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A member asked:
Can someone explain the dangers of using sedative-hypnotics to treat insomnia?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dependence/tolerance: The main factors for me are the following 1) sedative hypnotics worsen apnea which is a very common medical problem that afflicts up at 8% of adult males and 4-6 % of females, particularly as people age 2) tolerance develops rather quickly 3) dependence is real and withdrawal contributes to worsening of symptoms and finally 4) the sleep quality is significantly reduced.
Answered 12/22/2013
4.7k views
Dr Zetoony hit all: Most important issues. An additional issue is that sometimes use of sedative hypnotics can be akin to killing a fly with a cannon (vice a fly swatter).
Answered 1/16/2014
4.7k views
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