What is worse... sedative/hypnotics or narcotics?

my doctor put me on ambien for my insomnia and put me on loratab for my ulnar tunnel syndrome. which has worse side effects?

This is a tough one. you really have to define which of the hypnotics you're talking about. My Ex and myself at different times tried a 'so called anti-anxiety' medication. I put on a dinner for many people, got the kids bathed, made a fabulous dinner and cleaned everything up. A great time was had by all...there was one catch....I didn't remember ONE SINGLE THING of that night. I am NOT afraid to say that the medication was Halcion. I NEVER had it again. My Ex took it a few years later after some surgery and I HAD to watch him as he was on a definite drug black out and was insisting to keep changing clothing and then go for a drive. This was scary. I was up ALL night holding a conversation with him, he was pleasant, happy, and kept telling me how good he looked in one particular outfit. Finally it began to wear off and he came to bed. I was so relieved.
Now the issue of Narcotic Pain meds.....I am not one with a propensity for them...even if in the past I have taken them for somewhat extended periods of time after surgery, though for some it is a panacea of delusional light and they feel fabulous, then the effects of the 'comedown' are often aches, or phantom aches as the brain is stimulated to expect the same 'message' in pill form to masque the body's reaction to whatever physical need it had when the prescription runs out and the doctor says 'No More' ~ Hence it is a tough call for me as we are all made so differently that the body can actually crave the Narcotic until enough time has lapsed and the brain gets the message that there isn't any more and then the true colours of the medication in question is exposed. It is not to blame the patient.
I would have to say that both the Hypnotics and the Narcotics have their up and downsides.
This was/is just my call on the subject and believe me I DO stand corrected, however, I REALLY do not recall that dinner party. My Ex has NO recollection of his reaction to the hypnotic...we had both simply been literally "ASLEEP" and awoke fresh and ready to go....in conclusion, what do YOU think? And might I add....what do you gather from what I said about the Hypnotic? Rhetorical I know, none the less, these are my truths.

Narcotics: they can be addicting; you don't see hypnotic addicts running around.

i like em both >:) lol j/k

They are all bad. It depends on what you consider to be bad as far as side effects go.

Sedative/Hypnotics are realy addicting also they can be sold over the counter such as Unisom and other sedatives which can be dangerous to people who are addicted, on the other hand, Narcotics are controlled substances and they have a high abuse potential. In terms of abuse, Narcotics are worse, because they can be fatal. Sedatives/Hypnotics are easier to get though.

While narcotics are physically addictive, sedatives and hypnotics are habit forming because you begin to believe that you need them. Both have their own set of complications and side effects which can be equally as devastating. You should discuss your concerns with your physician.