Medication & Sleep Aids

Over-the-Counter Products

It is best to check with your doctor before you take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or supplements that promote sleep. Why?

*  Some products could cause harmful interactions with medications you take and with alcohol.

*  You may need to find out the right dose for you to take.

*  You could have side effects, such as daytime sleepiness.

*  Some products may worsen health problems you have.

*  You could have a medical problem that needs proper diagnosis and treatment.

In general, do not take OTC sleep medications for more than two weeks without your doctor’s advice.

Use Caution with Prescribed Sleeping Pills

Prescribed sleeping pills can cause daytime drowsiness and other side effects. Do not drive or do other activities that require you to be alert.

*  Follow your doctor’s advice for taking prescribed sleeping pills. Do not increase the dosage without your doctor’s okay.

*  Let him or her know about side effects that bother you.

*  Discuss how long to take sleeping pills to avoid getting addicted to them.

*  Do not stop taking them abruptly. Doing this could cause withdrawal symptoms. Discuss this with your doctor.

*  Ask your doctor how to reduce your intake gradually and ways to promote sleep that work best for you without taking sleeping pills.

Signs to seek help for a problem with sleeping pills

*  Taking sleeping pills every night for more than two weeks

*  Taking a higher dose than you did before to fall asleep