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OPINION
I’M CONSIDERING TAKING
PRESCRIPTION SLEEPING PILLS
TO TREAT MY INSOMNIA.
WHAT
CAN I DO TO AVOID BECOMING
DEPENDENT ON THEM?
Answers from Eric J. Olson, M.D.
You can take steps
to reduce your risk of
becoming dependent on
prescription sleeping pills.
The first step is to be sure
that you’ve looked at all
your options for treating
insomnia. For example,
consider:
Before seeking a
prescription for sleeping
pills, make sure you have a
thorough medical exam.
Your
doctor might be able to find specific
causes for your insomnia and help you
avoid taking prescription sleeping pills.
Behavior therapies.
Behavior
therapies are generally recommended
as the first line of treatment for people
who have insomnia. These treatments
teach you new sleep behaviors and
ways to improve your sleeping
environment. If further treatment is
needed, your doctor might prescribe
both cognitive behavioral therapy and
prescription sleeping pills for about
a month. If sleep improves, cognitive
behavioral therapy continues as the
medication is slowly tapered off or
used only as needed.
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July/Aug 2014