Side Effects Of Sleeping Pills

Constipation Or Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or diarrhea are frequently reported side effects of sleeping pills. Patients who use antidepressants as sleep aids are more likely to experience constipation, and diarrhea tends to occur with other types of sleeping pills. Constipation involves hard stools, and most doctors consider a patient constipated if they have not had a bowel movement in at least two or three days.

To ease constipation, patients may want to try increasing their dietary fiber, and over-the-counter laxatives might be necessary for symptom relief. In severe cases, patients may need to have an enema. Diarrhea develops when the patient has loose or watery stools more than three times in twenty-four hours. Diarrhea may be eased with a low-fiber diet, and over-the-counter medications like loperamide can help as well. Patients who have constipation or diarrhea regularly while taking sleeping pills should let their healthcare provider know. Changing to a different medication could reduce or eliminate this side effect.