Are there dangers associated with taking over-the-counter sleep medications on a regular basis?

According to the Mayo Clinic OTC sleep medications, taken occasionally are effective, but if you use them on a regular basis they become less effective. They can often make you feel tired or sick the next day. As for their long-term safety, the jury is still out.

- quote - OTC sleep aids are effective for an occasional sleepless night. But the more often you take them, the less effective they become. And OTC sleep aids may leave you feeling groggy and unwell the next day, particularly if you're an older adult.

If you're considering sleeping supplements, it's important to understand that much is unknown about their safety and effectiveness. - end quote - In addition, various OTC sleeping medications have side effects. For example, Sominex, Benadryl PM, and others containing diphenhydramine may cause "dry mouth, dizziness, prolonged drowsiness lasting into the next day, memory problems".

They are contraindicated (i.e. Don't use them) if you're pregnant or breast-feeding, or have a history of "glaucoma, heart problems, enlarged prostate". Unisom (doxylamine) may also cause you to feel drowsy the next day, should not be used if you're pregnant or breast-feeding, have a history of "asthma, bronchitis, glaucoma, peptic ulcer, enlarged prostate".

The Mayo Clinic article makes a list of suggestions on what to do if you suffer insomnia, including lifestyle changes, therapy, prescription sleeping pills, etc. As for long-term: - quote - Sleep aids are a temporary solution for insomnia. Most over-the-counter varieties are intended to be used for only two to three nights at a time. Taken too often, some sleep aids may cause rebound insomnia — sleeplessness that returns in full force when you stop taking the medication.

- end quote - The bottom line is that all drugs, even OTC ones, have side effects and should not be taken for longer than the packaging recommends without doctor's instructions. OTC sleeping pills' long term safety is not well known, and using them regularly is likely to reduce their effectiveness, and even worsen your insomnia. Disclaimer: the above is intended for informational purposes only.

You should consult your doctor if you suffer insomnia on a regular basis.

There are varying degrees of danger associated with taking any over-the-counter medications on a regular basis.

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