The first step in the treatment of insomnia should be a medical examination to find out whether it is a symptom of an illness. As a rule, after successful treatment of the underlying disease passes and insomnia.

However insomnia may not be obvious reasons. To part, there are many ways to deal with it:

• Go to bed and prosypatytes at certain times (not compensate for a poor night's sleep during the day, do not try to sleep off the weekend);
• Try to relax before going to bed;
• Create a comfortable environment for sleep (you should not be too hot or cold, to avoid noise and bright light);
• Do not go to sleep during the day, even for a few minutes;
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol for six hours before bedtime;
• Do not engage in activities within four hours of sleep (though in the middle of the day, they will be very helpful for you);
• Do not eat a heavy meal late at night;
• If you do not sleep, do not look at the clock. Think about what you can still relax, though not sleep.

Sleeping

Acceptance of sleeping pills may be recommended in the following cases:

• Symptoms of insomnia are particularly severe;
• The need to alleviate the short-term insomnia;
• Insomnia can not cope in other ways.

However, physicians are reluctant to prescribe hypnotics because they relieve the symptoms, but do not treat the cause of insomnia. With long-term insomnia, sleeping pills are unlikely to be effective. In such cases, the doctor may refer the patient to a clinical psychologist, with whom you can discuss other treatment approaches.

Hypnotics should be taken at the lowest effective dose for as short as possible period of time (usually a course of taking sleeping pills lasts no more than a week). In some cases, it is recommended to take the drug two or three nights a week, but not every night.

Hypnotics may cause the following side effects:

• Feeling resembling a hangover;
• Sleepiness during the day.

Some people, especially the elderly effect "hangover" may be stored during the day, so you need to be especially careful when driving vehicles.

Hypnotics can very quickly addictive - even after short-term course of treatment. Take them strictly in accordance with the instructions of the doctor.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines - is tranquilizers, which are designed to reduce anxiety Anxiety - how to distinguish normal from disease?   and to provide rest, relaxation Relaxation and stress - calm, not panic!   and healthy sleep.

Drugs of this class are appointed only when severe insomnia, as well as in cases where a person causes insomnia extreme discomfort. All benzodiazepines cause drowsiness and may cause addiction. They are sold by prescription only, and they can be taken only for a short time. Benzodiazepines include temazepam, lormetazepam, and other drugs.

Z-drugs

So-called Z-drugs - this new hypnotics whose action is similar to the benzodiazepines. These medications include:

• Zopiclone;
• Zolpidem;
• Zaleplon.

Between them and the benzodiazepines there is only a slight difference. As a rule, if one group of drugs do not help, taking medication prescribed another group.

Melatonin

Studies have shown that drugs, melatonin, improve sleep in older people for up to 26 weeks. Melatonin - a natural hormone that helps regulate the sleep cycle Dreams: how to understand our dreams   (known as a circadian rhythm).

Tsirkadin, preparations based on melatonin, assigned only to people over 55 years. It should not take longer than three weeks. It is not recommended in diseases of the liver and kidneys. Side effects can be life tsirkadina irritability Irritability - you try to control my temper , Dizziness, headache, constipation, stomach pain, weight gain.

Xanax (active substance - alprazolam) - available on prescription drug recommended for the treatment of conditions that cause increased irritability Irritability - you try to control my temper And panic disorders. Alprazolam, Xanax active ingredient - a representative of the group of benzodiazepines, drugs that have on the human body complex effect: the vast irritability, cause drowsiness, relax muscles and prevent spasms affect short-term memory.

Benzodiazepines act on the brain, reinforcing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - the substance, which is characterized by a soothing effect. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is able to slow down or completely stop transmission of certain signals in the brain. That is why alprazolam (Xanax) and other members of the group of benzodiazepines are known primarily as a mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressant that is, drugs that suppress the central nervous system.

How to take Xanax

Xanax is available in tablet form, which must be taken orally two or three times a day according to the recommended dosage. Take Xanax can be like with food, and their own. If after dosing observed disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, to prevent this side effect generally helps medication together with meal. Xanax recommended dosage depends on several factors, including the diagnosis, age and health of the patient, presence of other diseases.

