Xanax has a
Highlights
- Xanax (alprazolam) is approved to help treat panic disorder and other anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, due to its calming and relaxing effects.
- Xanax may also cause drowsiness, leading to it sometimes being prescribed to help with sleep. However, it is not approved for insomnia.
- Xanax comes with certain risks and can interact with certain medications, including opioids, which may result in serious side effects.
- If you are considering medication to treat insomnia, talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about options that are right for you.
Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription medication that is typically used to treat panic disorder and some other anxiety disorders due to its calming and relaxing effects. Because of these effects, possible use of Xanax for trouble sleeping is sometimes discussed in clinical settings, given the need for caution and certain limitations.
This article will further examine the benefits and risks of using Xanax for sleep. Read on to find out more about whether Xanax is effective for insomnia, how it may affect various aspects of sleep, and what factors to consider before using Xanax for insomnia.
Does Xanax Help You Sleep?
Xanax, also known as generic
However, Xanax isn’t approved to treat insomnia. Limited information is available on how well this medication helps with falling asleep, staying asleep, or improving overall sleep quality. Its effects can vary widely from person to person. Additionally, the risks of using Xanax may outweigh any additional benefits it provides in improving sleep.
Can Xanax Make Sleep Worse?
Xanax may worsen sleep for some people. In
- Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping was
a frequently reported side effect[1] in people taking Xanax XR for panic disorder. Additionally, rebound (reoccurring) insomnia was reported when Xanax treatment, especially long-term, was suddenly stopped. In some cases, rebound insomnia may continue for months or even years after stopping Xanax. - Paradoxical Reactions: These are unexpected effects that are the opposite of what the medication is intended to do.
Effects include[1] feeling unusual excitement, restlessness, sleep disturbance, hallucinations, and more. Such effects may cause or worsen insomnia.
Additionally, the drowsiness effect caused by Xanax may vary from person to person. Some people may experience sleepiness longer than expected, resulting in daytime sedation or next-day drowsiness. Factors, such as the dosage strength taken, timing of the last dose, and use of other sedating medications, can all influence how long these effects last.
Despite the drowsiness Xanax and Xanax XR may cause, these medications may affect other aspects of sleep, such as sleep quality, nighttime awakenings, and others. Xanax may reduce some stages of restorative sleep, such as deep sleep or REM sleep; so, while sleep improvement will occur because of sedation, more significant sleep processes may be affected over time. Because of this, the added benefits of using Xanax for sleep may not outweigh the risks.
Side Effects and Risks of Taking Xanax for Sleep
Similar to other medications, Xanax may cause some side effects and come with certain risks, whether it’s been prescribed for anxiety or insomnia. The following lists highlight additional information to consider discussing with your provider before starting Xanax.
Common and Mild Side Effects
More commonly
- Problems with coordination or balance
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- Changes in sex drive
Other mild side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Problems with memory
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Dizziness
These side effects typically improve within days or a few weeks. However, if they are bothersome, don’t go away, or worsen, talk with your provider right away.
Serious Side Effects
Xanax may also cause some serious adverse reactions. Serious side effects
- Seizures
- Liver problems
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- Mood problems, including depression and mania
- Neonatal sedation and withdrawal syndrome
The above-mentioned lists do not include all possible mild and serious side effects of Xanax.
If you are experiencing serious side effects from taking Xanax, talk with your provider right away. If the side effects are life-threatening or you think it’s a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
If you’re experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts and require immediate assistance, contact a crisis hotline, such as 911, 988 suicide & crisis lifeline (toll-free), or Samaritans (116-123 or via chat).
Risk of Misuse and Addiction
Xanax has a
Both misuse and addiction
For this reason, Xanax is also classified as a
If you think you may be experiencing a substance use problem, consider seeking professional support. You can contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential 24/7 assistance (toll-free). If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
Risk of Dependence and Withdrawal
Xanax has a
To help
Risk of Serious Harm or Death If Taken With Opioids
Xanax has a
Who May Need Extra Caution?
