Herbie Murray
Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC), as natural supplements, or by prescription. OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can make you drowsy. While they are not as strong as prescription sleep aids, they are still highly addictive. Addiction to sleeping pills can develop from using them for an extended period, taking a higher dose than recommended, or using them as a coping mechanism. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when people suddenly stop using sleeping pills, and this may set off a vicious cycle of reusing the medication to relieve these symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Addiction | Sleeping pills can be addictive and lead to substance use disorder |
| Dependency | Sleeping pills can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms |
| Side effects | Memory problems, concentration issues, drowsiness, muscle weakness, abnormal behavior, sleep issues, impaired driving ability, increased risk of falling |
| Overdose | Possible to overdose on sleeping pills, especially when taken with alcohol |
| Tolerance | Tolerance can develop with frequent use, leading to unintended results |
| Abuse | Misuse includes taking higher doses, using for longer than prescribed, or taking without a prescription |
| Risk factors | Prolonged use, higher doses, underlying mental health issues, genetic predisposition |
| Treatment | Gradual reduction of dose, psychological or therapeutic support |
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What You'll Learn
OTC sleeping pills are highly addictive
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are highly addictive. Sleeping pills are available over the counter, as natural supplements or by prescription. Anyone over the age of 18 can buy OTC sleep medications at drugstores or other retail locations without a prescription. OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can make you drowsy. However, they are not as strong as prescription sleep aids.
OTC sleeping pills can also lead to dependence. Dependency can develop quickly if they are used for too long or at too high a dose. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when people suddenly stop using sleeping pills. These symptoms can start within a few hours but may also start later, sometimes even weeks after you stop taking the drug. Typical withdrawal symptoms include trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, shivering, and feeling dizzy and faint. This may set off a vicious cycle as many people start using sleeping pills again to relieve these symptoms.
Sleeping pills can also produce hallucinatory effects when an individual takes the drug but fights the urge to sleep. Many people don't heed the warning labels on their pill bottles that advise against mixing pills with alcohol. Taking sleeping pills with alcohol can be a deadly combination. The sedative effects of sleeping pills are amplified by alcohol, increasing the likelihood of a fatal overdose.
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Withdrawal symptoms of sleeping pills
Withdrawal symptoms from sleeping pills can vary from person to person. They can be both physically and psychologically unpleasant and may include:
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Sleep disturbances (rebound insomnia)
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Mood swings
- Increased heart rate
The timeline for sleeping pill withdrawal differs from person to person. Symptoms can begin within a few hours to a few days after the last dose and typically peak within four to ten days. They may then start to taper off between 11 and 17 days, although psychological issues may persist for a few weeks or even months.
It is not recommended to quit sleeping pills "cold turkey" as this can make withdrawal symptoms more intense and longer-lasting. Instead, a gradual tapering off the medication is advised to reduce withdrawal-related complications. This can be done at a professional detox centre, where staff are available 24/7 to help manage symptoms and ensure a safe withdrawal process.
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Side effects of sleeping pills
Sleeping pills can have side effects, so they should not be used long-term. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones, but both can have side effects. Over-the-counter sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can make you feel drowsy. Other over-the-counter sleeping pills include melatonin, valerian, Benadryl Allergy®, Advil PM® and Tylenol PM®.
Sleeping pills can cause a range of side effects, including drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating, and impaired focus or memory. These side effects can be especially hard for older adults to handle, and may result in falls, broken hips, and car accidents. In addition, the risk of overdose increases with age.
Sleeping pills can also lead to dependence and addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when people suddenly stop using sleeping pills, and these symptoms can be similar to the issues the sleeping pills were meant to address. This may lead to a vicious cycle where people start using sleeping pills again to relieve withdrawal symptoms. To avoid this, it is recommended to gradually reduce the dose over time before stopping completely.
It is important to consult a doctor before taking sleeping pills, especially for older adults, as there may be safer ways to improve sleep.
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Risk of overdose
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are often perceived as harmless and incapable of being abused. However, they do carry risks, especially when taken in high doses or in combination with other substances like opioids or alcohol.
Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants, slowing down brain activity to induce sleep. As such, taking a higher dose than prescribed or taking pills more frequently than advised can increase the risk of overdose. This risk is further elevated when sleeping pills are mixed with other substances.
For instance, a lethal case involving a 21-year-old woman was attributed to an overdose of OTC sleep aids containing diphenhydramine and melatonin. The toxicity of OTC medications like acetaminophen, aspirin, and diphenhydramine has been well-documented, but the lethality of other substances like melatonin is less understood. Nonetheless, it is clear that OTC sleep aids can be dangerous when misused.
The risk of overdose is also influenced by the frequency of use. Regular use of OTC sleeping pills can lead to the development of tolerance and dependence, increasing the likelihood of unintended consequences. This is particularly true for prescription sleeping pills, which are stronger than OTC alternatives and pose a higher risk of dependence and addiction.
To mitigate the risk of overdose, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and frequency for sleeping pills. Additionally, seeking guidance from a healthcare provider before taking OTC sleep aids is advisable, especially when dealing with underlying health conditions or taking other medications.
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Signs of sleeping pill addiction
Sleeping pills can be habit-forming, and addiction can develop in as little as seven days. Addiction to sleeping pills refers to a lack of control over your use of the medication.
Some signs of sleeping pill addiction include:
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, shivering, dizziness, and fainting.
- Increasing your dosage over time, as the previously prescribed amount no longer seems effective.
- Continuing to use sleeping pills despite the negative consequences on your social and personal relationships.
- Using sleeping pills with the knowledge that they will cause or worsen a physical or psychological problem.
- Avoiding social activities to spend more time using sleeping pills.
- Being unable to fulfil duties at work, school, or home due to sleeping pill use.
- Having a desire to quit or reduce usage but being unable to do so.
- Experiencing cravings and compulsive behaviours when seeking and using sleeping pills.
- Mixing sleeping pills with other substances, such as alcohol, to increase their potency.
If you recognise these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you, it is important to seek help. Talk to a healthcare professional about how to safely taper off the medication, and consider seeking psychological or therapeutic support.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are highly addictive. OTC sleeping pills are not as strong as prescription sleep aids, but they can still be habit-forming.
Addiction to sleeping pills can develop from various behaviours, including using sleeping pills for an extended period of time or taking a higher dose than recommended. Sleeping pill addiction occurs when your body adapts to the changes that sleeping pills form in the brain to such an extent that you develop withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop taking them.
Some signs of sleeping pill addiction include:
- Steadily increasing your dosage
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, increased blood pressure and heart rate, shaking and anxiety
- Continuing to use sleeping pills despite experiencing negative consequences
- Cravings
- Experiencing symptoms of addiction when abstaining from taking the pills
The best way to stop taking sleeping pills is to gradually reduce the dose with the guidance of a doctor. Psychological or therapeutic support can help with this process.
