Vandenbroucke calls on the Medicines Agency to be more vigilant about the use of sleeping pills | internal

And so the Minister answered a question in the room from Robby Decaluwé (Open VLD) about the increase in the sale of sleeping pills without a prescription. “We use a lot of sleeping pills and often use them incorrectly,” says Vandenbroek. This observation is also a reason for him to continue investing in mental health care.

In addition, the minister turns to pharmacists. There is a project in progress today where they are called upon to help patients phase out the use of prescription sleeping pills. He’s now asking pharmacists to be vigilant for underlying problems, even with over-the-counter medications, and if they identify a problem, try to raise it.

At the same time, Vandenbroucke is asking the FAMHP to pay special attention to the side effects of medications that are being used rightly or wrongly as sleep aids and to take necessary measures if a particular use of the products is really risky.

De Calloye responded with satisfaction to the minister’s answer. He stressed that sleep problems must be taken seriously and that they often lead to other physical and psychological problems. “We shouldn’t let ourselves be lulled to sleep by sympathetic commercials,” says Decalue.