There are a lot of misconceptions about sleep medications.
In this Internet age, it is easy and more common than ever for misinformation to
be spread around. Sometimes rumors can take on a life of their own. And sometimes,
as a consumer, it can be difficult to tell fact from fiction.
We would like to help put your mind at ease by providing the facts about these common
myths, so you can educate and reassure yourself about the safety of sleep medications.
MYTH #1: Everyone gets addicted to sleep medications.
FACT: Most sleep medications carry some risk of dependence. However,
people with a history of addiction, or alcohol and drug abuse, are the ones most
at risk when taking sleeping medications.
Studies show that, when taken as prescribed, AMBIEN CR safely and effectively treats
insomnia.
MYTH #2: Over-the-counter sleep medications are safe for long-term use.
FACT: Not all sleep medications are safe for long-term use, including most over-the-counter sleep aids.
These types of sleep aids, which can be bought at grocery or drug stores, often contain extra medicines, like pain relievers and antihistamines — neither of which were originally created for sleep.
One pain reliever, acetaminophen, may cause liver damage and another, ibuprofen may cause stomach bleeding.
MYTH #3: Everyone who takes sleep medications will sleep-walk or sleep-drive.
FACT: There have been rare occurrences of sleepwalking, sleep-related eating and sleep-driving among people taking sleep aids, but these conditions may not necessarily be caused by the sleep medication. One source estimates that the incidence of sleepwalking in the general adult population is approximately four percent. If you experience events such as sleepwalking, sleep-related eating or driving while asleep during treatment with a sleep medication, you should contact your healthcare professional.
Next: Using AMBIEN CR
