaleplon acts quickly to help with falling asleep. It has a shorter duration of action and is useful for individuals who have difficulty falling asleep but do not have trouble staying asleep.
Low-Dose Trazodone: Trazodone, an antidepressant medication, is sometimes prescribed off-label at lower doses to promote sleep. It can be particularly useful for individuals with co-occurring depression or anxiety.
It’s important to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any potential interactions or contraindications with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable and safe option for you. They can consider your specific circumstances and guide you towards an appropriate treatment plan, which may include medication along with other non-pharmacological approaches for managing insomnia.
