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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taking Sleeping Pills Over A Year, Increased Dosage As Not Able To Sleep. Side Effects? Any Alternative?

Hello, I am worried about my boyfriend. He has started taking sleeping pills awhile back to help him get to bed. They are the unisom over the counter pills. He s been taking them for at least a year now and he now takes about 7 a night. I m worried that this could be bad for his health. I think the only reason he needs them is because he believes he can t sleep without them. Any advice? Thank you!
Mon, 23 Sep 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi and thanks for the query,

I am afraid he might have to stop taking these pills and get a proper medical consultation. Lack of sleep could be related to stress or some physiologic disorder, if identified, could be easily managed. In case of depression, treating it alleviates issues with sleep automatically. Dependence on sleep pills without knowing the actual cause of sleep disorder is not advisable. I suggest he consults his primary care physician to get evaluated for depression most especially. While waiting, I think he stops the over the counter drugs, does some exercise for now. Thanks and hope this helps as i wish him the best of health. Kind regards.

Bain LE, MD.
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Taking Sleeping Pills Over A Year, Increased Dosage As Not Able To Sleep. Side Effects? Any Alternative?

Hi and thanks for the query, I am afraid he might have to stop taking these pills and get a proper medical consultation. Lack of sleep could be related to stress or some physiologic disorder, if identified, could be easily managed. In case of depression, treating it alleviates issues with sleep automatically. Dependence on sleep pills without knowing the actual cause of sleep disorder is not advisable. I suggest he consults his primary care physician to get evaluated for depression most especially. While waiting, I think he stops the over the counter drugs, does some exercise for now. Thanks and hope this helps as i wish him the best of health. Kind regards. Bain LE, MD.