Things to remember when dealing with someone who is dependent on sleeping pills

Things to remember when dealing with someone who is dependent on sleeping pills
• Sleeping pill dependence is one of the commonest problems with psychiatric medicines.
• Sleeping pills produce a similar effect on brain function as alcohol. When the two are taken together,
their effect is even greater.
• Dependence on sleeping pills can lead to the same complaints that the person had before starting the
pills, such as sleep problems and tension.
• Never prescribe sleeping pills for more than four weeks.
• The treatment is education and gradual reduction of the amount of sleeping pills the person is taking.