To get better sleep shall I take "ALPRAZOLAM 10 MG"

Hi Swetha:

Alprazolam is also called Xanax, which is a benzodiazepine. I would wonder if you've spoken with your physician about this? Recommended dose is 0.25 to 0.5 mg, and you are asking if you can take 20 times the recommended dose. If you are treating panic disorder, then treatment of some panic disorder patients has required the use of Xanax at doses greater than 4 mg daily. When they were doing research they were testing up to 10 mg a day, but that was very rare. You are asking to use the highest doses tried in research in very controlled situations. You can read more about Xanax here.

You really need to call your doctor about this. Benzodiazepines are dangerous, very addictive, and should be respected.

Best of luck,

Dr. Diana Walcutt

*Dr. Walcutt is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medications. Psychologists study them, but most Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe meds or give you specific advice about them. Dr. Walcutt's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.

Swetha - I agree with what Dr. Walcutt had to say to you. However, you may want to take a closer look at your prescription bottle because it may say 1.0 not 10. One mg would be a very different story! I would also add that although Xanax can be very calming, and therefore helpful with sleep, there are other medications that are designed more specifically to help with sleep. You may want to ask your physician to tell you about those.

Rick Wirtz

Rick Wirtz is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Although the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medications or give you specific advice about them, they typically have experience working with patients who take a variety of medications. The response above is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own physician.

Swetha,

Dr. Diana is right! - never try these medicines unless prescribed by a doctor. I live in India and I know how easily these medicines are available without a prescription. Lot of people in India get caught into the practice of self-medication without realizing the ill effects of those medicines.

Alprazolam is highly addictive. Its ok to take it if your anxiety levels are very high and that too after consulting a doctor and the doctor thinks its appropriate. I suggest the following:

- Consult a counsellor/psyachiatrist

- Bring in some changes in lifestyle - exercise, good diet, cut-down coffee/tea

- Good Samaritan