Sneaking Sleeping Pills: A Guide To Drugging Someone

Sleeping pills are medications that treat insomnia by making you feel drowsy and relaxed. They are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. While they can help you fall asleep, sleeping pills do not address the underlying causes of insomnia and can be highly addictive, leading to rebound insomnia and long-term dependence. Due to these risks, providers typically recommend short-term use. Overdosing on sleeping pills can have serious side effects, including excessive dizziness, confusion, abnormal heart rhythms, gastrointestinal distress, and even coma or permanent cognitive damage. Therefore, it is essential to use sleeping pills with caution and only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Sleeping pill types: over-the-counter, prescription, and natural

It is important to note that sleeping pills can have side effects and are not recommended for long-term use. Sleeping pills are available over the counter, as natural supplements, or by prescription.

Over-the-Counter Sleeping Pills

Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids are available without a prescription to anyone aged 18 and older. They often contain antihistamines, which treat allergies but can also cause drowsiness. Common ingredients in antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. Other OTC sleep aids include natural supplements like melatonin and valerian, which can come in various forms such as teas, liquids, and capsules. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that promotes sleep. Valerian is an herb that has a calming effect on the nervous system, aiding relaxation and sleep. However, the safety profile of valerian root is unclear, and it may cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, itchiness, and stomach problems.

Prescription Sleeping Pills

Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones and require a prescription from a healthcare provider. They are not recommended for long-term use as they are not a cure for insomnia and carry a risk of dependence and addiction. Prescription sleep medications include antidepressants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines (benzos), and Z-drugs like zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta). Benzodiazepines stimulate the chemical GABA in the brain, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. Z-drugs work by slowing brain activity.

Natural Sleeping Pills

Natural sleeping pills refer to supplements and lifestyle adjustments that can aid in improving sleep quality. Natural supplements like melatonin and valerian have already been mentioned, and they can be purchased over the counter. Other lifestyle adjustments include exercising during the day, avoiding large meals, alcohol, and caffeine before bed, and changing the sleep environment, such as replacing an old mattress.

Side effects: drowsiness, confusion, and potential addiction

It is important to note that sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use due to their potential side effects and risks. While they can effectively treat insomnia and help individuals feel drowsy and relaxed, they can also lead to daytime drowsiness, confusion, and potential addiction.

Drowsiness is a common side effect of sleeping pills, and it can persist during the day, even after a full night's rest. This can impact an individual's ability to function properly throughout the day, making it dangerous to drive or operate machinery, or perform tasks requiring full attention.

Confusion is another side effect associated with sleeping pills. Individuals may experience confusion during the day, along with memory issues and impaired attention. These side effects can be particularly dangerous for older adults, increasing their risk of falls, broken hips, and even car accidents.

Additionally, sleeping pills have the potential to cause addiction. Prescription sleeping pills, in particular, carry a higher risk of dependence and addiction compared to over-the-counter options. Healthcare providers typically recommend short-term use of prescription sleeping pills for this reason. Benzodiazepines, a class of anti-anxiety medications sometimes used as sleeping pills, are known to be potentially addictive.

To mitigate the side effects of sleeping pills, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting or discontinuing their use. They can provide guidance on proper dosage, alternative treatments, and safe ways to improve sleep without relying on medication long-term.

Overdose: symptoms and treatment

An overdose of sleeping pills occurs when an individual consumes a quantity of medication that surpasses the prescribed or safe limit, leading to severe adverse effects or life-threatening situations. It is important to note that the specific quantity that can lead to an overdose can vary depending on factors such as the individual's tolerance, body weight, age, overall health status, and whether other substances have been consumed concurrently.

Symptoms

Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants, slowing down the body's functioning and mimicking the natural sedative state during sleep. An overdose of these pills can lead to respiratory depression, where inadequate breathing can cause hypoxia, potentially leading to brain damage or death. Cardiovascular issues such as abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, and potential heart failure may also arise. Neurological impacts include excessive sedation, resulting in confusion and dizziness, and, in severe cases, comas or long-term cognitive impairment. Gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, is also common.

