Colin Snow
Sleeping pills are depressant medications that slow down the body's functions by acting on the central nervous system. They are typically prescribed to ease anxiety or enable sleep. While they can be effective in the short term, they are potentially addictive and can cause issues with memory and attention. Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones, and providers do not usually recommend them for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction. Overdosing on sleeping pills can lead to death, and this risk is heightened when sleeping pills are mixed with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of over-the-counter sleeping pills that can kill you | There is no definitive number, but an overdose can occur when a person takes 60–90 times the intended dose. |
| Types of over-the-counter sleeping pills | Melatonin, Benadryl, Unisom, antihistamines, natural supplements, and valerian root. |
| Risks of over-the-counter sleeping pills | Overdose, addiction, interference with other medications, worsening of health conditions, constipation, muscle weakness, digestive problems, worsening of snoring and sleep apnea, and increased risk of early mortality. |
| Signs and symptoms of overdose | Extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, trouble breathing, clumsiness, excessive sleepiness, memory loss, strange behavior, bluish tinge to lips and skin, respiratory failure, and death. |
| Treatment for overdose | Call 911, administration of activated charcoal, fluids, and medications to maintain breathing and heart rate. Flumazenil can be used to counter the effects, but it carries risks and is not recommended for unknown substance overdoses. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pill overdose symptoms
It is important to note that sleeping pills should only be taken as directed by a healthcare provider. If you or someone else may have overdosed on sleeping pills, seek emergency medical attention immediately. An overdose can occur when a person takes a significantly higher dose than intended, which can be 60-90 times the intended dose. The amount that leads to an overdose can vary depending on the type of sleeping pill and the individual's physiology, such as body weight, tolerance, age, overall health status, and concurrent use of other substances.
Recognizing the symptoms of a sleeping pill overdose early can be crucial in receiving timely medical help and reducing the risk of severe health consequences. Here are some of the common physical and psychological signs and symptoms that can indicate a sleeping pill overdose:
- Extreme lethargy or drowsiness: The individual may appear sleepy or have difficulty staying awake, exhibiting unusual fatigue or weakness.
- Abdominal pain or nausea: Overdosing on sleeping pills can upset the stomach, leading to discomfort, pain, nausea, and possibly vomiting.
- Breathing trouble: Slowed or shallow breathing is a serious sign of a sleeping pill overdose. In severe cases, the person might stop breathing entirely.
- Clumsiness or loss of coordination: The individual might stumble, have difficulty walking, or be unable to perform tasks requiring coordination.
- Slowed breathing
- Unresponsiveness
- Confusion
In some cases, medications such as flumazenil may be used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine sleeping pills. Additionally, gastric lavage (stomach pump) can be employed to remove the contents of the stomach. Activated charcoal can also be administered to absorb the sleeping pills and prevent further absorption into the body.
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Mixing sleeping pills with other substances
Additionally, grapefruit juice should be avoided when taking sleeping pills as it increases the absorption and prolongs the effects of sleep-inducing drugs, leading to unintentional overdose. It is also important to note that taking sleeping pills during pregnancy, especially in combination with Restoril (a benzodiazepine), can cause stillbirth.
The combination of sleeping pills with other sedatives or hypnotics should be avoided. While a benzodiazepine overdose is rarely fatal on its own, mixing it with opioids can be deadly. Furthermore, the use of multiple sedative substances, such as opioids or alcohol with Restoril (temazepam), can lead to breathing problems, coma, and death.
The dangers of mixing sleeping pills with other substances extend beyond the potential for overdose. For example, rebound insomnia is likely to develop when stopping the use of both sleeping pills and alcohol simultaneously. In such cases of co-occurring addiction, continued sedative-hypnotic treatment may not be a viable option, and a more behavioural treatment-focused approach may be necessary.
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Side effects of sleeping pills
While over-the-counter sleeping pills can be effective in helping people fall asleep, they can also have several side effects. Sleeping pills are classified as "sedative hypnotics," a specific class of drugs that act on the central nervous system to slow down the functions of the body. They are typically used as tranquilizers or sleeping pills to relieve anxiety or enable sleep. It is important to note that sleeping pills are generally meant for short-term use and are not recommended for long-term treatment of sleeping problems due to the potential side effects and risk of addiction.
