Ashwin Lewis
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are medications intended to treat occasional sleepless nights and are available without a prescription. They often contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness, or natural supplements such as melatonin and valerian, which promote sleep. While easily accessible, OTC sleeping pills can have side effects and should not be taken with other substances. Overdosing on sleeping pills can occur when a person takes 60–90 times the intended dose, and it can lead to extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, and clumsiness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of bottles of OTC sleeping pills to OD | 60-90 times the intended dose |
| Physical signs of overdose | Extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, clumsiness |
| Treatment | Flumazenil, stomach pump |
| Side effects | Daytime grogginess, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea |
| Precautions | Check with a healthcare provider, do not take with alcohol or other drugs, do not take for more than 7-10 days in a row, do not exceed the recommended dose |
| Ingredients | Antihistamines (diphenhydramine, doxylamine), melatonin, valerian, CBD |
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What You'll Learn
OTC sleeping pills are not designed to treat insomnia
While over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are easily accessible, they are not designed to treat insomnia. OTC sleep aids are meant for short-term use and are not a cure for chronic insomnia. They are best used sparingly to overcome brief bouts of sleeplessness or to cope with jet lag.
OTC sleeping pills often contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. However, antihistamines are not approved for sleep purposes and can cause side effects such as daytime grogginess, blurred vision, constipation, and trouble urinating. Melatonin and valerian are also common ingredients in OTC sleep aids, but their effectiveness in treating insomnia is not conclusive. While melatonin is a hormone that promotes sleep, there are concerns about the accuracy of labeling and the potential for overdose due to higher-than-advertised doses in some bottles. Valerian is an herb that is supposed to aid relaxation and sleep, but its effectiveness may vary.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking OTC sleeping pills, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications. OTC sleep aids can interfere with other medications or worsen certain health conditions. Additionally, older adults should exercise caution as sleeping pills pose special risks for this age group.
Prescription sleep medications are stronger than OTC options and are typically recommended for short-term relief. Providers generally do not advise long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction. While prescription sleep medications can be effective, they are not a cure for insomnia and should be used with caution.
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Side effects of OTC sleeping pills
While over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills can help you get some sleep, they can also have side effects. These side effects can be dangerous, especially if the pills are not taken as recommended.
OTC sleeping pills often contain antihistamines, which treat allergies but can also make you drowsy. Common ingredients in antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. Some people also take natural remedies like melatonin or valerian supplements to help them sleep. Melatonin is a hormone that promotes sleep, while valerian has a natural calming effect on the nervous system.
Sleeping pills can cause a range of side effects, including constipation, muscle weakness, and a "hangover effect" the next day. For older adults, sleeping pills can stay in the body longer, leading to side effects like confusion, memory issues, and balance problems that increase the risk of falls and accidents. Other side effects of OTC sleeping pills can include dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, dizziness, and headaches.
In addition to these physical side effects, there are risks associated with the frequency of use and the potential for overdose. Individuals may assume it is safe to use OTC sleeping pills nightly, but the development of tolerance and dependence can lead to unintended consequences, including the risk of overdose. Overdosing on sleeping pills can occur when a person takes 60-90 times the intended dose, and it can lead to extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, and clumsiness. Mixing sleeping pills with other substances, such as opioids or alcohol, further increases the risk of overdose.
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OTC sleeping pills and alcohol
While over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are easily accessible, they should not be taken lightly. Sleeping pills can have side effects, and it is advised not to use them long-term. Most OTC sleeping pills contain antihistamines, which can also be purchased over the counter and may be assumed to be safe for nightly use. However, this can lead to unintended consequences, such as the development of tolerance and dependence.
Mixing alcohol with OTC sleeping pills can have dangerous consequences. Alcohol may seem like a helpful option to promote sleep, but it can do more harm than good. It lowers the quality of sleep and increases the sedating effects of the pills, thereby increasing the risk of overdose. Drinking even one alcoholic beverage in combination with sleeping pills can be dangerous. Combining alcohol and OTC sleeping pills can also make you feel groggier in the morning and make it harder to wake up. This can be especially risky if your OTC sleep medication contains diphenhydramine or doxylamine.
The side effects of mixing alcohol and sleeping pills include drowsiness, impaired motor control, lowered blood pressure, memory problems, a slowed heart rate, and slowed or difficulty breathing. Mixing alcohol and sleeping pills can also increase the risk of vehicle accidents and fatal overdoses. It is advised never to mix sedatives or hypnotics with alcohol.
