Sleeping pills help you fall asleep, but they also have side effects. They may cause you to feel drowsy, dizzy or forgetful the next day.
They can also make you more likely to drive or operate machinery, which can be dangerous. So you should only take sleeping pills when it’s safe to do so, and never mix them with other drugs or alcohol.
Get a Medical Evaluation
Taking sleeping pills without getting a medical evaluation can lead to a number of problems. You should consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive exam, including a complete blood panel and physical examination.
During a medical evaluation, you will be asked about your family history and any other medications you are taking or have been prescribed. This is to ensure that your current medication does not interfere with your sleeping pill dosage or cause dangerous side effects.
Sleeping pills can also cause you to become dependent on them, making it difficult to quit without professional help. This is called “rebound insomnia,” and it can make your sleeping problems worse.
A doctor will likely ask you to stop your sleeping pill use gradually, so that you do not experience a rebound effect (such as increased drowsiness or impaired thinking) the day after you stop taking them. This is a good idea because it can reduce your risk of developing a dependency on the drug and increase the chance that you will experience less side effects.
Read the Medication Guide
Most drugs come with a drug package insert (PI – also known as prescription drug product insert or professional labeling) to provide detailed medication information. These guides help patients understand the risks of a drug, how to take it safely and when to talk with their healthcare professional, Check out here.
Medication Guides are paper handouts that come with many prescription medicines to describe, in detail, risks, appropriate use and proper treatment and storage of the drug. They are meant for patients or caregivers to help them use the medication safely and understand risks – in plain language and with illustrations.
Not every drug is required to have a Medication Guide, but they should be provided to all patients who request one. The FDA requires them for some drugs that are dispensed in outpatient settings, like community pharmacies or hospital-based ambulatory care units, when the patient is likely to return often.
Don’t Drive or Operate Machinery After Taking a Sleeping Pill
Sleeping pills can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. They can cause drowsiness, dizziness and even loss of coordination, making it dangerous for you to operate these devices.
The effects of these drugs last for hours, and they may be worse if you take them on an empty stomach. They should be avoided if you are taking any other medication, especially medications that affect your mental health or breathing problems.
Conclusion:
It is also important to avoid driving if you are pregnant, nursing, have high blood pressure, liver problems or other medical conditions. Your physician can help you decide if it is safe to drive when you are taking a sleeping pill. It is also not recommended to drive if you are taking a second prescription or over-the-counter drug, or if you have alcohol in your system. If you are taking a sleeping pill, get at least seven or eight hours of sleep before you drive.