My doc perscribed xanax (alprazolam) 1mg xr to help me sleep. i am currently being investigated for having "obstructive sleep apnea". is it safe to take the xanax (alprazolam)?

Not really: Some medical conditions may interact with Xanax (alprazolam). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:. Some medical conditions may interact with Xanax (alprazolam) , especially if any of following apply to you: if you have a history of seizures, glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye, kidney or liver problems, lung or breathing problems .

Dr Gallia agreed

Sleep apnea: What do you mean by "being investigated"- Have you had a sleep test and you are waiting for results? Generally Xanax (alprazolam) would be OK- but if you have sleep apnea I doubt it would stop the AHI which is how many times you stop breathing each hour during your sleep.

Dr Gallia agreed

No: if you are having trouble sleeping and are being tested for OSA than often these two issues go hand in hand and your sleep may improve upon treating the OSA. I would recommend waiting until you get your sleep study results back.

Dr Gallia and another doctor agreed

Not recommended: You should not not take sleeping pills if you have obstructive sleep apnea. The benzodiazepines (Xanax) have been shown to decrease breathing in patients with OSA and increase AHI index. See a sleep specialist for evaluation and sleep study.

Dr Christensen and another doctor agreed

Ask sleep MD: It may interfere with any planned sleep studies. Ask sleep specialist.