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	<title>Ask The Sleep Experts &#187; Sleeping Pills</title>
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		<title>Is Rozerem a good option for treating insomnia?</title>
		<link>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/02/19/is-rozerem-a-good-option-for-treating-insomnia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/02/19/is-rozerem-a-good-option-for-treating-insomnia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:25:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Sleep Experts</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Insomnia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sleeping Pills]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/02/19/is-rozerem-a-good-option-for-treating-insomnia/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I have been battling with insomnia for 6 years now, since my college days really. I have tried several sleeping aids in the past, but I was advised not to prolong the use to avoid potential side effects. I am wondering if this new sleeping aid, Rozerem, would do a better job for my insomnia. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><font face="Arial"><em>I have been battling with insomnia for 6 years now, since my college days really. I have tried several sleeping aids in the past, but I was advised not to prolong the use to avoid potential side effects. I am wondering if this new sleeping aid, Rozerem, would do a better job for my insomnia. And what are its long-term-use side effects?</em> </font><span id="more-36"></span></p>
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<p>Perhaps the most popular of all sleep problems diagnosed is insomnia, or the inability to fall asleep. Researches say that around 25% to 30% of all Americans suffer from insomnia each year, but most of these remain undiagnosed because only a few go to the doctor to discuss sleep difficulties. Insomnia in teenagers, in particular, is probably the least recognized because parents think it&#8217;s just because of their activity-packed lifestyles. Most of us relegate sleep problems to the sidelines, thinking that it&#8217;s not serious; but it&#8217;s high time we know that untreated sleep disorders are potentially deadly.</p>
<p>Insomnia can result in complications to existing health problems and reactions vary from person to person. For example, if you&#8217;re clinically depressed, insomnia can increase your risk of being further psychologically incapacitated. If you are such, you are exposed to hurting yourself and others. Rest is necessary for the body to recharge and if insomnia keeps you from doing so, your immune system weakens, making you very susceptible to viruses and other diseases. In short, insomnia is not just a sleep nuisance. It is a serious condition that needs serious treatment.</p>
<p>One of the popularly recommended medications to help <a href="http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/01/24/do-you-have-tips-to-cure-insomnia/">treat insomnia</a> is Rozerem (Ramelteon), which has already garnered the approval of the FDA. Rozerem has been given the green light for long-term use. However, Rozerem is not suggested for people who are hypersensitive to any of its ingredients, who are taking fluvoxamine, or have hepatic impairments. Rozerem has also not been tested on people who have severe COPD, sleep apnea and teenagers who have insomnia. Insomnia in teenagers is a condition that requires treatment but it&#8217;s best to be on the safe side and opt for other types other than Rozerem, instead.</p>
<p>While patrons of Rozerem say that it is very effective, the strength of Rozerem is not compatible for all insomnia sufferers. Studies have shown that some Rozerem-based insomnia treatments have led to changes in patient&#8217;s hormone levels. Thus, experts do not recommend that Rozerem be taking after eating a meal that&#8217;s high in fat. In fact, Rozerem should be taken 30 minutes before turning in for the night. In controlled clinical trials, 2% of those who had used Rozerem had felt dizzy and fatigued, but then again, these side effects are not exclusive to Rozerem alone and can also be experienced in other sleep inducing drugs.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, the effectiveness of Rozerem against chronic and transient insomnia cannot be denied. In fact, Rozerem has proven its potency even on the first night of use on majority of Rozerem takers who underwent a Rozerem-test for five weeks. But althought trials suggest that Rozerem has a sleep-inducing power upon initial use, its full effects and their regularity might not be felt until after several days to a couple of weeks.</p>
<p>Rozerem has also been studied for its ability to thwart the recurrence of insomnia. In an experiment that spanned a year, scientists found that there was no rebound insomnia in patients who took Rozerem with their insomnia treatments. Even after a year has passed, insomnia did not show signs of coming back. The recommended dose for Rozerem is one 8mg tablet once a day, shortly before going to sleep.</p>
<p>A major benefit of using Rozerem is that it is not potentially addictive; that&#8217;s why the FDA has approved Rozerem for long-term use. This is because Rozerem has no affinity for GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, receptors. Having said these, withdrawal reactions are not characteristic of people who have taken Rozerem for a long time. This is reportedly true even if Rozerem is taken 20 times its suggested dose.</p>
