Sleep Meds: Beware

Roughly 40 percent of Americans consider themselves "problem sleepers"

, that is, they have trouble falling asleep, wake up throughout the night or get up too early. In 2007 alone 24 million prescriptions for sleeping meds such as Ambien and Lunesta were written by doctors to assist people getting a good night sleep. However, many people are becoming acutely aware about the potential dangers of sleeping medications and the high risk that some people have becoming addicted to such medications.

Ambien, a Schedule IV Drug classified by the Food and Druf Administration, is a sedative hypnotic medication that is prescribed to patients for short-term treatment only (approximately 4-5 weeks). Its effects are quite similar to drugs of the benzodiazepine class of medicines. Ambien works rather quickly. People say they feel the onset after about 15-20 minutes after taking a pill. It leaves the body after about 8 hours, and thus, does not have substantial side or after effects the next morning.

The dangers of Ambien, however, derive from its habit forming properties. Many people become addicted to the drug when they take it for longer than the five week period. Used over an extended period, the patient must raise the dosage for the Ambien in order fo rit to actually work. Eventually, the patient cannot sleep without taking the medicine, and thus, becomes physically dependant.

Another potential danger of this drug is that its known to cause retrograde amnesia, sleep walking, decreased motor skills and, if the patient stays awake after taking the drug, confusion and mental impairment. People are sometimes also unable to perform regular activities such as driving or operating machinery. In the United States it was reported that a congressman was stopped by the police for driving erratically in the middle of the night and had no memory of even getting out of bed after taking Ambien.

Therefore, instead of asking your doctor for a prescribed sleeping aid, it may be best to search out alternative ways to help you get to sleep. Tea, warm milk, herbal remedies or melatonin have all been recommended to help with trouble sleeping. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has also been used to help cure insomnia. If you or someone close to you is already addicted to Ambien or other prescripted sleeping medications, it is advisable to speak with a doctor or contact treatment centers to ensure that you or your loved one receives the proper help, before it gets too late.

by: Maria Gonzales

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