They also can result in alarming side effects: a recent study showed that use
of prescription sleep medications resulted in an increase in mortality and cancer risk.
Because clinical studies of Rozerem have found little evidence for abuse and tolerance (it was tested in patients with a history of drug abuse), it's the
only prescription sleep medication not classified as a controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.
«One in three older adults take something to help them sleep but many don't talk to their doctors: 1 in 12 people over age 65
take prescription sleep medications, which carry health risks for older people.»
In all, 14 percent of the poll respondents said they regularly took
a prescription sleep medication, prescription pain medication, OTC sleep aid or herbal supplement to help them sleep.
But among those with frequent sleep issues who took something on a regular basis to try to sleep,
prescription sleep medications were the most common option, with 17 percent reporting use.
Granted,
prescription sleep medications are life savers for many people.
When used correctly,
prescription sleep medications may provide rapid relief of the symptoms of insomnia — and may be safer and more effective than over-the-counter medicines that don't require a doctor's permission to purchase.
And yet 60 million Americans suffer from some kind of sleep disorder and as many as 1 in 6 of those use
prescription sleep medications, many of which are addictive and have side effects.