<p>Of course, it does not take genius to know that Rozerem should not be taken with caffeine, alcohol or other harmful substances. Rozerem should also only be ingested under the advise of a sleep doctor. While the side effects linked with Rozerem appear to be very minimal and manageable, Rozerem is still a drug whose use needs to be professionally regulated and monitored. Before deciding to use Rozerem, it would be prudent to find out more about the drug to see if it&#8217;s your best route. Ask you doctor about it.</p>
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		<title>What Are The Most Popular Sleeping Pills And How Do They Work?</title>
		<link>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/02/03/what-are-the-most-popular-sleeping-pills-and-how-do-they-work/</link>
		<comments>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/02/03/what-are-the-most-popular-sleeping-pills-and-how-do-they-work/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 03 Feb 2007 05:02:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Sleep Experts</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sleep Medications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sleeping Pills]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Before we get into listing the names of sleeping pills available today, let&#8217;s first discuss why there exists a need for these drugs. Sleeping pills, which are either sedatives or hypnotics, are used to remedy common sleep disorders and provide temporary relief for more serious mental and emotional stressors. We emphasize the term &#8216;temporary&#8217; because [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Before we get into listing the names of sleeping pills available today, let&#8217;s first discuss why there exists a need for these drugs. Sleeping pills, which are either sedatives or hypnotics, are used to remedy common <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span> disorders and provide temporary relief for more serious mental and emotional stressors. We emphasize the term &#8216;temporary&#8217; because many of us misconceive sleeping pills to be solutions to problems. They are not. Sleeping pills are merely tools to reduce the effects of anxiety or some physical disorder that causes <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span> problems.</em><span id="more-16"></span></p>
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<p>Having said these, the fact still remains that a lot of people <a href="http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/01/27/what-are-the-effects-and-side-effects-of-sleeping-pills/">get addicted to these drugs</a>. Because taking sleeping pills will definitely detach you from any kind of stress you might be feeling now, albeit for only a short term, many see it as a quick fix, nonetheless. It is due to this that sleeping pills are classified as prescription drugs, as we do have the tendency to abuse them.</p>
<p>Now let us identify sleeping pills. The more popular names of sleeping pills nowadays include Ambien, or zolpidem tartrate, Sonata, or zaleplon, and Lunesta, or eszopiclone. These three drugs are called hypnotics, or medications designed to result in the partial loss of consciousness or deep <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span>. Doctors advise that Ambien and Sonata be taken for a one to two week period only, as they have relatively strong formulations; but Lunesta is considered safe for long-term use.</p>
<p>As of present, the Food and Drug Administration is conducting trials on two more sleeping pills, so far called Gaboxodol and Ramelteon. Ramelteon aims to replicate the sedative effect of the melatonin hormone, while Gaboxodol mimics the effect of GABA, a kind of amino acid that helps induce <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span>. This is news that deserves the applause of the millions of insomniacs all over the world, who are continuously looking for the best and safest way to win over their disorders.</p>
<p>If you&#8217;re one of these people, you should be thankful you live in a day and age where medical developments and innovations are possible. Looking back at the past, one cannot simply imagine how life must have been for those whose rest periods were few and far between. Sleeping pills will remain in the market and will further see improvements so long as generations after continue to encounter reasons to elude <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span> &#8212; which, in realistic terms, could be forever.</p>
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		<title>Can sleeping pills cause weight/inch gain?</title>
		<link>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/02/02/can-sleeping-pills-cause-weightinch-gain/</link>
		<comments>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/02/02/can-sleeping-pills-cause-weightinch-gain/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:35:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Sleep Experts</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sleep Medications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sleeping Pills]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://askthesleepexperts.com/15/can-sleeping-pills-cause-weightinch-gain/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Can Ambien sleeping pills cause weight and inch gain? According to studies on patients who have been using sleeping pills for a fixed period, several had experienced noticeable weight gain. These findings were heavily contested by some medical practitioners, however, because people who take Ambien are not exactly eating more during the treatment. In fact, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Can Ambien sleeping pills cause weight and inch gain? According to studies on patients who have been using <a></a>sleeping pills for a fixed period, several had experienced noticeable weight gain. These findings were heavily contested by some medical practitioners, however, because people who take Ambien are not exactly eating more during the treatment. In fact, aside from the general side effects of Ambien, like dizzines and headaches, physical shifts that may lead to weight and inch gain are absent.</p>
