When I turned 49 unable to sleep. I have a demanding job. Have been on quarter mg of xanax for 5?

Thank you Rajive, but I think Xanax is an addictive drug. I need that small amount to sleep,however, over the years I have never needed to increase that amount. I suppose definition of "addictive" is vague. My doctor says "that small amount cannot be an issue" However, I am going to try Melatonin.

Most welcome, oh ok, I have been taking Xanax 0.5mg since the last 5 years now, again for sleep, but I have done without it at times, too.

However, take care!

Thank you. I will try benadryl. I have also been using Melatinon. I ordered it from America. In Australia it is very expensive and only on a doctor's prescription. My mibbd jury is still out on this. However, a friend uses it and has had great success.

Thank you for your advice pledge but Trazodone is not available in Australia. (No idea why). I have begun a diary, monitoring sleep patterns. One thing I have notice that most people on anti anxiety or anti depressants have problems with weight gain. A case, a friend been on Paxtine for 7 years has really blown up. A different type of look to "obese" people. In desperation he watches his diet, exercises, swims every day but still has a "puffy" look. What are your thoughts on this?

My error the non generic is Paxil. not Remeron. and the generic of course still the same Paroxetine. Old age continues to rule,pledge

Yes, that seems to be the story with everyone on anti-depressants. Last night had to have 1/3 Zopiclone.Have not had any xanax for 4 days. Do not want to be subsituting for other drugs. I unfortunately think sleepnessness is a genetic thing. When I was very young able to detect, while sleeping, a burning house. Our house was the furtherest away and my bedroom still further. Everyone, next door was asleep.

Recently heard that prescription drugs such as Xanax was connected with Whitney Houston's death. Same with Heath Ledger. Not illegal drugs. Could it be that they did not handle the "tapering" right. Many people who are heroin addicts or alcoholics during recovery go on to anxiety meds. Just a thought. The fact that we take these meds, don't like the idea but recognise that we need them and are so concerned that we talk and discuss them here on forums means we don't abuse them. We are looking for answers. Perhaps there is no answers. It is part of our DNA and we are the first front to openly discuss them.

It depends who you talk to. Its been discussed in the past, here, and another forum where I participate in, what is addiction and what is abuse? The benzodiazepines are in my point of view, the most difficult and dangerous drugs to stop taking. People are often fooled into well, its a small dose only 2mg, this may be so, but take the 2mg over a length of time, try and stop taking it on a dime, and watch your body go through some pretty awfull reactions. blood pressure and cardiac for starters. I know, for I went through two detoxifications for the benzodiazepines, Xanax was one. Both occasions as an in patient and both took me 4 to 6 weeks, and a awfull lot of heartache to boot.

Hello easterdaisy. I'm happy for you, you're sleeping and thats what counts. Fear not, I don't critique, or form opinions, its not my style. I use plenty of medication to help me get my rest and its I believe I've mentioned it prior, manage a few hours and then I'm up and about. I'm retired, and yes, that makes my insomnia more liveable then when I was working. So, you were a teacher? I'd have made a good pupil. I enjoy learning, keeps my brain sharp. My passion was two fold. Wordcrafting, minature, scenes etc. I stopped it some time ago. My second hobby is doing crosswords puzzles. Even when on line, I manage to do a puzzle now and then. Have a great weekend, I know its summer out your part of the planet, and its been a extemely mild winter here, dry as all get out. bye bye then.