otc drugs for sleep problems

[gran1959]

I am wondering if I can get some advice from a Doctor about having to take otc Diphenhydramine HCI 50 mg every night. I am currently taking other medications as well, Tegretol 400 mg daily- for mild epilepsy, Aciphex-gastric reflux, Uracit K-for  potassium & kydney stones & little pills to make me pee. I have had trouble sleeping for years & did a sleep study about 6 years ago, was told I had sleep disorder. Hmm....well I kinda knew that & wasn't told how to deal with it. I have been taking the sleeping pills & they help but don't seem strong enough so every few nights I take 2 of them. They give me a bit of a hang over next day & takes me a while to wake up next morning, but at least I sleep. Question is, are they harmfull taken long turm? thanks in advance, I really appreciate your help.

[KatEyes]

What was the sleep disorder you were diagnosed with? That is very important, as some meds can make some disorders worse. A lot can change in 6 years. Maybe a new study with an upfront understanding between you and your doctor that this time there will be follow thru with treatment of any diagnosis is in order. But I'd start with the specifics of the prior sleep study. Taking meds to sleep when there is a known sleep disorder is not the best answer for your well being.

[gran1959]

Thank you I am going to try & find out some more about the sleep study I had from the neurolagyst I was seeing at the time to try to sort this out. I appreciate your advice. I have moved since then so it may take some time to find records & if that is not successful I will see about another study.