Sleeping Pills Started 1986. Have to Take Them Forever??

[Binkie]

I keep reading that Xanax/Valium are so addictive you have to have professional help to get off of them and it often doesn't work. So you just keep getting more of them realizing that, without them, you won't be able to sleep. You wind up a slave to pills to get through the day. I hate this; I feel abnormal. Over a decade has gone by and I'm still taking my 1/2mg of Xanax at bedtime. Does anyone else have a similar experience or interest?
Now I'm to the point of taking a Second one when I use the bathroom around 2-3am. It's so depressing. Binkie

[Wardman]

Binkie, .5 mgs of xanax really is such a low dose.  However, even at that dose, you should never quite cold turkey especially becuase of the duration you been taking it.  Benzo WD is much different than opiate WD.  You should talk to your doctor if you want to stop.  You will need to taper the dose you are on now for a while and then taper some more and so forth, even if you have to use a razor blade to cut the pill.

[Binkie]

OK! I can start cutting off little corners of the pill. I think I recall trying 1/4mg and I couldn't sleep Plus I got anxiety - pretty bad anxiety afterwards. Thanks so much for your suggestion. Binkie

[shubunkin]

I know how you feel. I am taking 1&1/4 mg. Daily. I am cutting back each week and it is hard but I just try to stay positive. I do not think there is anyway around the anxiety. Just try to keep it under control.

[Binkie]

Is this awful or what. I have read that it only works (cutting back w/out going mad)if you do it over a period of MONTHS OR YEARS. I CANNOT deal w/any anxiety if it starts; I get serious
indigestion with it. I do appreciate your comments, guys.binkie

[Bodymechanic]

Consider taking to your doctor about busbar. It is a non addicive alternative to xanax for anziety.

[Binkie]

Thanks but Buspar, which I do have, is almost useless far as I can tell. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong but I've taken 10mg of it for 6 months and they say it's non-addictive (I know; they say that about AMBIEN too; what an addictive drug That is). Ambien knocks me out cold; unfortunately, I'm out of it the next day But I've slept
well! I hate Ambien. I use it only in DIRE emergencies.Binkie

[kell737]

Hi there!  I read you post and I did want to tell you,  You are taking a very low dose of this and it is very unlikely you will have  problems coming off of it ONLY if you come off the right way, As it was stated before (I believe by bodymechanic) ... DO NOT  and I will say again DO NOT!!!!!  Come off Xanax cold turkey, This isn't because of horrible withdrawls  but for the fact that it can kill you.  Cause seizures  and  heart failure.  Talk to you doctor and he will give you the best advice.   Meanwhile this is what I found in research I have done ...


Dependence: Xanax has been known to be habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is discontinued abruptly. Follow your doctor's advice about how much, and how often, you should take Xanax. If you are considering stopping Xanax treatment, ask your doctor how to safely DECREASE and then stop Xanax.


About Xanax | Aprazolam Intensol
Xanax (alprazolam) is an anti-panic and anti-anxiety medication. Xanax is in the group of drugs known as benzodiazepines, a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents, and muscle relaxants. Xanax is only available by prescription.

Xanax is usually used as a short term treatment for major anxiety and certain phobias. Xanax is not usually necessary to relieve everyday stress or anxiety.

Store Xanax away from light and heat.

Xanax Side Effects
Xanax side effects are usually temporary, and fade with continued treatment. Higher dosage also increases the risk of side effects. Operating automobiles or heavy machinery is not recommended while taking Xanax. Be aware of how this medication affects you before attempting any potentially dangerous activities.

Common Xanax side effects: drowsiness, fatigue, light-headedness, or speech problems.

Less common Xanax side effects: abdominal cramps, constipation, dry mouth, hyperventilation, blurred vision, nausea, chest pain, change in sex drive, confusion, headache, change in appetite, insomnia, unusual dreams, change in salivation, low blood pressure, racing heartbeat, fainting, nasal congestion, difficulty urinating, sweating, weight change, skin irritation, twitching or tremors, nervous or anxious state, sun sensitivity, respiratory infection, memory impairment, menstrual difficulties, and loss of coordination. Speak to your doctor about any of these effects; your dosage may need to be adjusted or treatment discontinued.

Rare Xanax side effects: difficulty concentrating, slurred or unusual speech, double vision, fear, altered sense of taste, lack of inhibition, muscle cramps or spasms, urination problems, tingling, incontinence, warmth, weakness, change in muscle tone, or yellow eyes and skin. Speak to your doctor if you experience any of these effects; your treatment may need to be discontinued.

