Round 3
#1. If you have been taking sleeping pills for 5 years or longer, you should not stop taking them.
Long-term use of sleeping pills can be stopped. The dose should be reduced gradually under the care of your prescriber and pharmacist. Learn about how to stop sleeping pills, including how to stop them after years of use.
#2. Quetiapine (Seroquel), an antipsychotic medication, is one of Canada’s fastest growing sleeping pills.
Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication with strong sedating effects. It is not recommended as a sleeping pill unless it is being used to treat another mental health problem.
#3. Upon stopping sleeping pill use, many people continue to experience restful refreshing sleep for weeks and months.
Insomnia occurs immediately after stopping sleeping pills in most people who have taken them for weeks, months, or longer. It happens as part of the sleeping pill withdrawal syndrome. Learn more about the vicious cycle of sleeping pill use.
#4. Over one third of people 80 years of age or older take a sleep medication regularly.
The rate of use of sleep medications increases with age, as do the risks, resulting in a high occurrence of medication induced injuries.
#5. Benzodiazepines have been associated with the development of dementia.
Studies have shown a link between benzodiazepines use and later onset of dementia. It is not clear if the association is causal.
DONE
Quiz
What do you know about sleeping pills? Take our Sleep Medication Quiz.
Dangers
Learn about the various risks associated with sleeping pills.
Vicious Cycle
It is common for you to experience a return of insomnia when stopping sleeping pills.
History
Learn how sleeping pills have been used to treat insomnia throughout our history.
Terry's Story
Learn how Terry gradually reduced and stopped taking sleeping pills.
Stopping Guide and Planner
Learn how to stop sleeping pills safely while getting your sleep back.