Ask the doctor: Is it okay to keep on taking Ambien for my sleeping problems?
But when I see patients who are taking Ambien, they have usually gotten the prescription elsewhere, because I am reluctant to prescribe it. As a geriatrician, I treat older patients, and sleeping pills, in general, are problematic for older people. They lead to grogginess the next day and may contribute to cognitive problems, poor balance, and falls. This is also true of over-the-counter sleeping pills like Sominex and nighttime pain medications like Tylenol PM, which contain diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in Benadryl), an antihistamine with a sedating effect that may be mild and safe enough in a younger person but can be overpowering in an older one. Diphenhydramine also has a long list of side effects, including urinary retention, confusion, and constipation.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
