OTC INSOMNIA

Question 1

referral criteria

Answer 1

• secondary cause of insomnia e.g. narcolepsy, sleep apnoea (breathing stops and starts while sleeping)
• adverse effect of medicine
• suspected drug/substance abuse
• medical condition
• failed OTC/prescribed med
• children under 16
• pregnant or BF

Question 2

short term vs long term insomnia time frame

Answer 2

short term is less than 4 weeks
long term more than 4 weeks

Question 3

non pharmacological advice

Answer 3

• good sleep hygiene e.g. regular bed time routine, avoid heavy meals, caffeine, exercise etc, avoid daytime naps, consider bedroom environment

Question 4

otc product - diphenhydramine

Answer 4

this is a drowsy antihistamine
e.g. nytol one a night
do not use for more than 2 weeks without consulting doctor
take one 50mg tablet 20 mins before bed
do not use in under 16s
avoid alcohol - it may increase effects of alcohol
not in P or BF

Question 5

diphenydramine otc - age

Answer 5

16 and over only