can you become badly addicted to xanax if only taking .25 to .5 mg per night for sleep?
452650
Depends on if you have addiction tendencies.  Have you ever been addicted to anything before?  Usually what happens with xanax is your body will develop a tolerance to the medication so after awhile you will need more and more of the medication to get the same effects.  I take .5 mg for sleep as well.  I have been taking this same dose for months.  My doctor told me if I decide to quit taking it I need to slowly taper myself off the drug to prevent agitation.  This is because your nervous system gets use to the drug and if it does not have it, you will become agitated maybe a little restless.  I came off of it before and was fine.  I just took the .5 mg and took 1/2 of that a night for about 1 week.  I never experienced any side effects.  I take the drug for nocturnal panic attacks.  It is an excellent drug that is very cheap.  Just be careful with it if you have a past history of addiction problems.  Good Luck.  \nAny medicine can become addictive.  It is all in the person's mind usually.  Just slowly taper off the xanax if you quit using it and you will be fine.
617100
For anxiety, lorazepam is usually dosed initially at 2-3mg daily in 2-3 divided doses.  Dosage may vary from 1-10mg in divided doses.  The literature states that "dosage of lorazepam must be individualized, and the smallest effective dosage should be used to avoid oversedation".  If you are only taking it occasionally for dentists visits, try taking a little less next time, say 2mg to see if it works.  Usually valium is given for anxiety before dental visits, or presurgery.  (AHFS Drug Informataion)\n\nLorazepam is a Schedule 4 controlled substance, meaning it is possible to become addicted to it, physically and psychologically. However, if you are only taking it for dental visits only, you shouldn't have a problem with it.
1176773
Oral (For anxiety or nervous tension):\nStart : 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg 3 times daily.\nMaximum : 4 mg in 24 hours. \nOral (For panic disorder):\nStart : 0.5 mg 3 times daily.\nIncreases : 1 mg daily in 3 to 4 day intervals.\nMaximum : 10 mg in 24 hours.\nhttp://psyweb.com/Drughtm/jsp/xanax.jsp
219652
I don't think so...they say don't take them more than 14 days in a row..then you might get dependant on them...try not to take them every night
568338
so you don't have panic attacts any more?? to get off the stuff, first of all did a doctor put you on it??i would say ask your doctor first.... but here is my answer to you. you start cutting back on it....say you are taking it twice daily. cut each pill in half. take one half at the time you would normaly . do this for a week,it may take 2 weeks. then cut the pill in half again. a half of a half. drop down slowly.....after 4 weeks you are off the pill. when my doctor had me on it, it was alful. and short lived. didn't do a thing for my panic attacts, but i notified him  in 2 weeks, and was able to cut back in a week , and go on something better that worked for me.....xanax is a short lived pill....so can tell you why it don't work...never go cold turky off any meds your doctor has given you...unless your doctor gives you another one that will be much better, but you ususally will have to do it by cutting back.
1015163
Diphenhydramine isn't addicting, actually.  It's used in various doses for treating allergies, and folks used to take it for weeks to years.\n\nNow, at the dose you're taking it--well, look, too much of a good thing is a problem. You're pushing your luck; the big things are memory inpairment; hangover drowsiness; and often, elevated body temperature.  There are, however, a couple of other points to ponder, here.\n\nWith most sleep inducing drugs, the sleep that is induced has abnormal architecture: there are multiple stages of sleep, all of which are needed in different amounts.  Normal sleep has specific proportions of these different stages.  Chemically induced sleep may not have all stages, or if it does, may short this or that stage.  Not good!  Over the long haul, this can impair mental function--sometimes to the point of hallucinating during the daytime.\n\nAlso, consider this: there is a reason why there is a problem falling asleep or staying asleep.  Covering up the symptom allows the cause to go unchecked; depending on what the cause is, you might be setting yourself up for trouble.\n\nMoreover, chronic use of sleep aids makes you less and less able to induce sleep on your own.  This isn't addiction; this is just your body adapting to the situation at hand. Believe me, it can be miserable restoring the system function to a more normal one.\n\nHope this gives you some insight...
948678
go to your doc and get on Ambien CR..  it's non addictive and works like a charm...  it's control release so it keeps you in a nice even sleep pattern for a good 7 hours, and when you wake you don't feel drowsy or sluggish..  your doc may have samples to give you.  btw.. lots of people suffer from insomnia either from stress or any number of reasons, but just to let you know, it's always there when a person becomes or is depressed..
57235
Obviously, it should be within what your doctor prescribes. Xanax is kind of a "take as needed" medicine (within reason!), as opposed to antibiotics, for example, that have a set dose.\n\nI take Xanax in .25mg pills, between 1-3 at a time, depending on how much anxiety I feel. Patients who are having severe panic attacks can be prescribed as much as 10mg at a time (I think) but very few of us would need that much.\n\nMost normal anxiety will be helped by up to 1mg of Xanax.
449019
I found this info on Xanax: SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, slurred speech, clumsiness, trouble walking, decreased/increased interest in sex. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes or skin, signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever). A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
716186
I am prescribed 20 mg, 2 times a day. If I need to focus later in the evening I increase to 60 mg, though it does lead to trouble sleeping as a side effect.\nI'm on tablets (immediate release).
