Dear Dr. Gott: I'm a registered pharmacist writing about one of your readers taking Ambien as a sleep aid. I would like to reveal two facts: Ambien is highly addictive, and continuing it can result in generalised seizures. This is particularly true if a patient has any history of seizures.

Reply: All pills have side effects, and Ambien is no exception to the rule. Common side effects can include diarrhoea, dizziness, drowsiness and a feeling of being drugged. Some people – especially those prescribed serotonin-boosting antidepressants – have been reported to experience peculiar changes in thinking and behaviour. Those with liver problems may find the effects of the sedative take longer to wear off, while older people may be more inclined to suffer falls.

Ambien is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. The key here is "short term". Symptoms that last longer than two weeks should be addressed by a physician to determine whether an undiagnosed medical problem exists. In any event, Ambien works quickly and should be taken just before bedtime. Because there is no way of anticipating what effects the sleep aid will have, this, as well as all medications, should be taken with caution and only under a doctor's orders.

Alternative sleep aids are available over-the-counter. While they may induce sleep, they are supplements and aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Without specific standards, it becomes difficult to judge products for quality, safety and effectiveness.

One such product that appears safe for most people is melatonin. It regulates the body's circadian rhythms and is often recommended short term for people working a swing shift or for airline travellers. Risks for some people include a feeling of grogginess and depression.

Valerian is an herb that may help a person fall asleep faster and may improve the quality of sleep received. It has been found to be effective for up to six weeks. While there is no sensation of grogginess, some people may experience a hangover effect or impaired thinking for a short period following use. Valerian also should not be used with Ambien due to an increased risk of depression.

Chamomile has been used for centuries to create a calming, relaxed effect on the body. It is best taken as a tea.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report 'Sleep Wake Disorders'. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped number 10 envelope and a cheque or money order for $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I'm a physician who is finding multiple errors in radiology reports since the practice of electronic signing of reports began because they are no longer reviewed before signing. Patients should be told to get a copy and direct any errors they find to the AMA so it becomes mandatory to review them before they are sent out.

Reply: Most radiologists simply record their readings of the imaging studies. These tapes are then sent to a transcriptionist who types out what the physician said. This is where problems can arise. If the transcriptionist is not careful in listening and spelling, errors can occur. Some facilities also use voice-recognition systems, which are like computerized transcriptionists. Again, if the computer does not register the correct word, errors may occur.

I agree that these reports should be reviewed before being completed and sent out to the ordering doctor; however, I don't believe it is up to patients to report these errors, primarily because they may not be aware an error even exists. Medical terminology, while convenient for physicians, is far from easily understood by those without special training. I urge you instead to speak to your local hospital about the number of errors you have found and ask that measures be taken to prevent this.

Dr. Peter Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet' and 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook'. Contact him c/o United Media, 200 Madison Avenue, fourth floor, New York, New York 10016.