ABN 61 082 034 393 | Level 7/418A Elizabeth Street Surry Hills 2010 | PO Box 1147 Strawberry Hills 2012
Phone: 02 8217 8700 | Fax: 02 9211 7578 | email: info@nps.org.au | web: www.nps.org.au
MEDIA RELEASE
29 July 2009
Warning to consumers about recreational use of medicines
The National Prescribing Service (NPS) warns people are playing Russian roulette with their health
when they take medicines inappropriately.
Media reports this week about people mixing sleeping tablet, zolpidem (Stilnox), with energy drink Red
Bull™ have failed to highlight the risks people are taking when they intentionally misuse
pharmaceuticals.
NPS CEO, Dr Lynn Weekes says people should ensure they know the risks and benefits of any
medicine before taking it.
“All medicines have potential side effects and should only be used for the purpose in which they have
been prescribed,” Dr Weekes said.
Zolpidem is a prescription medicine that is used to initiate and maintain sleep in those with sleeping
difficulties. It has a number of common side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhoea, nausea,
vomiting, headache and muscle weakness. It has also been associated with reports of unusual and
potentially dangerous behaviours during sleep.
The consumer medicine information for Stilnox, which is written by the manufacturer, clearly states that
Stilnox should not be taken if you have been drinking alcohol and it should not be given to people under
the age of 18.
“I strongly advise anyone who has been, or is thinking about, using any medicine for recreational
purposes to read the consumer medicine information leaflet and think about the ramifications it may
have on their health,” Dr Weekes said.
“There are many sources for information about medicines including your pharmacist or GP, the NPS
website and our publications.”
“Health professionals should also be aware of patients who may ask specifically for Stilnox following
these latest media reports and ensure patients understand the purpose for which the medicine has
been prescribed,” Dr Weekes warned.
Additional information about zolpidem is available in the December 2008 edition of Australian Prescriber
in “Hypnotic hazards: adverse effects of zolpidem and other z-drugs” by Professor LG Olson.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Katie Butt, Media Adviser, 0419 618 365 or kbutt@nps.org.au
The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of
Medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
NEWS 
