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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Disturbed Sleep While On Xanax?

I take 2 1mg of zanex for sleep. I am now suddenly after 4 years waking up in the middle of the night and cannot fall back to sleep. I am getting nexk cramps and I need something for sleep but would like to wein myself off of the zanex while taking a new medication so that my sleep will not be compromised. What would you suggest?
Mon, 10 Nov 2014
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello
You have disturbed sleep now even while taking xanax.
The most important reason for this is that xanax and similar medicines which are used to induce sleep cause tolerance. This mean that with time, increased doses are required to produce similar effects which is happening with you.

There are certain things which has to be kept in mind while weaning off from xanax:
Long acting medicines from same class are used in equivalent doses e.g valium. In your case it would be 10mg of valium.
Xanax would be replaced by valium.
Then valium would be gradually weaned off. (it is easier to wean off from valium then xanax).
Xanax is never stopped abruptly as it can cause fits.

Please visit your psychiatrist for the treatment.

Thanks.
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What Causes Disturbed Sleep While On Xanax?

Hello You have disturbed sleep now even while taking xanax. The most important reason for this is that xanax and similar medicines which are used to induce sleep cause tolerance. This mean that with time, increased doses are required to produce similar effects which is happening with you. There are certain things which has to be kept in mind while weaning off from xanax: Long acting medicines from same class are used in equivalent doses e.g valium. In your case it would be 10mg of valium. Xanax would be replaced by valium. Then valium would be gradually weaned off. (it is easier to wean off from valium then xanax). Xanax is never stopped abruptly as it can cause fits. Please visit your psychiatrist for the treatment. Thanks.