Xanax treatment should be discontinued if any of the following occur: hyperexcitement, muscle spasm, anxiety, hallucinations, rage or other hostile behavior, tremors, insomnia, sleeping difficulties or overstimulation.

Cautions: Xanax has been known to interact undesirably with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you have, or have a history of, any of the following conditions:

Alcohol or drug abuse - may increase likelihood of Xanax dependence
Allergic reaction to Xanax, or other benzodiazepine. Always tell your doctor about any allergies before starting a medication.
Borderline personality disorder or a history of violent behavior.
Brain disease - may increase likelihood of side effects from Xanax
Breathing difficulties such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or any other chronic lung disease - Xanax may worsen this condition.
Difficulty swallowing - This condition may become more pronounced in children.
Epilepsy or seizures - Abruptly starting or stopping treatment with Xanax may increase seizures. Although Xanax can be used as an aid to anti-tremor therapy, it should be used cautiously and strictly according to a doctor's instructions in these cases.
Glaucoma - Xanax should not be prescribed to patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Patients receiving treatment for open angle glaucoma should consult their doctor, as Xanax may be an acceptable treatment for them.
Hyperactivity
Kidney or liver problems - In isolated cases, Xanax has been reported to cause jaundice. If you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, seek medical treatment immediately. More Xanax may end up in your bloodstream if you have a pre-existing kidney or liver condition, increasing the likelihood of side effects.
Major Depression
Myasthenia gravis - This autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle weakness may be aggravated by Xanax treatment.
Porphyria - Xanax (alprazolam) is listed as an unsafe drug for porphyria, an enzyme deficiency that can cause fragile skin that is sensitive to sunlight, digestive difficulties, anxiety, and reddish-brown urine.
Psychosis or other serious mental illness - Xanax has not proved to be an effective treatment for these conditions, and is not recommended.
Sleep apnea (temporary suspension of breathing during sleep) - Xanax may worsen this condition. Individuals with sleep apnea should not generally use sedatives as sleep aids. (See Sleep Disorders)


I hope this helps.   I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!    

~Kell

[Binkie]

Kell, thanks. I didn't tell my "new" doctor I use Xanax. We just moved and she's my husband's doctor and I'm ashamed of using it.
Plus, she'd ask me, "who prescribed it for you?"
  Far as lightheadedness goes, that's fine with me. LOL I, like others, get better advice on here from users than I would from many doctors anyway. And last night I cut off 1/4th of the 1/2mg and it was fine. Taking advice from someone on here, of course!
So my plan is to continue doing this as long as it works for me
without causing anxiety.
Anyhow, I hope it works again since last night I had 3 drinks because we were at a Xmas dinner. That may have contributed to it working. I'll find out tonight.
Best Wishes, Binkie

[Wardman]

Binkie,  I am glad you took my advice, remember I am not a doctor, but I have researched this after I was on xanax for 6 months and stopped cold turkey!  I thought I was going to lose my mind.  Anyway, make sure you maintain the doser you are at now for quite awhile, then take that razor blad again and half your pill again.  You may think it's silly because it looks like such a small amount, but it is very important to do so.

[Binkie]

No; I don't think it's one bit silly. I've been reading about cutting back for months. I didn't use a razor blade. I took the pill, broke it in two with my fingers then broke one of the halves in two. Now I have to keep the little corners from breaking!! Binkie

[theGolden1]

Does anyone use ambien for sleep? My doctor put me on it a couple of years ago and "it works like a dream" ... I take 2 on an empty stomach at bedtime. Now I'm wondering if ambien is habit forming. If he lied about ultram, maybe he lied about ambien ... oh no ... I just can't deal with it. Does anyone know about ambien or sonata?

[Rex1]

How ya doin today?

As far as the Ultram, remember that when it first cam out its claim to fame was that it was not addciting. it was only after they found a bunch of people addicted to it that thye changes this. But, if I recall, the FDA or medical boards said - not addicting, so your doc probably just went off of that.

I occasionally use Trazadon to help me sleep, but have never tried Ambien. A couple of posts here in the last week have mentioned that it was addicting.

Good to hear from you G!

