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[Q. S. Henning]

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Sleeping pills come in many different forms, but the two most common are benzodiazepines (sleeping pills like Ativan and Valium) and sleeping pills like Ambien. While they are usually effective in the treatment of insomnia induced by anxiety, they risks and side effects of prescription sleeping pills can be extreme and far outweigh the benefits. For example, Xanax has been known to cause hallucinations, blurred vision and sometimes even increased anxiety and depression, which exacerbates insomnia. Ambien sleeping pills also quickly induce sleep but still have a wide range of negative side effects. In addition, Ambien can cause an overdose and is suspected in the death of actor Heath Ledger. Because of all of this, prescription sleeping pills are generally not recommended and even doctors won't prescribe them for long periods of time. Herbal supplements and relaxation techniques should be used in place of sleeping pills wherever possible.

Over the counter sleeping pills are some of the most common drugs in North America, and some of the most commonly misused. Because they are non-prescription sleep aids, people believe that they are completely safe. It is definitely possible to take too many over the counter sleeping pills, and continued use can lead to addiction and dependency. Because of the primary ingredient found in most over the counter sleeping pills, an antihistamine, confusion and drowsiness the next day are common. A hung over feeling is very common with most over the counter sleeping pills, though everyone's body reacts differently to the drugs and different side effects have been reported. Instead of using an over the counter sleeping pill to get to sleep, why not try a herbal supplement instead? They are completely risk free and have no side effects. It is the safer, healthier, more natural choice.

Ativan, the generic name being Lorazepam, is a dangerous prescription drug which can severely damage the liver, doctors say. Even the lightest version of Ativan, that which contains only 1mg of Lorazepam, can have very negative effects on your health. Ativan is just one member of the benzodiazepine family which Valium, Lithium and Xanax also belong to. While the use of Ativan has shown moderate effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia the cons of its use far outweigh the pros. The types of side effects it can produce are troubling, as well as the rates of people who become dependent and/or addicted to it. Long term use of Ativan increases the risk of liver damage and also amplifies the withdrawal symptoms when a person eventually tries to stop taking Ativan. Ativan works by inhibiting receptors in the brain, although its use makes the assumption that there is an imbalance in the brain. Herbal supplements and therapy are available for anxiety and sleep problems and should always be considered first.

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