HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Ambien Be Taken For Insomnia While On Morphine And Xanax?

I have chronic anxiety, it is much worse than my spinal stenosis, I have had 15 years of relief after my anterior lamenectomy, this is a chronic condition that Ican deal with. I am on 30 mg. Morphine 2x daily. I have both knees that are both treated with orthovisc which is a dream, relieving all pain. The main problem is anxiety that Itake 2mg. Xanax ER 2mg. Every morning. I was taking 2 regular xanax every night to sleep. Insomnia seems to be the worst I am dealing with, is it a good idea to switch to ambian to sleep. I can. Go 48 hours without sleeping if I take nothing. This is continuous.
Mon, 2 Apr 2018
Report Abuse
Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Ambien is a drug popularly used for insomnia. However while not in the same class it acts in a similar way to Xanax, so in your case given your long history of Xanax use, with probable tolerance building it might probably not be very effective. The fact that you have anxiety doesn't help as Ambien doesn't address the anxiety issue which contributes to insomnia. For that reason, I would suggest rather a sedating antidepressant. Antidepressants are the first-line treatment for chronic anxiety treatment. A sedating antidepressant like amitriptyline or mirtazapine which promote sleep would help with anxiety and insomnia at the same time. Their action may take a few weeks to kick fully in, but in the long term, it's the best option.


Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Olsi Taka
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Can Ambien Be Taken For Insomnia While On Morphine And Xanax?

Hello, Ambien is a drug popularly used for insomnia. However while not in the same class it acts in a similar way to Xanax, so in your case given your long history of Xanax use, with probable tolerance building it might probably not be very effective. The fact that you have anxiety doesn t help as Ambien doesn t address the anxiety issue which contributes to insomnia. For that reason, I would suggest rather a sedating antidepressant. Antidepressants are the first-line treatment for chronic anxiety treatment. A sedating antidepressant like amitriptyline or mirtazapine which promote sleep would help with anxiety and insomnia at the same time. Their action may take a few weeks to kick fully in, but in the long term, it s the best option. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Olsi Taka