Millions of people experience difficulty sleeping. With jam packed schedules, it's hard to relax and unwind. Living without adequate sleep is frustrating, leading many of those who deal with varying levels of insomnia to use prescribed sleeping medications like Ambien.
However, many of the people who have used Ambien since it received FDA approval in 1992 have experienced detrimental side effects. Sleepwalking, next morning drowsiness and resulting car crashes are just a few. Statistics show that an overwhelming majority of Ambien users who are affected by these side effects are women.
In fact, recent research has demonstrated that women metabolize zolpidem, the active ingredient in Ambien and other sleep improving medications, far more slowly than men. The result is that women still have far more of the drug in their system eight hours after taking it than a man of similar size.
The findings are causing doctors and other scientists to reexamine their understanding of sex differences between men and women. Previous knowledge suggested that outside of hormones and reproductive organs, men and women were largely the same and that their bodies would deal with drug dosages at a similar rate. These latest results show that this may not be the case, and the dosages of many commonly used prescriptions may come under further FDA review.
Such a project would take years, perhaps decades, to complete. In the meantime, recommended dosages for women taking drugs like Ambien are being cut in half. Scientists hope that the smaller doses will be just as effective but have fewer side effects.
While it will ultimately be up to the FDA to decide how it will alter dosage regulations for drugs both old and new, there are still plenty of actions people can take to ensure their health and safety while taking prescribed drugs. Talk openly with a health care provider about all prescriptions, and don't forget to mention any changes in mood or behavior when taking a prescription drug. Open dialog between the patient and the health care provider is the best way to ensure proper dosing and safe use of prescription medications.
This is one more reason why people seek quality chiropractic care at Gerber Chiropractic as a way to explore drug free and nutritional methods of handling some of life's maladies.
Health & Wellness . . . You're Worth It!
Dr. Kate Gerber & Dr. John Gerber
