... this for several years damage my memory or cause any other physical or mental problems? I've been using Xanax to help get back to sleep when I wake up too early. Thank you.
Can I get addicted to Xanax by taking a half or whole .5 mg pill about 5 days per week? Can doing?
Question posted by MoonbeamMom on 22 Feb 2011
Last updated on 21 February 2023 by Drkatzjr27
4 Answers
Drkatzjr27
22 Feb 2023
Addiction can occur when taking a benzodiazepine but usually results with chronic high dose use.
jerrry400
4 July 2017
I have been taking .5mg of Xanax at night to help me sleep and I have not had any side effects at all. All I get is a good nights sleep. Before I discovered Xanax, I would sleep 3-4 hours a night and was a zombie everyday. I inherit this sleeping disorder from my father. I am 57 years old and never felt better. The key is never to use more than .5mg and you won't have any problems. Some nights, I use 1mg of melatonin to give me a boost. If I skip a night, I do not sleep at all. Benadryl stays in your system and gives you hangover where Xanax does not. Plus, benadryl causes high blood pressure with long use. Xanax is truly a wonder drug.
Inactive
22 Feb 2011
Xanax is a benzodiazepine and is considered additive. I personally have been taking it every day since 1994. I started at .5mg. This was prescribed for Fibromyalgia to help me sleep. I think it's a wonder drug for helping you sleep. I think you have done very well at keeping your dose at .5mg, and only taking it 5 days a week. Do you sleep well on the other 2 nights? I must admit that since I started I have had to have mine increased & take 2 - 1mg tabs a night now Sometimes I have to take a third in the middle of the night to stay asleep. I have a huge amount of pain related problems also, and that doesn't help me to sleep either. The Xanax is very helpful & since my conditions will only get worse, I don't care if it's addictive! I know you have a very real concern, & you would have the same if you were to change to a sleeping pill I believe. If it's working, & you have been diagnosed with insomnia I wouldn't worry too much.
You are taking a very small amount. Talk to your doctor if this really bothers you. My Neuologist told me it does not affect your memory in the way you are thinking of.
puckiemull
22 Feb 2011
That is so true mary,
If your going through something so bad(especially not been able to sleep)you would and will try anything,its so hard not been able to sleep and if meds are what work then why not?Its better than getting no sleep and been like a zombie going around.
easterdaisy
22 Feb 2012
Hi. I was prescribed Xanax in 2006 for sleep. It made a huge difference to my life. I only take 1/3 of 2mg tablet at night. within 20 minutes I am asleep. For 7 hours. I also wanted to taper off. I went without Xanax for about 10 days. I had no "withdrawals" but I did not sleep. I have decided the lesser of two evils. I have decided to go back on Xanax. The alternative is to return to that sleepless, disorganised, grumpy, crappy self. That what be even if I got all the Xanax out of my system. I would be that person that sought help with a doctor in 2006.
Inactive
22 Feb 2012
You might try a couple of benadryl & see if that helps you sleep instead of the xanax if you are truly wanting off of it. It can really zonk you out too, but as I said earlier, don't fix what's not broken unless you are increasing & feel it may be a problem... Mary
Adam88
27 Feb 2012
I was diagnosed with Anxiety/Panic attacks in 2009 and have been on .5 mg xanax only using them on an as needed basis. But also i work 3rd shift(10pm-7am) and i have found they are great for helping me sleep on the bad days where i cant sleep. If take one for 3 or more consecutive days the effects gradually decline but i rarely take them that many times a week. Especially with work being so stressing ive tooken 2 at once and had me feeling loopy good but not on a "high". But the xanax is a great thing for me and others who use it correctly.
puckiemull
22 Feb 2011
Hi moonbeammom
How long have you been on xanax and were you prescribed it for sleep. I cant see how you would get addicted to it when only taking once a day and not every day at that.but again you'd have to speak with your doctor if you have any worries.Xanax is addictive but when taking properly it can be effective and work wonders,its those that abuse the meds that damage is likely to occur.Depending on the case,they say its for short term use but in severe cases they will prescribe it for longer depending on the individual itself.But check with your doc,he/she might change you to something else,it wont do any harm to hear what he/she has to say.
Take care
caringsonbj
22 Feb 2011
Dear Moonbeammom,
puckiemull is right, as long as you take it exactly as prescribed you won't have problems, I take it, I had a friend that misused the medication and I saw first hand that I was determined to take it like I would have anyway, I think it was a wakeup the medication helps you, but it will allow you to help yourself as long as taken as prescribed, You will do fine, if you have any further concerns or questions all you have to do is contact any of us
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- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)
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