(FDA) The FDA is warning the public about the use and risks of sleep aid medications, something they refer to as “Z-Drugs”.
In the article, published Wednesday March 6th, they say that use of prescription sleep aids such Ambien, Zunesta, and the like can cause so called complex sleep behaviors, meaning things like sleep walking, sleep cooking, or even taking other medications while not fully awake.
The FDA says they received reports of people taking these insomnia medicines and accidentally overdosing, falling, being burned, shooting themselves, and wandering outside in extremely cold weather, among other incidents, clarifying that these are rare occurrences.
The FDA has published a full list of healthy practices and tips to take into considerations if you are one who takes Z drugs:
Tips for Taking Medicines for Insomnia
If your health care professional prescribes a Z-drug to help you sleep, discuss with them the benefits and risks.
Be sure to read the Patient Medication Guide as soon as you get the prescription filled and before you start taking the medicine. If you have any questions or don’t understand something, ask your health care professional.
After taking the medicine, if you experience a complex sleep behavior, stop taking the drug and contact your health care professional immediately.
Complex sleep behaviors can occur at lower dosages, not just high doses. It’s important to carefully follow the dosing instructions as directed by your health care professional.
Don’t take these medicines with any other sleep drugs, including those you can buy over-the-counter without a prescription.
Don’t drink alcohol before or while taking these medicines; together they may be more likely to cause side effects.
You may still feel drowsy the day after taking one of these drugs. Keep in mind that all insomnia medicines can impair your ability to drive and activities that require alertness the morning after use.
For information on healthy sleep habits, visit Tips for Better Sleep and Insomnia: Relaxation techniques and sleeping habits.
