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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taking Zanax And Valium For Insomnia And Anxiety. Need Stronger Medication

Dr.Christensen,MD, for over 30yrs i have had severechronic insomnia/ anxiety , I am taking 10mgxanax and valium tid and soma, is versed sryup better than dalmane 60mg at HS or should i take ativan at HS, I have been seeing my psy md. but being on the same drugs for a long time, they where off and dont work as well, is there anything you can recommend? Sincerly,RM
posted on Sat, 16 Feb 2013
Twitter Sat, 16 Feb 2013 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 16 Feb 2013 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi there, thanks for asking. As you mention xanax, valium, ativan or dalmane cannot be a permanent solution for chronic insomnia. Studies show that such drugs can help for a good start of sleep and also good maintenance in sleep, although decrease REM part of sleep while REM sleep is responsible for refreshing the brain and it could be one of the reasons you are not as fresh as you want during the day. If you ask your doctor to introduce you to a psychotherapist who knows CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) for insomnia and you practice on some technics you learn, you will be able to decrease the dose of your medication and you will sleep without medication. Furthermore, our sleep at night is the mirror of our day. If you correct your daytime issues and also work mentally and physically effectively, you will sleep better. I wish you a good health.
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Taking Zanax And Valium For Insomnia And Anxiety. Need Stronger Medication

Hi there, thanks for asking. As you mention xanax, valium, ativan or dalmane cannot be a permanent solution for chronic insomnia. Studies show that such drugs can help for a good start of sleep and also good maintenance in sleep, although decrease REM part of sleep while REM sleep is responsible for refreshing the brain and it could be one of the reasons you are not as fresh as you want during the day. If you ask your doctor to introduce you to a psychotherapist who knows CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) for insomnia and you practice on some technics you learn, you will be able to decrease the dose of your medication and you will sleep without medication. Furthermore, our sleep at night is the mirror of our day. If you correct your daytime issues and also work mentally and physically effectively, you will sleep better. I wish you a good health.