medication

[Route67]

Where I live I can get Xanax over the counter, and have stocked up over the years so I usually have 30 or 40 with me at all times. They are cheap and do an incredible job putting me to sleep.....I also have incredibly vivid dreams when I take one and can always sleep for 9 or 10 hours like a baby.

HOWEVER......I have weened myself off of them because I don't want to get addicted! Same with Valium, which will also put you to sleep, but can be highly addictive. Once I started CPAP therapy a year ago I put them both on the shelf and now only take one maybe once per week, if I had a bad day and really need a good night's sleep.

So, to address your question exactly; ''Does anyone take Xanax or something similar? If so, do you take it before sleep and if so, does it cause you any problems with sleep apnea?"

Yes, I have taken it off and on for years, before and after getting the CPAP machine. It will surely help you sleep either way, but like many drugs that is just masking and putting a band-aid on the true problem, which will never get cured unless you address the under-lying problem. IE, Apnea. So is it causing a problem? YES.... if you don't bother using the machine you will always have Apnea, Xanax won't cure it by any means.

I'd recommend Melatonin.....after I stopped taking Valiums and Xanax I started on Melatonin [5mg-10mg a night] and it works very similarly, but without the addictive qualities of Xanax. In fact, my DR recommends it and he would never recommend Xanax or even Lunesta, he wants me to fall asleep naturally.

[Tez62]

Route67, glad we agree on how meds can be addictive and that the cause needs to be what is treated not the symptopms. I used to take Xanax but during the day for anxiety. I agree with you on Melatonin I used to take Valerian sometimes to settle me at night which is a herb over the counter product as well.

[me50]

Where I live I can get Xanax over the counter, and have stocked up over the years so I usually have 30 or 40 with me at all times. They are cheap and do an incredible job putting me to sleep.....I also have incredibly vivid dreams when I take one and can always sleep for 9 or 10 hours like a baby.

HOWEVER......I have weened myself off of them because I don't want to get addicted! Same with Valium, which will also put you to sleep, but can be highly addictive. Once I started CPAP therapy a year ago I put them both on the shelf and now only take one maybe once per week, if I had a bad day and really need a good night's sleep.

So, to address your question exactly; ''Does anyone take Xanax or something similar? If so, do you take it before sleep and if so, does it cause you any problems with sleep apnea?"

Yes, I have taken it off and on for years, before and after getting the CPAP machine. It will surely help you sleep either way, but like many drugs that is just masking and putting a band-aid on the true problem, which will never get cured unless you address the under-lying problem. IE, Apnea. So is it causing a problem? YES.... if you don't bother using the machine you will always have Apnea, Xanax won't cure it by any means.

I'd recommend Melatonin.....after I stopped taking Valiums and Xanax I started on Melatonin [5mg-10mg a night] and it works very similarly, but without the addictive qualities of Xanax. In fact, my DR recommends it and he would never recommend Xanax or even Lunesta, he wants me to fall asleep naturally.

I use my CPAP machine faithfully, even if I take a nap. I do NOT use Xanax for sleep and if I take it in the late afternoon, I never take it close to bedtime. FYI, those that need help sleeping, somnapure is also a good otc sleep aid that is natural and all that I know that have used it love it

[Bompa]

Two weeks ago I started on 5mg. Of Melatonin.

Since starting CPAP I have been waking up several times a night. My MD offered me sleeping pills but I refuse to use sleeping pills.

I find now, with the Melatonin, I sleep right through the night. With the exception of waking up for a pee break.

Great stuff that Melatonin.