Here are some health conditions and factors that may interact with Xanax. Before starting treatment, talk with your medical provider if you have any of the following
- Mood problems, including depression
- Liver or kidney problems
- Lung disease or breathing problems
- History of alcohol or drug misuse or addiction
- Age 65 years or older
- Pregnancy or plan to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
- Current or recent use of alcohol or taking certain medications. These include:
- Opioids, such as oxycodone (Boxed Warning)
- Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital
- Anti-seizure medications, such as Keppra (levetiracetam)
- Digox (digoxin) or certain medications that affect the breakdown of Xanax in your body (ketoconazole, Sporanox (itraconazole), and Dilantin (phenytoin))
- Allergic reaction to any active ingredients in Xanax or other benzodiazepines
Xanax Dosage for Sleep
There isn’t a recommended dosage for Xanax (alprazolam) to treat sleep problems. This is because
If you are considering Xanax to help treat your insomnia, talk with your healthcare provider first. They typically will consider several factors to help determine whether this medication is right for you. These factors include the following:
- Insomnia triggers
- Insomnia severity
- Health conditions
- Current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counters, supplements, and recreational substances)
- Previous insomnia treatment trials
- Personal sleep goals
Since Xanax can cause side effects and also comes with several serious risks, your provider may recommend an alternative medication. You should not start Xanax or adjust your dosage on your own. Your provider will work with you to determine the best treatment plan to manage your insomnia.
Alternatives to Xanax for Ongoing Insomnia
Xanax may not be the right treatment for some people. For people whose insomnia is linked to underlying anxiety, other treatment options may be considered that can directly treat the anxiety itself. However, this section will only focus on other options to help manage and improve sleep problems.
Several alternatives are available, including behavioral (non-medication) approaches and medications FDA-approved for insomnia treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine treatment options that are best for you.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is typically considered
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)[3] : A multi-week treatment that addresses problems with falling and staying asleep.Sleep Restriction Therapy[4] : A multi-week process that works to limit the amount of time spent in bed and then gradually increase that time. Ultimately, this process will help to improve the ratio of time spent asleep to overall time spent in bed.
FDA-Approved Medications for Insomnia
- Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative-Hypnotics: These medications
increase the activity[6] of GABA, a chemical in the brain responsible for causing drowsiness. Examples include Ambien (zolpidem) and Lunesta (eszopiclone). Both arerecommended[7] for helping with sleep onset (falling asleep) and sleep maintenance (staying asleep) for short-term use. - Melatonin Agonists: This drug class targets brain sites that regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Rozerem (ramelteon) is a melatonin agonist that is
approved to treat insomnia[8] , specifically to help with sleep onset. This medication may be considered a safe option in people at risk of misuse, addiction, or dependence.
- Orexin Receptor Antagonists: These medications work by reducing the effects of orexin, a brain chemical that promotes wakefulness. Examples include Belsomra (suvorexant) and Quviviq (daridorexant). Belsomra and Quviviq are approved to help improve sleep onset and sleep maintenance.
At MEDvidi, you can get help for insomnia online, including symptoms assessment by a licensed healthcare provider, an overview of available treatment options, and an online prescription for insomnia medication, if deemed necessary.
Summary
Xanax is typically prescribed to help with anxiety and panic disorder due to its calming and relaxing effects. Because of these sedating properties, Xanax may sometimes be prescribed to help with sleep; however, it is not approved to treat insomnia and is not considered a first-line therapy. The medication also comes with several serious risks and should be approached with caution. If you are considering medications for insomnia treatment, talk with your healthcare provider to learn about options that are right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions relating to Xanax and sleep.
Is alprazolam a sleeping pill?
No, Xanax (alprazolam) is not a sleeping pill. It is a medication that’s typically prescribed to treat anxiety and panic attacks. Xanax may cause drowsiness and reduce feelings of anxiousness, which may help some people fall asleep. However, the FDA has not specifically approved Xanax to help treat or manage sleep problems.
Does Xanax make you sleepy?
Yes. Drowsiness (sleepiness) was a commonly reported side effect in
Does Xanax cause you to stay awake?
It’s possible that Xanax will cause you to stay awake. Insomnia was
How fast does Xanax make you fall asleep?
It varies. Typically, Xanax levels in the blood begin to peak about
How long to take alprazolam for sleep?
There isn’t a recommended duration because alprazolam isn’t approved to treat sleep problems. It also carries a