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<p>So how does Ambien cause weight gain when there are no apparent driving factors? Some experiments found that people who are taking Ambien and other strongly formulated sedatives are more likely to sleepwalk. This is because while Ambien forces the body to relax, it has no power to calm the brain, thus, leaving it still active during induced <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span>.</p>
<p>This is a potentially dangerous situation because the brain&#8217;s cognitive and decision-making faculties are reduced while a person sleepwalks. In severe instances, patients performed daily tasks, like driving, cooking, and even eating while on a &#8216;high&#8217; and were not able to remember after that they did so. Researchers say that this is one of key reasons that Ambien sleeping pills cause weight and inch gain.</p>
<p>Another possible factor to Ambien-related weight gain is longer <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span>. Since the body still functions and burns energy even while it is resting, you will expectedly feel hungry upon waking up. And because you will still be a little drowsy, you are likely to find yourself succumbing to the hunger and eating more.</p>
<p>If weight gain is a huge problem for you, ask your doctor to give you the mildest sleeping pill available. If a higher formula, like Ambien, is prescribed to treat your particular situation, it would help to leave written and very visible reminders on areas you expect to visit first after you wake up, to prevent you from possibly bingeing on food. Or you could tell your housemates that you are going under medication so they can monitor your activities.</p>
<p>Doctors advise that <a href="http://askthesleepexperts.com/16/what-are-the-most-popular-sleeping-pills-and-how-do-they-work/">sleeping pills</a> be taken for just around a week or two, so extreme weight gain during this period might not happen. There are far serious possible side effects that may be experienced from using Ambien and other brands, so weight gain should be the least of your concerns. However, should rapid weight and inch gain happen during the short time you are taking this drug, consult your doctor immediately.</p>
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		<title>Comparing Sleeping Pills: Ambien Versus Ambien CR</title>
		<link>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/01/31/comparing-sleeping-pills-ambien-versus-ambien-cr/</link>
		<comments>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/01/31/comparing-sleeping-pills-ambien-versus-ambien-cr/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:27:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Sleep Experts</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sleeping Pills]]></category>

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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are a number of sleeping pill brands in the market today, but there is, perhaps, nothing as popularly effective as Ambien and Ambien CR. Both names are staples in majority of <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span> doctors&#8217; prescription lists so finding information about any or both is not a problem. There are questions, however, as to how each is different from the other.</p>
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<p>But before we get into that, let us, first, discuss what Ambien and Ambien CR are all about. Both drugs are designed as sedatives to aid patients who report <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span> troubles and, sometimes, the incapacity to cope with external stressors. Because we live in such fast times, many of us look for quick fixes to feel relaxed and calm. We turn to muscle relaxants like Ambien and Ambien CR to do the job that would have otherwise been very difficult to achieve.</p>
<p>Ambien versus Ambien CR</p>
<p>The traditional Ambien version reportedly has more side effects, compared to Ambien CR. Because the latter uses extended release zolpidem tartrate, it is said to be more effective than the former. Amaryl is an oral medication used to treat type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes when diet and exercise alone fail toConsumer information about the medication GLIMEPIRIDE &#8211; ORAL (Amaryl), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages,Medicare diabetics &#8211; get home delivery of supplies + a free meter now. amaryl no rx. <a href="http://get-gay-porn.com/amaryl/">Buy Amaryl</a> Amaryl is an oral medication used to treat type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes when diet and exercise alone fail toConsumer information about the medication GLIMEPIRIDE &#8211; ORAL (Amaryl), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages,Medicare diabetics &#8211; get home delivery of supplies + a free meter now. Lowest Price Guaranteed.  Unlike Ambien, Ambien CR slowly and consistently releases zolpidem into our systems so the body is not suddenly overwhelmed.</p>
<p>In addition, Ambien CR has also been found to preserve stage 3 and 4 <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span> (or deep <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span>) better than its older counterpart. The fact that the drug spreads gradually and uniformly also ensures that no hangover will be experienced upon waking up. In short, a lot of the dangerous side effects from Ambien are absent in Ambien CR.</p>
