Posted by SLS on December 6, 2006, at 6:25:34
In reply to Some questions re: benzo use, some help please?, posted by Meri-Tuuli on December 6, 2006, at 4:35:59
Hi.
> What happens if you take a benzo and you aren't particulary anxious, you're just taking it to pre-empt the anxiety that comes on?
I guess that depends on what condition you are treating. Do you suffer from an anxiety disorder like GAD (generalized anxiety disorder)? Do you experience anticipatory anxiety? How about panic attacks?
> How do they affect sleep?
Some are good to help reduce the time it takes for someone to fall asleep, while others excel in helping people stay asleep. Oxazepam (Serax) isn't really known for being a hypnotic (sleep inducer), though. It is generally prescribed for anxiety and to help with alcohol withdrawal. However, your doctor may have had success using the drug for insomnia.
> Will you feel groggy the next day?
The half-life of oxazepam is 8 hours. This should be short enough for you not to feel too groggy in the morning. I can't imagine it would persist into the day.
> Do they actually help you to sleep better?
Generally speaking, yes. However, benzodiazepines affect something known as sleep architecture - the composition of the stages of sleep. They reduce stage 1, which is good, but reduce stage 4, which is bad. Stage 4 is deep, restorative sleep. I really can't predict how this would affect you. I took Ativan for several years, and I never felt that I suffered during waking hours. The newer hypnotics like Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta are not supposed to affect sleep architecture adversely.
> Its just I have 60 snow white pills of 15mg oxazepam, and the pdocs instructions are to take 0.5-1 tablet 1-2 times a day when necessary, but I'm having trouble with the 'when necessary' bit. I've never taken a benzo in my life.In the absence of a constant background anxiety, I think I would limit my use of a benzodiazepine to an as-needed PRN basis. I see nothing wrong with taking one if you know you are going to enter a situation that will provoke anxiety - a preemtive treatment.
How would you describe your insomnia?
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:710783
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061206/msgs/710792.html