3 Safety Checks Before Taking a Z-Drug for Sleep

After another night spent watching the clock, getting a prescription can feel like a step toward rest. Before the first dose, make sure you know the instructions and which overnight events need immediate action.

Three safety checks

1. Have you read the instructions for this prescription? Ask about anything unclear before taking it. Follow the prescribed dose; complex sleep behaviors can occur at low doses and after the first dose or continued use.¹
2. Have you reviewed other sleep products and alcohol? The FDA¹ advises against combining these drugs with other sleep medicines, including nonprescription products, and against drinking alcohol before or during use. Bring the products you already take into the discussion.¹
3. Do you know what to do after an unusual overnight event? Sleepwalking, driving, cooking or taking medicines while not fully awake can occur without a memory of it afterward. If a complex sleep behavior occurs, stop taking the drug and contact your healthcare professional immediately.¹

Include the following morning in the plan

These medicines can impair driving and other activities requiring alertness the next morning.¹ Tell the prescriber about your morning responsibilities and ask how the instructions fit them. Keep the medicine guide where you can read it again.

Ask how and when the prescription will be reviewed. Write down the questions you want to raise about nights when sleep remains difficult, so you can discuss them without improvising a dose change.

Did I Do That in My Sleep? covers concerns including snoring, night waking, night sweats and drooling. See the book.