394339
I DONT HAVE A LONG A$$ ANSWR EITHER\nTRY EATING XANAX, OR MATBE MORPHINE, ANYV WAY YOU PROLLY WONT GET THIS CUZ YAHOO ANSWERERS ARE A BUNCH OF ADDICTS TOO, thats why their on "yahoo answeres" and gonna delete the answer\nit seems to me "everytime" i answer a question or ask one someone that"knowsitall" is a stupid OLD, beyatrch that needs to go through menapause, and then be a concveded a$$-Hole
793205
A high dose can cause a seizure. Even in low doses it will cause lack of sleep which can also cause seizures. I wouldn't bother.\n\nhttp://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/sportsandleisure/alcohol.html
1023507
The drowsiness experienced with Xanax is temporary lasting for about five days as your body becomes used to the medication.  You will be fine with your baby.  If you prefer you can begin taking the medication at bedtime when your baby sleeps the longest.  If you have concerns SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR it is his job to teach you and your family about your condition
518302
a small dose (xanax)(if legally obtained) should take the edge off and allow your mind and body to relax.  Avoid the controlled release (CR) version for less sleepiness.  And over time you will likely not need the medicine any more.  Hard to imagine right now, but having a relaxed (and usually therefore more constructive) approach to life for a while (a few weeks or months)generally has a way of removing the things that caused you stress. At a minimum it will give you a helpful perspective.  Good luck  And don't think you're alone, anxiety medicine is one of the most common prescripitons in America. :-)
831056
Treatment for insomnia\nIn many cases, insomnia is caused by another disease or psychological problem. In this case, medical or psychological help may be useful. All sedative drugs have the potential of causing psychological dependence where the individual can't psychologically accept that they can sleep without drugs. Certain classes of sedatives such as benzodiazepines and newer non-benzodiazepine drugs can also cause physical dependence which manifests in withdrawal symptoms if the drug is not carefully titrated down.\n\nMany insomniacs rely on sleeping tablets and other sedatives to get rest. The most commonly used class of hypnotics prescribed for insomnia are the benzodiazepines. This includes drugs such as temazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, nitrazepam and midazolam. These medications can be addictive, especially after taking them over long periods of time.\n\nNon-benzodiazepine prescription drugs, including Ambien and Lunesta, have a cleaner side effect profile than the older benzodiazepines, however there are controversies over whether these non-benzodiazepine drugs are superior to benzodiazpines. These drugs appear to cause both psychological and physical dependence, and can also cause the same memory and cognitive disturbances as the benzodiazepines along with morning sedation.\n\nMelatonin agonists, including Ramelteon (Rozerem), seem to lack the potential for abuse and dependence. This class of drugs has a relatively mild side effect profile and lower likelihood of causing morning sedation.\n\nThe antihistamine diphenhydramine is widely used in nonprescription sleep aids, with a 50 mg recommended dose mandated by the FDA. In the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other countries, a 50 to 100 mg recommended dose is permitted. While it is available over the counter, the effectiveness of these agents may decrease over time and the incidence of next-day sedation is higher than for most of the newer prescription drugs. Dependence does not seem to be an issue with this class of drugs.\n\nSome antidepressants such as mirtazapine, trazodone and doxepin have a sedative effect, and are prescribed off label to treat insomnia. The major drawback of these drugs is that they have antihistaminergic, anticholinergic and antiadrenergic properties which can lead to many side effects. Some also alter sleep architecture.\n\nLow doses of Atypical antipsychotics such as quetiapine(Seroquel) are also prescribed for their sedative effect but the danger of neurological and cognitive side effects make these drugs a poor choice to treat insomnia.\n\nSome insomniacs use herbs such as valerian, chamomile, lavender, hops, and passion-flower. Valerian has undergone the most studies and appears to be modestly effective.\n\nAlcohol may have sedative properties, but the REM suppressing effects of the drug prevent restful, quality sleep. Middle-of-the-night awakenings due to alcohol consumption are common, and hangovers can also lead to morning grogginess.\n\nSome traditional remedies for insomnia have included drinking warm milk before bedtime*, taking a warm bath in the evening; exercising vigorously for half an hour in the afternoon, eating a large lunch and then having only a light evening meal at least three hours before bed, avoiding mentally stimulating activities in the evening hours, and making sure to get up early in the morning and to retire to bed at a reasonable hour. Pomegranates are also believed to be able to help insomniacs sleep.\n\nAdding honey to warm milk helps get the tryptophan in your system faster. Tryptophan absorption is normally inhibited or deterred by other amino acids but in the presence of sugar tryptophan is absorbed more quickly. \nTraditional Chinese medicine has included treatment for insomnia throughout its history. A typical approach may utilize acupuncture, dietary and lifestyle analysis, herbology and other techniques, with the goal of resolving the problem at a subtle level. Although t
903018
My first guess is that you are addicted to caffeine in Soda or some energy drink.  Kick the soda habit and you will sleep like a baby.  Caffeine is very addictive and hard to quit if you are drinking six sodas a day or more (or one or two big gulp drinks).  Quit caffeine, it will change your life.  \n\nI like to use the supplement, Melatonin to help me sleep.  I use it almost every night.  Take 1MG chewable (I like GNC's product) an hour before bed time.  Read a book...and you will pass out in no time.\n\nAre you consumed with stress and negative anxious thoughts at night?  I strongly suggest you discuss this with your parents and ask them to see a doctor.  Maybe you need a little help sleeping for a while.  But don't let them dope you up all day long on an anti-depressant.\n\nStart with quiting caffeine and ask Mom to buy you GNC's sub-lingual melatonin (in the vitamin section).
320345
You can take 10mg's at a time with no problem. I take 20mg"s 3 times a day. The side effects are not fun. One minute your fine and the next your sweating. I sweat a lot from it when I"m doing physical things. Also I feel like I am going thru withdrawals sometimes. This drug is worse than heroin when coming off. I have been on 4 years now and can't get off. My life is controlled by it. Try not to take it if at all possible. You can just put it in your mouth and take a drink of water and it will dissolve. Good Luck