Xanax prescribed to new user: Help!

My dad takes Xanax for anxiety as well. I understand that you may want to stop taking this drug because of the problems - addiction, etc. Be careful to slowly stop taking it. Wean yourself off, talk to your doctor - never stop taking Xanax cold turkey. You might die or end up in a coma.

I use Xanax .25 and I haven't had any "addiction" problems with it, but I only use it "as needed" so only like 1-2 a week, sometimes none. My doctors gave me the Xanax at the hospital where I was first tested for sleep apnea, and said it was safe to take. But most of my anxiety issues are daytime, so I rarely use it before bed.

To the first poster... how did using .25 at 11pm work for you?

MaryJoRs wrote:I use Xanax .25 and I haven't had any "addiction" problems with it, but I only use it "as needed" so only like 1-2 a week, sometimes none. My doctors gave me the Xanax at the hospital where I was first tested for sleep apnea, and said it was safe to take. But most of my anxiety issues are daytime, so I rarely use it before bed.

To the first poster... how did using .25 at 11pm work for you?

Taking .25 mg at 11 p.m. gives me about 6 to 7 hours of peaceful sleep. I want to get 8 to 9 hours.

So I changed the routine. I have a problem with premature awakenings but can always fall asleep quickly when I first retire for the night. So now I sleep 4 or 5 hours without Xanax. When I prematurely awaken, I take 1/2 pill (about .125 mg). I then fall asleep fairly quickly and sleep another 2 to 3 hours, so if I am having a good night I maybe get 8 hours of sleep.

Some days if I am very nervous, I will take another 1/2 pill at breakfast and then go to the sofa in the rec room, close the shutters and read and work crossword puzzles all morning. I can wedge myself on my side in the sofa and sleep a little bit without bad apneas.

I lost two excellent executive-level jobs while my apnea was going undiagnosed and now only work part time two afternoons per week. Financially I am OK, but psychologically it is not good for me to have so much free time after being a very busy executive for 34 years.

I need to get the apnea under control, improve my physical shape and get rid of the nervousness so I can pursue a better job. At age 56 this seems like quite a challenge.