Re: Alprazolam/Xanax for nighttime anxiety?
Originally Posted by
Librella
I am currently taking nortriptyline 25mg for ibs and migraines. It does nothing for anxiety at that dose, so my doctor also prescribed alprazolam for acute anxiety/panic. Lately I’ve been having a lot of anxiety at night, I have nightmares and wake up feeling panicked, or wake up too early and my mind starts racing. However I don’t feel anxious when I’m first going to bed. Would taking alprazolam before bed as a preventative for the midnight panic work? I know it’s not something to take every day
Probably, but benzodiazepines should only be taken in the short-term because they actually worsen the underlying brain issue that manifests as anxiety and/or depression. The prescription antihistamine *hydroxyzine might be a better bet, either alone, or alternating with alprazolam. It is moderately sedating and is a fairly potent anxiolytic, not quite as potent as alprazolam, but often potent enough.
*Hydroxyzine comes in two forms, hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril) and hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Atarax). Anecdotally, the pamoate form is claimed to be the more effective anxiolytic, but just how true this is remains a matter of debate in forums.
I’ll probably have to figure something else out long term.
As you're already taking it why not increase the nortriptyline dose into the therapeutic 75-150mg dose range. It is as likely to work as any other AD.
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.