Rex

[theGolden1]

Hey Rex .... I have to get off the computer ... after all Santa Claus is coming!! The doc dosen't want me on antidepressants (trazadone) and says the astronauts in space take ambien.(smile) If you stop it cold ... no withdrawal, just may not fall asleep too quickly. Maybe it triggers that "I wanna feel good urge" in people. I usually konk out before I feel anything .... I'd like to go back to sonata. It's very short acting .... take care, Goldie

[Binkie]

If I take even Half an Ambien for 2 nights in a row there's
No Way I'll be able to sleep without it on night 3. I've read
many websites with people so hooked on Ambien they're taking
8 or 10 a night. I got off of them instantly and went back to
Xanax. But I found the Ambien to be Much stronger so I temporarily had to take More Xanax than usual. Binkie

[Wardman]

I took Ambien on and off for a period of time.  I didn't feel any affiction to it.  I am a severe insomniac.  It helped somewhat but what it really did that I never thought I would experience was amnesia.   My friends jokingly call me Rainman cause I rememeber EVERYTHING!  Anyhow, I found  if I didn't go to sleep within an hour, I'd forget everything from an hour on!  I have had complete converstaions with my friends that I have NO recollection of teh next day.  So be careful on that aspect.  I haven't taken Ambien in over a year.

[Binkie]

Wow; that's terrible! How many did you take at once? I took anywhere from a half to a whole. Binkie

[Thomas02]

Ambien has some benzo-like affects on the brain, so amnesia wouldn't be out of the question IMHO.

Try Sonata. It puts you to sleep quickly, then leaves your body in about two hours. So no drug hangover in the morning. Of course, if you use it, sleep, and then wake up, it won't help you to get back to sleep. At least the same dose won't.

Thomas

[kell737]

I was prescribed Ambien about 9 months ago from my PT doctor after my accident.  This drug  is under a lot of controversy (sp)  because of it's side effects.  I took it a couple times before bedtime and it absolutely  scared me to death.  I was imagaging unbelieveable stuff!    I would be lying in bed and seeing stuff that wasn't really there, and I mean stuff that was so real, as if I could touch it.  My husband found me in the back yard one night half naked sitting in a chair.  I remember none of that.  

My best advice to anyone about this drug is NOT to take it at all!

~Kell

[Thomas02]

you don't happen to have a photo of that last incident?

[theGolden1]

Kell

Hahahahaaaaa .... that was sooo funny! I laughed my head off!!
I can't take my ambien unless I'm in bed for the night. I have been known to raid the icebox after taking it. I also fed the dog some chocolate mousse. My family told me about the incident. I didn't remember it. I do like Sonata better ... but I have to take 3 to knock me out. I sleep for 6 hours and wake up refreshed. After about 6 months of taking Sonata ... I can tell I'm not getting 4th stage sleep anymore. Then I have to change back to ambien.

Binkie

Ambien and Sonata are kind to the liver ... zanex and valium are not. Also .... ambien comes in a 5 mil dose. You have to take it early. Think about the first time you took valium? It probably knocked you for a loop. After a while .... Ambien isn't that strong. It takes about a month or two. Sleep is really an interesting thing. I didn't sleep deeply for ten years, but I didn't know it. I just felt like **** all the time. My doctor said that benadryll is a very affective sleep aid if I didn't like the ambien. So if I want to change .... I'll think about it.
I like the way valium feels and I would take it for sleep ... but I'm afraid of mixing it with ultram ... do you have a doctor?
I wish you luck ... but I think you may need a different thing altogether for sleep .... just my opinion .. Goldie

[Rex1]

Goldie  - How's it going today? How have you been feeling. I can't remember where you said you were in your detox...

Rex

[mrmichael67]

I know someone who thought she was tripping when she took ambien for sleep.  She was taking a therapeutic dose.  She saw things moving.  I know it knocked me for a loop when I tried it once.

[peaz]

Well, all those things happen to me on a daily basis, without drugs, so are you saying that's not NORMAL???    Peaz

[peaz]

Well, I see furniture moving by itself and people with three eyes on a daily basis.....so are you saying that it isn't NORMAL??  I've long suspected something wasn't quite right.        Peaz

P.S.  Do you think a massive dose of narcotics might help??

[peaz]

Well, I just keep posting the same thing post after post---are you saying that's not NORMAL?? (Please get me some medical assistance)        Peaz

[Thomas02]

Now, you and I both know that a massive dose of narcotics ALWAYS helps! You know, I live what should be the perfect love story: I love opiates, and they love me. The perfect couple. America's Sweethearts ... so why do so many people and all-pervasive agencies want to keep us apart?