• Xanax to suppress the symptoms of anxiety disorders: The recommended initial dose - a quarter of a milligram or half-milligram three times a day. Your doctor may recommend gradually increase the dosage of Xanax to effectively suppress the symptoms or, conversely, reduce the dosage if Xanax is noticeable side effects.
• When liver disease and other serious health problems in the elderly the recommended initial dose of Xanax - no more than a quarter of a milligram two to three times a day.
• Xanax to suppress the symptoms of panic syndrome: in such cases are usually prescribed higher doses of the drug - from half a milligram three times a day with a gradual increase in dose. This gradual increase in the number receiving medication helps reduce the risk of side effects.

Side effects

Taking Xanax, you must strictly follow the instructions of the physician or the manufacturer: alprazolam in excess dosage or increasing the duration of the course of treatment can cause very serious side effects.

One of the most serious side effects of prolonged use of Xanax - depending on the development of the drug (this effect is characteristic of other drugs of the benzodiazepine family). Particularly high risk of dependency when taking Xanax on a daily basis over a long period of time or exceed the dosage. Furthermore, the risk group includes patients with addiction to drugs or alcohol, and people suffering from panic syndrome - to suppress the symptoms of panic disorders is required, usually a large dose.

Symptoms that may occur during the development depending on Xanax and withdrawal:

• Panic Attacks
• Convulsions
• Increased irritability, tension
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Increased perspiration
• Dizziness
• Mood swings, personality changes
• The sensitivity to sound or light
• Nausea, vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Cardiopalmus

When such symptoms after completion of receiving Xanax should immediately seek medical help: dependence on benzodiazepines - a very serious problem that requires specific treatment. Abrupt discontinuation rate receiving Xanax is not recommended, because in this case the appearance of withdrawal symptoms is most likely.

As is the case with any other drug, in the case of Xanax may experience some side effects. However, the majority of people taking Xanax on a regular basis, effect of the drug is well tolerated and the observed in such cases, the side effects are usually mild and do not cause discomfort. Serious side effects of Xanax are observed in very rare cases.

Among the most common side effects of Xanax are:

• Drowsiness
• Increased fatigue
• Problems with coordination
• Irritability
• Problems with memory

Potentially dangerous to humans Xanax side effects observed in rare cases:

• Depression or worsening of existing symptoms of depression
• Dizziness, fainting
• Irritability, anxiety Anxiety - how to distinguish normal from disease? , Nervousness, aggression
• Hallucinations
• Jaundice
• An allergic reaction (skin rash, itching, swelling of certain parts of the body)

Overdose can cause very serious consequences and potentially life-threatening. The main symptoms of overdose:

• Drowsiness
• Incoordination
• Slowed reflexes
• Respiratory

In very rare cases, Xanax overdose can cause coma and death, so the detection of the first symptoms of an overdose you should immediately seek medical help.

Interaction with other drugs

• Antidepressants, antipsychotics (neuroleptics), and barbiturates (sleeping pills), taken together with Xanax, increase the risk of side effects - drowsiness, memory disorders, respiratory disorders.
• Some antibiotics and antifungals can increase alprazolam (Xanax active substance) in the blood, thus increasing the risk of side effects. Take these drugs along with Xanax (especially ketoconazole and itraconazole) is not recommended.
• Cimetidine delavirdine, nefazodone taken with Xanax is not recommended, as these drugs can greatly increase the level of alprazolam in the blood and, consequently, the risk of side effects.
• For the entire period of receiving Xanax is recommended to give up alcohol and grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice increases the level of alprazolam in the blood, increasing the risk of side effects, alcohol, even in small doses of sedative, "intoxicating" effect Xanax.
• Before use in conjunction with other benzodiazepines, Xanax, anticonvulsants, hypnotics, protease inhibitors (antivirals) should consult a doctor.

Contraindications

Xanax is not recommended in all types of glaucoma Glaucoma - a perspective possible blindness   (the drug may aggravate the disease) during pregnancy (medication may adversely affect fetal development) and lactation Breast-feeding: feed - and no nails! Children under eighteen years of age. Precautions Xanax prescribed for depression (wrong dosage can worsen symptoms of depression), liver and lung, all kinds of allergies, a history of alcoholism or drug addiction.