Can patients with ulcerative colitis take sleeping pills while on medication?
Disease description:
I've been having severe insomnia lately, and I've also developed ulcerative colitis. I'd like to know if I can take sleeping pills while undergoing medication treatment for ulcerative colitis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Patients with ulcerative colitis are advised against taking sleeping pills during treatment with medications for inflammation.
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the rectum and sigmoid colon, potentially causing symptoms such as mucous bloody stools, fever, and abdominal distension. Sleeping pills may interact with medications used to treat ulcerative colitis, leading to drowsiness or fainting, which may hinder recovery, affect drug efficacy, increase the risk of side effects, and potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea. The medications used for treating ulcerative colitis typically include certain antibiotics, which might exacerbate symptoms of the disease.
If insomnia significantly impacts the quality of life for patients with ulcerative colitis, doctors may recommend adjusting the treatment plan for inflammation, suggest non-pharmacological therapies, or prescribe sleep aids that are less irritating to the gastrointestinal tract.
Under no circumstances should patients decide on their own whether to take sleeping pills; they should follow medical advice. Patients should strictly adhere to doctors' instructions regarding medication and avoid adjusting dosages without guidance.
