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In modules 1 and 2 of this series, we learned about why it is crucial to manage sleep and stress problems before they escalate, and what advice and products you can recommend to help. Complete all 3 modules in the series to become a sleep and stress champion.
Pharmacy-only medicated sleep aids can be useful for the short-term treatment of insomnia and may be useful to help break the sleep-stress cycle. However, they may not be suitable for everyone. This module aims to explore which customers may require reassurance and referral to either the pharmacist or GP.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
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Understand how different OTC medicated sleep aids work to help relieve insomnia
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Recognise the differences between dependence, addiction and tolerance
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Reassure customers who have concerns and misconceptions about sleep aids
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Know when to advise, manage and recommend independently, and when to refer to the pharmacist
PHARMACY-ONLY MEDICATED SLEEP AIDS
Promethazine1 and diphenhydramine2 are clinically proven OTC sleep aids for those who require temporary relief of insomnia.
Although they work in similar ways as sedating antihistamines, promethazine is longer-lasting (dose lasts 12 hours) compared to diphenhydramine (dose lasts 8 hours).1,2 This longer-lasting effect can cause customers to feel drowsy into the next day, which is why diphenhydramine may be favourable.
RED FLAGS
Some customers may not be suitable for this treatment and you may need to involve or refer to the pharmacist. This includes customers who:3-6
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HAVE PERSISTENT SLEEP ISSUES AFTER 2 WEEKS OF TREATMENT AND ADVICE
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HAVE SYMPTOMS THAT SEVERELY IMPACT THEIR DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES
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PURCHASE SLEEP AIDS OFTEN AND APPEAR TO USE IT REGULARLY/ SHOW SIGNS OF ABUSE
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ARE TAKING OTHER MEDICINES/HAVE MEDICAL CONDITIONS, E.G. ASTHMA
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HAVE SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS – INSOMNIA COULD BE A SIGN OF A SERIOUS UNDERLYING MEDICAL ILLNESS
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ARE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING
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ARE OVER 75 YEARS OF AGE OR UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE
ADDITIONAL ADVICE
Customers taking sedating antihistamines should be advised:6
- Don’t drink alcohol or take any other sedating medication at the same time
- Don’t drive or do anything that requires careful focus and attention
- Allow time for at least 8 hours of sleep
- Don’t plan to take sleep aids for prolonged periods as this could also prevent the underlying causes of sleep issues from being identified and treated