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Suggest Alternative Medication In Place Of Simply Sleep

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Posted on Mon, 17 Apr 2017
Question: My husband and I take the OTC Simply Sleep every night which is an awesome OTC med. We have heard that benedryl has been proved to cause demetia and alzheimers. This concerns us. If we quit taking Simply Sleep what is our safest alternative?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (53 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Zolpidem is a possible alternative!

Detailed Answer:
HI and thanks so much for this query.

Yes, there is some emerging evidence that taking anti-histamines for a long time might cause memory issues. Though this is well established, it might be a good idea to keep away from it. As an alternative, I suggest you take Zolpidem. This requires a script and I will suggest you discuss this with your doctor.

I wish you well and hope to hear back from you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (52 minutes later)
As I said Ambien which is generic zolpidem is not an alternative for us. We would rather do a healthier or OTC alternative. We do not want to take a prescription for insomnia. We prefer a healthier approach as those drugs have terrible side effects which are just as bad as the Simply Sleep.
I am disappointed in your suggestion since I paid for the advise I expected a more healthier answer
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I should have provided more details than I did!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I guess I didn't realized your doctor has already suggested Ambien which you turned down. That's an overlook from me and am sorry for that.

I will suggest a more natural product, melatonin. This is normally present in the body and studies have shown that it helps persons sleep early and stay asleep for longer hours. The side effects are minimal and in no way close to those of Zolpidem.

In addition to this, avoiding coffee and caffeine products is very necessary. Regular physical exercise is also helpful. Also, avoid napping for long hours during the day and close to bedtime. Also, avoid listening to music and watching television while in bed.

I hope this would be more helpful. Let me know if there is more you would like us to talk more on.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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Suggest Alternative Medication In Place Of Simply Sleep

Brief Answer: Zolpidem is a possible alternative! Detailed Answer: HI and thanks so much for this query. Yes, there is some emerging evidence that taking anti-histamines for a long time might cause memory issues. Though this is well established, it might be a good idea to keep away from it. As an alternative, I suggest you take Zolpidem. This requires a script and I will suggest you discuss this with your doctor. I wish you well and hope to hear back from you.