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Is Restyl A Right Choice For Treating Insomnia And How Long Can I Take It Without Any Side Effect?
Dr. I am 52 yrs old women suffering from INSOMNIA since many years. I never get sleep at all. I go mad without sleep. I have been managing by taking some homeo medicines. My headaches and other nerve problems due to Insomnia is better due to homeo medicines. But my biggest problem is sleeplessness throughtout night. Dr. since 5 days I have started taking RESTYL in .5mg one at bed time (with the help of medical store guy) and getting good sleep for atlest 6 hrs. After very long years of struggle, only now I am feeling good, active and more relaxed. My only question is, Is Restyl .5mg is right choice? and for how many days should I continue to have sound sleep without any side effect? Please answer me. I have no other health issues other than insomnia but Acid Reflux problem, may be due to my chronic Insomnia. I am taking homeo medicine for this. Thanking you Dr. Mrs. V.V. Murthy
Wed, 4 Jun 2014
Hello,
Restyl (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine and just like all other benzodiazepines, it should be taken for the shortest possible time and in the lowest possible dose because Benzodiazepines like Restyl are addictive and habit forming and a patient may develop dependence on them when taken for long duration.
In most cases specially for insomnia, we prescribe it for not more than a week. If a patient is also suffering from anxiety disorder, he or she can take it for few weeks (8-12 weeks) but not more than that to avoid dependence.
As you are taking it since last 5 days, a good strategy could be to try to stop it within the next 1-2 days and see if you are able to sleep properly now.
Restyl can also be taken on as and when needed basis instead of taking it daily to avoid developing dependence on this medicine.
Since benzodiazepine should not be used for a long time, in your case, Amitriptyline 10 mg at night could be a very good option and you can discuss with your physician about this medicine. It is a sedating antidepressant which is also useful in controlling headaches like Migraine, Tension headache and also helps in sleeping at night.
I hope this helps,
Kind regards
Vikas
Restyl (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine and just like all other benzodiazepines, it should be taken for the shortest possible time and in the lowest possible dose because Benzodiazepines like Restyl are addictive and habit forming and a patient may develop dependence on them when taken for long duration.
In most cases specially for insomnia, we prescribe it for not more than a week. If a patient is also suffering from anxiety disorder, he or she can take it for few weeks (8-12 weeks) but not more than that to avoid dependence.
As you are taking it since last 5 days, a good strategy could be to try to stop it within the next 1-2 days and see if you are able to sleep properly now.
Restyl can also be taken on as and when needed basis instead of taking it daily to avoid developing dependence on this medicine.
Since benzodiazepine should not be used for a long time, in your case, Amitriptyline 10 mg at night could be a very good option and you can discuss with your physician about this medicine. It is a sedating antidepressant which is also useful in controlling headaches like Migraine, Tension headache and also helps in sleeping at night.
I hope this helps,
Kind regards
Vikas
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