We are waking up this morning to quite shocking news. It seems a study has found that sleeping pills used by thousands of people in the UK appear to be linked with a higher death risk, doctors warn. The American study in BMJ Open compared more than 10,000 patients on tablets like temazepam with 23,000 similar patients not taking these drugs. Death risk among users was about four times higher, although the absolute risk was still relatively low.
However it is important to note that experts say, while the findings highlight a potential risk, proof of harm is still lacking. They say patients should not be alarmed nor stop their medication, but if they are concerned they should discuss this with their doctor or pharmacist.
UK guidelines for NHS staff say hypnotic drugs should only be used for short periods of time because of tolerance to the drug and the risk of dependency. But they make no mention of an associated death risk, despite other studies having already reported this potential risk.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said it would consider the results of this latest study and whether it has any implications for current prescribing guidance.
“The study needs to be replicated in a different sample and I think we need to hold judgement until we have further studies”
Malcolm Lader Professor of clinical psychopharmacology at the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London
Information scourced from www.bbc.co.uk in an article written By Michelle Roberts Health reporter for BBC News
Disclaimer
All content on this website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Always consult your own GP if you’re in any way concerned about your health.