If you are struggling with addiction to both alcohol and sleeping pills, you may need additional treatment. Integrating detox and treatment efforts for both substances can facilitate a safer, smoother recovery. It is important to quit under the care of a physician, as withdrawal from sedative-hypnotic sleeping pills may include restlessness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and tremors. Treatment for alcohol and sleeping pill addiction typically consists of medical detox, co-occurring disorder treatment, rebound insomnia treatment, individual and group therapy, relapse prevention skills training, and aftercare planning.
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OTC sleeping pills and pregnancy
While over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are easily accessible, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking them, especially during pregnancy. Sleeping pills can have side effects and are not recommended for long-term use. During pregnancy, it is generally advised to avoid medications, including sleep medicines, as most drugs are not tested on pregnant women, and the effects on the unborn baby are unknown.
Pregnancy can cause sleep problems due to various factors, and insomnia during pregnancy is common, affecting around 25% of women in the first trimester, 27% in the second, and over 40% in the third. While OTC sleeping pills may seem like a convenient solution, it is crucial to prioritize the safety of both the mother and the fetus.
Some natural remedies that can aid sleep during pregnancy include limiting caffeine intake, avoiding heavy meals and spicy foods before bedtime, and incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. Additionally, pregnancy-specific measures such as using a pregnancy pillow and trying different sleeping positions can also improve sleep quality.
If sleep difficulties persist or become severe, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. A doctor may recommend medication to help with sleep during pregnancy, such as antihistamines like doxylamine, which is considered safe during pregnancy. However, it is important to note that even occasional use of OTC sleeping pills during pregnancy should be done only under medical supervision.
Regarding the query about overdosing on OTC sleeping pills, it is essential to understand that overdosing on any medication can have serious consequences. Sleeping pills, in particular, are central nervous system depressants that slow down brain activity to induce sleep. Overdosing on sleeping pills can lead to extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, and clumsiness. The risk of overdose increases when taking a higher dose than prescribed or combining sleeping pills with other substances like opioids or alcohol. In severe cases, a sleeping pill overdose can be fatal, especially when mixed with certain substances. Therefore, it is crucial to take sleeping pills only as prescribed and to seek medical help immediately if an overdose is suspected.
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OTC sleeping pills and children
It is essential to understand the dangers associated with sleeping pills, including the risk of overdose. Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants that slow down brain activity to help individuals rest. Overdosing on sleeping pills can occur when an individual takes 60 to 90 times the intended dose, and it can lead to extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, and clumsiness.
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are easily accessible to individuals aged 18 and above without a prescription. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking them, as they can interfere with other medications or aggravate existing health conditions. Some parents give OTC antihistamine medications to their children to aid sleep, but it is important to note that these medicines are not approved for this purpose and carry a risk of overdosing the child.
Research has shown that parents commonly use OTC medications as sleep aids for their children, with Benadryl being the most frequently used drug, followed by cough syrup, NyQuil, Tylenol PM, Advil PM, ZzzQuil, and Unisom. While parents reported the effectiveness of these methods, many children experienced side effects, such as irritability, hyperactivity, challenging behaviour, and daytime drowsiness. It is important to note that these OTC medications are not recommended for children under two years of age.
In Australia, sleep medicines are rarely used for children and teenagers due to potential side effects. Doctors may prescribe melatonin or a sedative for children with persistent sleep problems, but only after other strategies, such as sleep and lifestyle changes, have been attempted. Melatonin is a synthetic hormone that helps regulate sleep and maintain the body clock, but it is not approved for use by typically developing children.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping pills are medications that are intended to treat occasional sleepless nights and are available over-the-counter (OTC), as natural supplements, or by prescription.
Side effects of OTC sleeping pills include daytime grogginess, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, dry mouth, and trouble urinating.
An overdose occurs when a person takes a higher dose of a substance than prescribed or recommended. Overdosing on sleeping pills can lead to extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, and clumsiness.
An overdose can occur when a person takes 60–90 times the intended dose of sleeping pills.
If you suspect someone has overdosed on sleeping pills, seek immediate medical attention. Flumazenil is often used to counter the effects of a sleeping pill overdose, and a stomach pump can be used to remove the pills from the stomach.
