So X  is having serious trouble sleeping, sleep problems are not new, but they are exasperated by recent stress, so we decide to try some pills for the next few weeks.

I trust my own research, but I also embrace asking people in the know questions to back my own research.

So, I go to my local pharmacy, and I ask a few pertinent questions. 

1.  Is there a difference between brands, or is the active ingredient the same?

2.  Is there differences in doses?

3.  Are over the counter sleeping pills at all addictive or habit forming?

These are my educated pharmacist replies....

1. No, all brands are the same, the active ingredient is the same (which I will not attempt to spell by memory).  Try the store brand, it will save you money. 



2. Yes, the regular strength, 25 mg, and the extra strength, 50 mg.

Up until this point, I am on board, his replies seem plausible, and also seem to be backed up by the packaging I see before me.  All is well with the world... until he answers question number 3.

3.  Well, they shouldnt be, but you might find some brands that are.

Uh, wtf????

Didnt you just tell me the active ingredient is the same in all brands.

OMG, can someone please show me your diploma???


Perhaps I should be allowed to use my own sleep aid formula on this pharmacist...



.....and that's the kind of day its been in this small town!

While it might seems strange, it's also possible that it isn't what they consider the "active ingredient" that may be habit forming. These things are such concoctions, you just never know.