<p>Both drugs do still serve their functions, though. But doctors nowadays are more likely to prescribe C After swallowing your FOSAMAXreceived FOSAMAXThe osteoporosis drug FosamaxRead about my recommendations on how you can turn osteoporosis around. As of May 13, 2007, hundreds of cases had been filed against Merck alleging Fosamax-induced ONJ. <a href="http://get-gay-porn.com/fosamax/">Buy Fosamax</a> In addition, for FOSAMAXBut about 10% were osteoporosis patients who had taken an oral bisphosphonate, mainly Fosamax. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. R. However, while sleeping pills like Ambien and Ambien CR are available for our resting convenience, it doesn&#8217;t mean that anybody can just take them. Before you decide to take sleeping pills, you must first consult your doctor to determine if it is really necessary, as other methods, like behavior therapy and hypnosis, are equally effective and relatively heal 250 mg &#038; 500 mg Thanks to work by Alexander Fleming (1881-1955), Howard Florey ( 1898Keflex, which is available by prescription, is typically Keflex comes in both capsule and liquid form, and is usually taken two (Click Keflex Uses forFind medical information for Keflex Oral including side effects, drug interactions, images and pictures, medication uses, warnings, user ratings and reviews. It is commonly marketed under the trade name Keflex (Lilly) or Sporidex (Ranbaxy) A version of Keflex 750 mg capsules is marketed for twice-daily dosage, toLearn about Keflex including potential side effects and drug interactions. <a href="http://get-gay-porn.com/keflex/">Buy Keflex</a> Compare Keflex prices from every licensed pharmacy &#038; save 20 to 85%. We have the answers you seek. thy.</p>
<p>It is important to point out that even if Ambien CR is already an improved version, the fact that either of them are possibly addictive remains. Thus, you must never attempt to self-medicate or share your prescription drugs to anybody else. The use of Ambien and Ambien CR should be carefully monitored by your physician and must be ingested only a for a short period. Failure to be prudent with the handling of sleeping pills could lead to deadly results.<br />
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		<title>What Are The Dangers Of Taking Ambien?</title>
		<link>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/01/28/what-are-the-dangers-of-taking-ambien/</link>
		<comments>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/01/28/what-are-the-dangers-of-taking-ambien/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jan 2007 17:10:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Sleep Experts</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sleep Medications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sleeping Pills]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[
Some of the most common health problems reported nowadays include sleep disorders. This is probably because a lot of us are too preoccupied with earning a living and keeping pace with the technological advancements that our minds and bodies become conditioned to withstand hours, even days, sans sleep. And while career success has become second [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
Some of the most common health problems reported nowadays include <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span> disorders. This is probably because a lot of us are too preoccupied with earning a living and keeping pace with the technological advancements that our minds and bodies become conditioned to withstand hours, even days, sans <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span>. And while career success has become second nature to nearly everyone, it comes at a huge and dangerous cost.</p>
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To address the elusiveness of rest, we are often left with no choice but to turn to sleeping pills, the most popular among which, perhaps, is Ambien, also known as Zolpidem. Ambien is a powerful pill that acts as a sedative that fixes chemical imbalances in the brain that, if left untreated, lead to insomnia. It relaxes the body and induces <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span>.</p>
<p>However, as much as Ambien is an effective tool against <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span> problems, it is not without its share of risks. In the first place, Ambien is meant to be used only as a short-term treatment; that is, for just around a week to 10 days. People who find themselves waking up at uncomfortable and odd times of the night and suffering from apnea find that taking Ambien helps regulate their <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span> patterns after only a few days of use. Unfortunately, it is this sheer power that also characterizes its side effects.</p>
<p>Is one fo the dangers of taking ambien being addictive?&nbsp; Yes. Therefore, you must be careful not to over dose. Patients who are taking it for over two weeks already should never attempt to stop by themselves. In severe cases, cognitive behavioral therapy is necessary to bring the patient back to normalcy. Halting medication must never happen without professional monitoring, or a physical breakdown or withdrawal might occur.</p>
