Sleeping aids can cause a number of problems for users: drowsiness, agitation, and sleep walking are just a few. But did you know that it is also likely to send you to the emergency room? It has been revealed that the number of emergency room visits due to sleeping aids, such as Ambien, have risen nearly 220% in recent years.
In 2010, 19,487 emergency room visits were due to sleep aid medications. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 75% of patients were 45 years old or older.
Overmedication is the main cause of the emergency room visits, which can have adverse effects on patients. The Federal Drug Administration is concerned about “next morning impairment,” a situation in which the drug levels remain elevated within the patient through the night and into the morning, when tasks like driving must be completed.
The FDA has recommended that doctors decrease the dose amount for both men and women.
Do you take a sleeping aid, such as Ambien? The drugs can have serious side effects that can land you in the ER. You should speak with your doctor in depth about the potential dangers that may end up affecting you.
