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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Insomnia

I have been having trouble sleeping for a couple weeks. I am 78 years old and have tried ativan and now zanax. I have some anxiety too. Both leave me feeling lousy the next day. I am going to be traveling on Tuesday by air and afraid I will not be able to function. Would Valium be a better choice?
Mon, 16 Jun 2014
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your symptoms.

Ativan, xanax and valium are all benzodiazepine group of drugs. These medications cause hang-over feeling the next day. Moreover, there is a risk of dependence and addiction, if used for long.

So, it is better to avoid valium (diazepam).

You can use zolpidem for treating insomnia. This would leave you fresh in the mornings and there is no risk of dependence.

I hope my reply has helped you.

I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.
     
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad,
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/
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Suggest Treatment For Insomnia

Hi, Thank you for posting your query. I have noted your symptoms. Ativan, xanax and valium are all benzodiazepine group of drugs. These medications cause hang-over feeling the next day. Moreover, there is a risk of dependence and addiction, if used for long. So, it is better to avoid valium (diazepam). You can use zolpidem for treating insomnia. This would leave you fresh in the mornings and there is no risk of dependence. I hope my reply has helped you. I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) Senior Consultant Neurologist Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/