Thomas

[theGolden1]

Hey Rex ... I am just fine. Thank you for asking. Aside from the Christmas craziness all is well. I originally planned to get off ultram on January 15, but I think I will move it up a week. The question is whether I will use vicodin or valium. CT is not an option. I know using the vikes could create another dependency. I just want to get all the ultram out of my system and then work on the next problem. Lets just say ... the jury is still out. Right now I'm entertaining the idea of changing to a pain management doctor. I don't want to go it alone. I'm not abusing the ultram .... but sometimes it dosen't work that well and if I try to stop ..... it's so PAINFUL!! That's because I am supersensitive to pain. That's what fibromyalgia is .... an over reaction to pain. It probably wouldn't be that painful to anyone else ... I'm leaning toward the opiates, but even though I can get them, I am holding off on it. I'm in no hurry to get on that merry-go-round. That stuff called "Buprenorphine" is sounding better and better ...... Goldie

[Rex1]

Hang in there and be as tough as nails. Many here are not going through what you are...it can't be easy. I had tries substituting the Ultram for Vicodin, but the Ultram sent my anxiety through the roof!

Day 24 of no opiates for me, but then again I do not have Fibro. May you get some rest from this...

You'll be in my prayers.

Rex

[kell737]

LMAO.... No, sorry.  Would have been a good one for America's Funniest Videos.    HAHAHAHA

[Binkie]

Of course I have a doctor. But I like getting meds over the internet; it's fun ($$$) Anyway, taking 3/4 of a 1/2mg of Xanax wasn't working so I added 5mg of Buspar and that worked. Pathetic.
The Buspar "makes" the X work better for some reason. But I was slightly disappointed. Will try again tonight.
I like the funny posts on here since I got a cold yesterday; they cheer me up.
  Happy Holidays to All, Binkie

[eazy e]

I HAVE READ EVERYONE'S INPUT AND REALIZED THAT I MUST HAVE A REALLY BAD PROBLEM WITH XANAX.  
I WAS PRESCRIBED THE 2MG BARS A YEAR AGO, EVEN THOUGH I HAD EXPERIMENTED WITH THEM IN THE PAST JUST TO GET A BUZZ.  THE DOCTOR GAVE THEM TO ME FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY, WHICH I DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH.  I AM A STUDENT AT COLLEGE, AND GETTING UP IN FRONT OF GROUPS IS A NIGHTMARE TO SAY THE LEAST.  I JUST FEEL INADEQUATE TO OTHERS, BUT THE XANAX GIVE ME THE NERVE TO BLEND IN WITH A GROUP AND TALK TO EVERYONE.  HOWEVER, I HAVE BECOME DEPENDANT ON THEM, AND ALTHOUGH I CAN GET BY ON ONE 2MG PILL A DAY, IT REALLY ISN'T ENOUGH.  SOMETIMES I TAKE 5-10MG A DAY FOR THE CRAVINGS.  THIS IS NO LONGER A SOCIAL ANXIETY PROBLEM BUT A DRUG PROBLEM NOW.  IF I RUN OUT OF PILLS I BUY THEM OFF THE STREET, BUT IF I CAN'T FIND THEM I GO THROUGH TERRIBLE WITHDRAWLS.  MY THROAT BEGINS TO HURT, I FEEL LIKE I HAVE THE FLU, I CAN HARDLY COMPLETE A SENTENCE BECAUSE MY SPEECH BECOMES DISTORTED, AND I HAVE WORSE ANXIETY THAN I EVER HAVE HAD BEFORE.  BUT I DON'T WANT TO STOP TAKING THEM BECAUSE WHEN I DO HAVE THEM, I FEEL GREAT-WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO?

[Patrice]

I havent read this whole thread, but let me tell you something that I overheard a doctor say......He said that most doctors wont give sleeping pills over ten days, but this is what blew me away..The doctor said that there are truly people for whatever reason HAVE to taake sleeping pills for the rest of their lives.....I have been on restoril since 1996..It works for me, and my doctor has no problem prescribing them........I have never abused them, so mabe you are one of those people who needs to take them indefenatly

NoNaForMe

[562laura42]

Help!  I have a problem with alcohol and anxiety right now as well.  I was sober for three years and was fine until I stopped taking my meds.  I take 2 (10) mg tablets of ambien (a lot I know, but it was working for years) and 300 mgs of Serzone (antidepressant).  Since I went off my meds I began drinking again.  Now the doc gave me xanax until my Serzone kicks back in.  Today, I took half a Serzone, 1 mg of xanax, a glass of white wine and threw up within 30 minutes.  I'm so scared right now. My heart is beating so fast.  I don't know if I threw up the xanax and could take another 0.5? What if I overdose.  I'm going into detox/rehab tomorrow. Someone please help