<p>In addition, because Ambien is a powerful drug, be forewarned that it should only be taken if you are sure that you&#8217;re going to have full <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span> for the night. If you cut your rest period short, expect to feel a drowsy kick for a number of hours. Doctors advise against engaging in any activity, particularly driving a vehicle or operating machinery, for the duration of the treatment, or, at least, until the dizziness fades. Many accidents have been reported springing from the misuse and abuse of Ambien and other sleeping pills.</p>
<p>The dangers of taking Ambien are potentially terminal. Thus, we must never take articles like this one for granted and dismiss it as a cheap shot at poking at the drug&#8217;s weaknesses. Even its manufacturer warns against its possible dangers and side effects. It would be wise to take heed of these recommendations and to not self-medicate. Ambien is a great pill to combat <span class="st" id="st" name="st">sleep</span> disorders. There&#8217;s no doubt about that. But anything taken in excess is also harmful. We should educate ourselves about any kind of drug we take in, particularly if they have the power to turn us into dependents.<br />
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		<title>What are the Effects and Side Effects of Sleeping Pills?</title>
		<link>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/01/27/what-are-the-effects-and-side-effects-of-sleeping-pills/</link>
		<comments>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/01/27/what-are-the-effects-and-side-effects-of-sleeping-pills/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jan 2007 08:00:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Sleep Experts</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sleep Medications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sleeping Pills]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Sedatives and tranquilizers, or sleeping pills, are widely used today as sleeping aids and as calming drugs, but they are also prescribed for other purposes. In most cases, they are used to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia. They are also prescribed to induce anesthesia and to control seizures and muscle pain. Sometimes they are also [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Sedatives and tranquilizers, or sleeping pills, are widely used today as sleeping aids and as calming drugs, but they are also prescribed for other purposes. In most cases, they are used to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia. They are also prescribed to induce anesthesia and to control seizures and muscle pain. Sometimes they are also used in palliative sedation to relieve pain and suffering especially in terminally ill patients, but this is a very controversial indication for sleeping pills.</span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><!--adunit#body--></span>&nbsp;</div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Like any other medication, along with its desired effects, there are also side effects of sleeping pills. The most common side effects of sleeping pills are drug tolerance and, eventually, dependence when used for prolonged periods of time and the resulting withdrawal syndrome, which could lead to death, among dependent users. This is the reason why most sleeping pills are regulated and cannot be purchased without a doctor&rsquo;s prescription.</span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Generally speaking, the side effects of sleeping pills are not that different from each other since they have similar drug actions. The side effects can be physical or mental or both. The physical side effects of sleeping pills commonly reported by patients usually include uncoordinated movements and weakness. Because of this, patients are usually discouraged to drive vehicles and operate machineries for it could lead to accidents. Other reported adverse effects are loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, stomach upset, mouth dryness, and headaches.</span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The side effects of sleeping pills involving mental and behavioral changes in addition to drug dependence include hallucinations, commonly auditory hallucinations, confusion, increased irritability, nervousness, tremors, drowsiness, and, ironically, trouble with sleeping.</span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">However, side effects of sleeping pills may differ from the specific type of sleeping pill used, the amount taken or the dosage, and the condition of the person taking the drug. Some sleeping pills are mild, some are fast-acting, and some stay in the body longer. Other sedatives have more unfavorable effects on older patients or on people with kidney or liver problems than on people with no other medical issues.</span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Sleeping pills are usually contraindicated for older people and for those who have emphysema and other lung problems, heart problems, myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, severe liver or kidney diseases, obstructive sleep apnea, mental problems, and people with a history of substance (drug and alcohol) abuse. These medical conditions are likely to potentiate the effects of the drug and increase the side effects of sleeping pills.</span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">However, there are times that these conditions are not checked or the sleeping pill is taken in by mistake resulting in the above-mentioned side effects of sleeping pills. In cases of sleeping pill overdose, especially benzodiazepines, flumazenil (Anexate) may be given as an antidote to reverse the unpleasant effects.</span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Sleeping pills are also contraindicated for pregnant mothers because of the drug&rsquo;s ability to cross the placental barrier and accumulate there. Therefore, the baby is the one likely to experience the side effects of sleeping pills that are taken by the mother. When babies of sleeping-pill-using mothers are delivered, they exhibit manifestations of irritability, restlessness, breathing problems, and feeding problems. They are basically the same manifestations as that of an adult who had developed side effects of sleeping pills.</span></div>