One of the most common side effects of sleeping pills is the "hangover" effect, where individuals experience drowsiness, muddled thinking, dizziness, and balance problems the day after taking the medication. This can negatively impact daily activities such as driving, working, or attending school. Other physical side effects may include constipation, muscle weakness, digestive problems (gas, heartburn, nausea), dry mouth, and difficulty urinating.
Sleeping pills can also cause memory issues, confusion, and impaired focus, which can be particularly dangerous for older adults, increasing their risk of falls, broken hips, and car accidents. Additionally, sleeping pills may worsen snoring and sleep apnea, and prolonged use can lead to physical dependence and tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.
It is important to be cautious when taking over-the-counter sleeping pills, especially when combined with other substances. Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol or certain medications can lead to dangerous interactions and increase the risk of overdose. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect the metabolism of some sleeping pills, making the drug stronger and prolonging its effects. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before taking sleeping pills, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
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Sleeping pill addiction
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Addiction to sleeping pills often develops when individuals take these medications outside of their intended purpose or beyond the recommended dosage or duration. This can occur when people struggle with chronic insomnia or sleep disorders and become reliant on the pills to fall asleep or maintain restful sleep. Over time, the body can build up a tolerance to the drugs, leading individuals to require higher doses to achieve the desired effects. This cycle can quickly spiral out of control, resulting in physical dependence and a challenging addiction to overcome.
The signs of sleeping pill addiction may include taking pills in larger amounts or for longer periods than prescribed, unsuccessfully attempting to cut down or stop pill usage, spending significant time and effort obtaining pills, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce dosage or quit. Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and include rebound insomnia, anxiety, agitation, seizures, and, in severe cases, hallucinations and delirium.
Treating sleeping pill addiction typically involves a combination of medical detoxification, behavioral therapy, and, in some cases, medication-assisted treatment. Detoxification helps individuals safely withdraw from the physical dependence on the pills under medical supervision. Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help individuals address the underlying reasons for their pill misuse and develop healthier coping mechanisms for stress and insomnia.
It is crucial to seek professional help when struggling with sleeping pill addiction. Trying to quit cold turkey or without medical supervision can be dangerous and lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. With proper treatment and support, individuals can overcome sleeping pill addiction and learn to manage their sleep disorders or insomnia through alternative, healthier means.
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Suicide by sleeping pills
It is possible to overdose on sleeping pills, which can lead to death. However, the pills on the market today are generally milder and less potent, making them safer than older formulas. Additionally, a melatonin overdose, for example, is highly unlikely, even at extremely high doses.
Sleeping pills are classified as "sedative hypnotics," a specific class of drugs used to help people fall asleep or stay asleep. They are also known as "sedatives" or "hypnotics." The two main kinds of sedatives are barbiturates and benzodiazepines. While a benzodiazepine overdose is rarely fatal on its own, it can be deadly when mixed with other substances like opioids or alcohol. Barbiturates, on the other hand, can be fatal when taken in high doses. In the past, barbiturates were commonly used in suicide attempts, but their decreased use has lowered the likelihood of fatal overdoses.
The dangerous side effects of misusing sleeping pills can begin long before an overdose occurs. Taking too many sleeping pills can cause extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, and clumsiness. An overdose may be a deliberate suicide attempt, but it is important to note that not all attempts succeed as vomiting is common when an excessive amount of the drug is ingested. If the person survives, they may still experience brain damage due to a lack of oxygen.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies, it is important to seek help immediately. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no set number of over-the-counter sleeping pills that will cause death. However, taking more than the recommended dose can lead to an overdose, which can be fatal. Overdosing on sleeping pills can occur when a person takes 60-90 times the intended dose.
Symptoms of a sleeping pill overdose include extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, trouble breathing, and clumsiness. Other signs include a slowed heartbeat, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, hallucinations, and urinary retention. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of over-the-counter sleeping pills, it is important to seek medical help immediately. In the United States, you can call the poison control center or dial 911 for emergency assistance. Do not wait, as time is critical in these situations.
