What Are Sleeping Pills?
If you have difficulty sleeping, you may have considered medication to help you rest. Both over-the-counter and prescription sleep aides are available to temporarily treat insomnia. Nevertheless, before you take sleeping pills, it is beneficial to know the difference in the various types of medication and be aware of the risks and side effects. Always provide your physician with an accurate description of your sleep disorder symptoms as this can reduce the risk of an incorrect diagnosis or prescription.
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Prescription Pills
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Three types of prescription pills exist---antidepressants that sedate, pills that help you fall asleep, and medication that assists you in staying asleep. According to mayoclinic.com, pills that help you fall and stay asleep are usually taken for less than two weeks at a time. Sedating antidepressants can be used for prolonged periods of time; however, the main function of the pills is to treat depression not insomnia.
Side Effects of Prescription Pills
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The Mayo Clinic advises that all three types of prescription medication may produce dizziness, headaches and drowsiness. Sleep aides that help you fall and stay asleep can also cause severe allergic reactions. If you experience hives, swelling or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately as it could be life-threatening. In addition, prescription pills may cause sleep behaviors such as binge eating or driving. Regardless of the severity of the side effects, always contact your physician should you experience them.
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Over-The-Counter Sleep Aides
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Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are easily available for purchase and can be taken if you are over the age of 12. According to helpguide.org, OTC sleep aides are not meant for long term use and should not be taken for longer than a few days. Some OTC pills also have a secondary function such as treating colds. Side effects of OTC sleep medication include blurred vision, constipation and clumsiness.
Suggestions
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According to helpguide.org, you should always inform your doctor of any other medical condition you have to avoid serious side effects. Also, tell your physician about any other medication---both OTC and prescription---you are currently taking. Never consume more than your prescribed dosage or the amount suggested for OTC pills as this may cause an overdose.
Warning
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Alcohol should never be consumed while taking sleep medication. Furthermore, mixing sleeping pills with other prescription drugs can be dangerous and should be avoided unless you are advised by a medical professional. If you or someone you know has developed an addiction or dependency to prescription or OTC sleep aides, seek medical attention or contact the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral at (800) 662-4357.
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