The Dangers of Sleeping Pills
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According to WebMD Health News, sleeping pills are dangerous. A doctor reporting to the news agency has likened them to smoking cigarettes. Even taking a sleeping pill once in awhile leads to increased health risks.
The sleeping pills which carry health risks are known as hypnotics, which include the popular drug Ambien as well as others, such as Restoril, Lunesta, and Halcion. An emeritus professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego began investigating the association between such drugs and the risk of death back in 1975. Since then, he and other researchers have documented 18 studies that show a relationship between taking hypnotic sleeping pills and an increased risk of death. In the latest study on this relationship, it was found that those who take more than 132 of these pills annually have a 5.3-fold higher risk of death and a 35 percent higher risk of cancer.
Based on the findings in the study, the UC San Diego research group has estimated that these sleeping pills are associated with up to 507,000 deaths every year in this country. Since the recession began in 2008, sleeping pill prescriptions have grown. IMS Health, which is an international company which supplies health information to the pharmaceutical industry, reports that sleeping pill prescriptions increased by 54 percent in 2008 from 2004. Sleeping pills are also associated with such problems as dependence, next-day drowsiness, and loss of memory. In an effort to curb drowsy driving, the FDA lowered the recommended dosage of Ambien and other sleeping pills for women users after receiving 700 reports connected with drug-impaired driving and traffic accidents.
Dangerous pharmaceutical drugs have become the focus of more news media coverage in the last few decades. Many pharmaceutical drugs have been associated with serious side effects and even deaths in users; some of these drugs have been recalled by the FDA, but not before innocent people suffered because of them. Initiating an injury claim against a pharmaceutical company can be a complicated and difficult legal matter, which is why it is crucial that you seek the legal counsel of a law firm that has experience in this field.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Kirklin Law Firm, P.C.
The Kirklin Law Firm, P.C. has been representing clients in and around Houston in personal injury matters since 1981. As a family-based law firm, it has the extensive experience, resources, and skills to help those who have been harmed by a dangerous drug, injured in an auto accident, or otherwise hurt by a negligent party. With a track record that spans three decades, the firm has earned an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest rating possible.
Copyright The Kirklin Law Firm, P.C.
More information about The Kirklin Law Firm, P.C.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
Based on the findings in the study, the UC San Diego research group has estimated that these sleeping pills are associated with up to 507,000 deaths every year in this country. Since the recession began in 2008, sleeping pill prescriptions have grown. IMS Health, which is an international company which supplies health information to the pharmaceutical industry, reports that sleeping pill prescriptions increased by 54 percent in 2008 from 2004. Sleeping pills are also associated with such problems as dependence, next-day drowsiness, and loss of memory. In an effort to curb drowsy driving, the FDA lowered the recommended dosage of Ambien and other sleeping pills for women users after receiving 700 reports connected with drug-impaired driving and traffic accidents.
Dangerous pharmaceutical drugs have become the focus of more news media coverage in the last few decades. Many pharmaceutical drugs have been associated with serious side effects and even deaths in users; some of these drugs have been recalled by the FDA, but not before innocent people suffered because of them. Initiating an injury claim against a pharmaceutical company can be a complicated and difficult legal matter, which is why it is crucial that you seek the legal counsel of a law firm that has experience in this field.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Kirklin Law Firm, P.C.
The Kirklin Law Firm, P.C. has been representing clients in and around Houston in personal injury matters since 1981. As a family-based law firm, it has the extensive experience, resources, and skills to help those who have been harmed by a dangerous drug, injured in an auto accident, or otherwise hurt by a negligent party. With a track record that spans three decades, the firm has earned an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest rating possible.
Copyright The Kirklin Law Firm, P.C.
More information about The Kirklin Law Firm, P.C.
View all articles published by The Kirklin Law Firm, P.C.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