Treatment

If a sleeping pill overdose is suspected, it is crucial to call emergency services immediately. While waiting for medical help to arrive, keep the person awake and check for symptoms. Medical professionals may administer naloxone if trained, as it can block the effects of benzodiazepines, effectively reversing the overdose. However, this is not effective for all types of sleeping pills and is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Gastric lavage, or stomach pumping, may be performed to remove the contents of the stomach, but this is most effective if done within an hour of ingestion. Activated charcoal can also be used to absorb the sleeping pills in the stomach and prevent further absorption, but its effectiveness diminishes over time. Supportive care, such as intravenous fluids, medications to manage symptoms, and ventilation assistance, may also be provided to stabilise the patient and prevent further complications.

Long-term management after an overdose includes relapse prevention, support networks, and medication-assisted treatment. Comprehensive assessment of the patient's medical history, substance use, and sleep-related symptoms are crucial, with non-pharmacological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-I) being preferred. CBT-I addresses the underlying issues contributing to sleep disorders and is more effective than pharmacological therapy for chronic insomnia.

Safe use: avoiding alcohol, sharing, and long-term use

While sleeping pills can be effective in helping you fall asleep, they are not recommended for long-term use. Sleeping pills are best used for short-term stressors, jet lag, or similar sleep problems. Most experts agree that sleep aids should not be a long-term solution as there is limited evidence on their safety and efficacy beyond four weeks of use. Additionally, daily use of sleep aids may be linked to an increased risk of mortality.

To ensure safe use, it is crucial to avoid mixing sleeping pills with alcohol. Alcohol consumption can enhance the effects of sleeping pills, leading to dangerous consequences. It is also important not to share your sleeping pills with others, and likewise, refrain from taking someone else's prescription. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist regarding dosage and duration.

If you are considering taking sleeping pills, consult your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications. Certain sleeping pills, such as benzodiazepines, slow down brain and body functions, and their effects may be amplified when combined with other substances. It is also important to note that some sleeping pills may take longer to kick in if taken with food.

Sleeping pills should be taken right before bedtime, as taking them earlier in the evening can interfere with your evening activities. They are not recommended if you need to wake up during the night, such as when caring for a dependent person. Additionally, it is advised to practice good sleep hygiene, which includes avoiding large meals and alcohol before bed, reducing caffeine intake, and quitting smoking.

While sleeping pills can provide short-term relief from sleep problems, they should be used cautiously and under medical supervision. It is important to understand the risks and side effects associated with their use and to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Effectiveness: treating insomnia and improving sleep quality

Sleeping pills can be effective in treating insomnia and improving sleep quality. They work by making you feel drowsy and relaxed, helping you to fall asleep and stay asleep if you tend to wake up in the middle of the night. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter (OTC) ones and are typically recommended for short-term relief. Providers generally do not advise using prescription sleeping pills long-term as they are not a cure for insomnia and carry a risk of dependence and addiction.

OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can make you drowsy. However, these medications are not approved for sleep purposes and can interfere with other medications or worsen health conditions. Natural sleep supplements, such as melatonin and valerian, are also available OTC. Melatonin is a hormone that the body naturally produces to promote sleep, while valerian is an herb that purportedly aids relaxation and sleep. Nevertheless, even with these OTC options, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before taking them.

Prescription medications for insomnia include estazolam (Prosom), eszopiclone (Lunesta), triazolam (Halcion), and Restoril. These drugs can help with falling and staying asleep, but they also carry risks of misuse, dependency, and side effects. For instance, eszopiclone may lead to complex sleep behaviours, such as sleepwalking or even driving while asleep. Triazolam and Restoril are typically prescribed for short periods of 7 to 10 days, after which a doctor reassesses the patient to determine if there is an underlying cause for their insomnia.

While sleeping pills can be effective in the short term, they are not a long-term solution for insomnia. Additionally, they can have side effects and risks, such as feeling confused or sleepy during the day, or engaging in parasomnia, which involves activities like walking or eating in one's sleep. In some cases, non-drug therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or lifestyle changes may be more effective and safer for improving sleep quality.

Frequently asked questions