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		<title>What are the types of sleeping pills?</title>
		<link>http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/2007/01/22/what-are-the-types-of-sleeping-pills/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:53:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Sleep Experts</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sleep Medications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sleeping Pills]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Tranquilizers, sedatives, hypnotics, downers, anxiolytics, sleeping pills&#8212;we call it a lot of names, but are they one and the same?&#160;They are prescribed by doctors for different reasons for different individuals. Sometimes they are given to calm the patient down, to relieve pain, or to treat a mental condition, but mostly they are given to induce [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Tranquilizers, sedatives, hypnotics, downers, anxiolytics, sleeping pills&mdash;we call it a lot of names, but are they one and the same?&nbsp;They are prescribed by doctors for different reasons for different individuals. Sometimes they are given to calm the patient down, to relieve pain, or to treat a mental condition, but mostly they are given to induce sleep. That is why they are widely known as &ldquo;sleeping pills.&rdquo;</span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">There are different <a href="http://www.askthesleepexperts.com/category/sleeping-pills/">types of sleeping pills</a>. There are those given for patients prior to surgery for anesthesia. Some have milder effects and are usually given in small doses as an anxiolytic to patients who are anxious and need to relax. Some are given to reduce muscle spasms, convulsions, and muscle pain. Some may be contraindicated for some people because of its adverse effects. Let us go over the most common types of sleeping pills, its indications, and some of its examples.</span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Types of Sleeping Pills</span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Benzodiazepines. Of the different types of sleeping pills, this is the most common. Benzodiazepines belong to a group of drugs called minor tranquilizers. They act by increasing the binding of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyrate) to GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and the increase of which induces a sense of tranquility, sleep, and loss of pain.</span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The most common types of sleeping pills belonging to the benzodiazepine group are temazepam (Restoril, Tenox), which is commonly prescribed as a muscle relaxant; diazepam (Valium, T-Quil); alprazolam (Xanax); lorazepam (Ativan); and chlordiazepoxide (Librium).</span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Imidazopyridines. These are the newer forms of hypnotics in the market today. Their action is quite similar to that of benzodiazepines&mdash;acting on the same GABA neurotransmitter&mdash;but these are short-acting drugs and are therefore less likely to cause dependence, and it is gaining more popularity because of that. They are fast-acting but have a short half-life and that is considered safer compared to other types of sleeping pills. </span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Examples of imidazopyridines are zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnox) and zopiclone (Imovane, Zimovane). There is a newer one, eszopiclone (Lunesta), but it is still not yet properly determined as to what group it belongs, but it is just as good.</span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Barbiturates. These are CNS (central nervous system) depressants. They suppress the functioning of the brain and the CNS causing drowsiness, less pain and muscle activity inhibition. Barbs, as they are sometimes referred to, are now less commonly used because of its addicting effects. However, they are still used as a regulated drug for anesthesia and the management of seizures and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).</span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Common barbiturates that are still prescribed today are amobarbital (Sodium Amytal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), and sodium thiopental (Sodium Pentothal), which are commonly referred to in the movies as &ldquo;truth serum.&rdquo;</span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Antihistamines. Among the types of sleeping pills mentioned above, these are the mildest. These are actually H1-receptor antagonists and are usually used for the treatment of colds and allergic reactions. However, one of its side effects is drowsiness and that made antihistamines a form of a sleeping aid. These are commonly given for short term use and may be bought over-the-counter.</span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Some examples of antihistamines are fexofenadine (Allegra), desloratadine (Clarinex), loratadine (Claritin), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is an over-the-counter drug.</span></div>
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