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gypsywomen
28-02-12, 11:27
28 February 2012 Last updated at 02:17
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Sleeping pills 'linked to increased death risk'
By Michelle Roberts Health reporter, BBC News
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/58747000/jpg/_58747114_temazepamspl.jpg Many sleeping tablets are only available on prescription
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Sleeping pills used by thousands of people in the UK appear to be linked with a higher death risk, doctors warn.
The American study in BMJ Open compared more than 10,000 patients on tablets like temazepam with 23,000 similar patients not taking these drugs.
Death risk among users was about four times higher, although the absolute risk was still relatively low. well evrytime there s something new to scaer people with anxity ,i myself have been perscribd zopiclone past 3 years you can imagin what i am going through today this is worrying ,
I've read a couple of articles on this myself and the results seem to show that it's not necessarily the drugs themselves that are causing people to die, but is in fact the actions of people after taking these drugs. For example, you might be a bit more clumsy, you're more likely to have a fall etc. I don't think anyone is in any immediate danger. All articles are telling people not to stop taking their medications and to talk to their GP if they are worried about this.
gypsywomen
28-02-12, 12:47
yes i read that too. i have spoken to my gp ,this morning .he told me not to stop taking it as it could have adverse affect /also not to worry .:)
I haven't read up on the study, but just a few things to keep in mind:
First, it says the risk is still incredibly low and could be from what people do in their sleep on certain medications. For example I knew somebody who got in his car and drove it, woke up in his bed with no idea except that he went to visit his girlfriend while sleeping and she mentioned it.
Also they don't mention any other factors such as why these people in the study are taking sleeping pills in the first place. Do they need help sleeping because of depression? If they are depressed, they may be at a greater risk of suicide or something else. It could be whatever reason that they are takign the medication that the death risk is higher, as opposed to the medication itself causing it.
Either way risk is low, doc says don't worry! You are ok! :)
In addition to all those you've mentioned, drinking alcohol brings greater risks when using such drugs, especially sleeping pills.
If alcohol is not being used while taking sleeping pills, there is no danger.
Of course one has to discuss their condition with doctor before starting such medication. Especially when one has liver issues, but then again any medication would be taken cautiously if you have liver problems. So no worries.
In addition to all those you've mentioned, drinking alcohol brings greater risks when using such drugs, especially sleeping pills.
If alcohol is not being used while taking sleeping pills, there is no danger.
Of course one has to discuss their condition with doctor before starting such medication. Especially when one has liver issues, but then again any medication would be taken cautiously if you have liver problems. So no worries.
The alcohol thing isn't true.. There's always a risk with any medication.. They're side effects. The study conducted here was not done with people who smoked or drank alcohol in order to get good results.
nicola1980
28-02-12, 14:33
Ive also spoke to my doctor and hes told me not to worry about it and its fine to carry on using them xx
The alcohol thing isn't true.. There's always a risk with any medication.. They're side effects. The study conducted here was not done with people who smoked or drank alcohol in order to get good results.
Well, in Scotland more people die from alcohol related diseases than they do from taking any drugs. Sad, but true!
gypsywomen
28-02-12, 16:14
at one time they said coffee too was bad and chocolate
I saw Dr Chris on This Morning say that more study needs to be done, as if this was true, vast amounts of people be dropping dead all over the place, and theyre not.
coffee too was bad and chocolate
Had to laugh as I am sat reading this with a much of coffee and a bar of chocolate coated marzipan :roflmao: I am treating myself after a root canal treatment at the dentist.
Well unfortunately it's true that people die from using sleeping pills and alcohol together. I knew a young guy here (around his early 30's) and he died one night suddenly, then we asked the family and they said doctors said his lung functions stopped due to the use of sleeping pills after he came back home from drinking.
Drinking when taking anti-depressants is not as dangerous though, it makes one feel so bad and messed up. Even so, doctors don't recommend it.
Well unfortunately it's true that people die from using sleeping pills and alcohol together. I knew a young guy here (around his early 30's) and he died one night suddenly, then we asked the family and they said doctors said his lung functions stopped due to the use of sleeping pills after he came back home from drinking.
Drinking when taking anti-depressants is not as dangerous though, it makes one feel so bad and messed up. Even so, doctors don't recommend it.
I didn't say that alcohol plus sleeping tablets wasn't dangerous, it is! I said that just because you're not mixing alcohol with them doesn't necessarily mean your risk free. Mixing alcohol with any medications has the potential for problems and it's always best to speak to your GP or Pharmacist before doing so.
Not really sure how we even got onto this as no one has even mentioned alcohol before?!
sickandtired
28-02-12, 18:25
it also says that even the antihistamines(used as a sleeping aid) are dangerous....
well im still going to take my nytol!!
im more dangerous when i havent had my sleep!! :roflmao:
I'm not going to be losing any sleep about this study! (pun intended) :winks:
I've afraid the results are not conculsive enough for me.
A Professor from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK was quoted as saying he found the statistics "unbelieveable" and that more research needed to be done.
The advice is not to STOP any hypnotic/benzodiazepine medication you are currently being prescribed as it could be dangerous.
It'll be something else next week :rolleyes:
Haz:unsure:
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