[triplewater11]

Has anyone here successfully used a benzo for a short amount of time for sleep, while transferring over to an SSRI, and been okay with it after and been able to stop? Will the SSRI help the anxiety/panic thoughts eventually so my sleep cycle can re-regulate? I understand the drugs deal with different mechanisms and neurotransmitters, but hoping for a miracle.

Currently having a lot of panic and anxiety that is causing insomnia, the only thing that helps me sleep is taking an ativan. My doctor just started me on sertaline today. I know it will take at least a week or two to do anything, maybe more. I've taken 1mg of lorazepam the past 4 nights just to get sleep, last night I tried to not take it and have been awake all night.

I'm feeling so terrible from not sleeping, tired, worried and keyed up. Have tried everything.. tried melatonin, magnesium calm, meditations, hypnosis, the sleep restriction technique, etc. Went to acupuncture and therapy today too, which were helpful but can't be with me 24/7.

[kecanoe]

I used a .25 Xanax (a very small dosage) for sleep for many months. I was able to stop without a problem, although I still have trouble sometimes going to sleep. But since that predated the Xanax, I do not think it is due to withdrawal.

For me, SSRIs do not help with sleep. Nortriptylene, hydroxyzine, cyclobenzaprine have all helped

[triplewater11]

Originally Posted by kecanoe

I used a .25 Xanax (a very small dosage) for sleep for many months. I was able to stop without a problem, although I still have trouble sometimes going to sleep. But since that predated the Xanax, I do not think it is due to withdrawal.

For me, SSRIs do not help with sleep. Nortriptylene, hydroxyzine, cyclobenzaprine have all helped

Thank you for replying! I am hoping my doctor can help me out with this.

[-jimi-]

SSRIs have never helped me with panic or sleep. They are supposed to do that?

[triplewater11]

Originally Posted by -jimi-

SSRIs have never helped me with panic or sleep. They are supposed to do that?

I think the idea is they regulate mood so that its less likely to affect these things. It's more of a stabilization factor, as opposed to a quick solution. One of the conditions listed that Zoloft treats is actually panic disorder, too. I am hoping they'll help me worry and ruminate less so I can relax.

[-jimi-]

I was stable. It didn't work with me for panic attacks. I hope you have better luck.

[AncientMelody]

Sleep wasn't a huge issue for me, but I'll in general still say "yes". In that I relied fairly often on ativan for a few months while we tried to find a daily med that worked for my anxiety (In my case, it was Cymbalta). I used Ativan up to 3-4 days per week for awhile. I now use Ativan only once every 2-3 months.

[triplewater11]

Originally Posted by AncientMelody

Sleep wasn't a huge issue for me, but I'll in general still say "yes". In that I relied fairly often on ativan for a few months while we tried to find a daily med that worked for my anxiety (In my case, it was Cymbalta). I used Ativan up to 3-4 days per week for awhile. I now use Ativan only once every 2-3 months.

Thank you for the comment! That makes sense. I used it 4 days in a row last week to sleep which I felt very bad and worried about, then went 3 days without it and barely slept. I may take one tonight, but my new rule is I don't take it 2 days in a row.