Without exception, each brand must tell the patient that it may cause severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and severe facial swelling (angioedema), even after just one pill.

It may also cause complex reactions, and the patient may continue to carry out normal daytime activities, such as driving a car or preparing and eating a meal, but while asleep.

America’s drug regulator, the Food and Drug Administration, has finally demanded the stronger warnings after months of consultations with the drugs’ manufacturers, and years of patient concerns and lobbying.

Drugs that will be coming with the stronger warning include Ambien, Butisol Sodium, Carbitral, Halcion, Placidyl, Restoril and Seconal.

(Source: FDA website).