Alert to readers about prescription sleep drug Stilnox
This week the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration issued a warning about the sleeping pill Stilnox that is commonly prescribed for older people to help with sleep. So please check your medicine cabinet to see if this is one that you are taking.
Just be aware that it is especially dangerous if you use this drug while also drinking any alcohol or taking an anti-depressant. It may be advisable to see your GP to get a prescription for a different medication while this one remains controversial.
Stilnox has been in the news recently as it was implicated in actor Heath Ledger’s accidental death, as well as the death of a talented young philosopher in Sydney who fell to her death while sleepwalking under its effect. From hundreds of first hand reports of bad experiences reported to the manufacturer, it is suggestive that Australians have a more drastic response to this drug, although the reasons are unknown.
It would be better to avoid using it, until questions about its safety are answered. Please go to the following website of the Therapeutic Goods Administration for detailed information about the product.