The Head of Pharmacy at Pleasant Medical Centre in Ashaiman, Middle East, Stephen Ohene Sabi, has cautioned the public about the misuse of sleeping pills.
He highlighted that one of the main concerns with sleeping medications is their frequent usage.
Sleeping drugs are central nervous system depressants that slow down brain activity to aid in sleep.
Speaking at the weekly “Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility!” program, initiated by the Ghana News Agency’s Tema Regional Office to enhance health communication and promote health literacy, Mr. Sabi emphasized the need to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with these medications.
He explained that the most common type of sleeping drug is benzodiazepines, typically taken in 10mg doses.
Some individuals may wrongly assume that taking them every night is harmless. However, dependency and tolerance can lead to unintended consequences.
Mr. Sabi cautioned that relying on these medications could result in the need for significantly higher doses to achieve sleep. He advised that the solution lies in gradually reducing the intake of such drugs.
“The body adjusts with continued use, causing a physical dependence on the medication; therefore, a reduction in dosage and skipping a day or two before taking the pills will eventually reverse the body to its default,” he suggested.
Mr. Sabi stressed the importance of reading instructions and understanding the potential side effects and reactions associated with medication before taking a responsible dose.
He highlighted the World Health Organization’s advocacy for self-care, which includes proper nutrition and responsible self-medication. Individuals are encouraged to gather information about medications before consuming them.
Mr. Sabi cautioned against the abuse of medications through overdosing, emphasizing the adverse effects they can have on patients. While some medicines may have minor side effects like constipation, headaches, or diarrhea, others can cause severe side effects that may necessitate medical intervention.
Regarding women who experience blood loss during their menstrual cycles, Mr. Sabi suggested considering blood tonic medicines or consulting a healthcare professional for appropriate advice, depending on the individual situation. He also recommended consuming healthy meals that can naturally replenish blood, in addition to or instead of taking blood tonics.
Furthermore, Mr. Sabi advised individuals with health conditions such as kidney or liver problems to refrain from taking any medications without a proper prescription from a healthcare professional.