Miya Pearson
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are easily accessible and may help with insomnia and other sleep problems. However, it's important to understand the potential side effects and risks associated with their use. OTC sleeping pills typically contain antihistamines, which block histamines responsible for alertness. While these pills can induce drowsiness, they may also cause side effects such as daytime grogginess, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, dry mouth, and trouble urinating. Additionally, mixing them with alcohol or other sleep medications can lead to dangerous interactions. Prolonged use may result in tolerance and dependence, increasing the risk of overdose and misuse. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before taking OTC sleeping pills, especially when considering their use for rendering someone unconscious, as this carries significant risks and may have legal implications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How OTC sleeping pills work | OTC sleeping pills contain antihistamines that block histamines, the substances that cause alertness. |
| Common ingredients | Diphenhydramine, doxylamine, melatonin, valerian, and CBD. |
| Side effects | Constipation, muscle weakness, drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, dry mouth, trouble peeing, headache, dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness. |
| Risks | Dependence, addiction, overdose, sleep-induced injuries, impaired judgment, and coordination problems. |
| Precautions | Check with a healthcare provider before taking them, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving to children. |
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What You'll Learn
OTC sleeping pills and their side effects
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are typically antihistamines, which block histamines, the substances in your body that cause alertness. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), doxylamine, and melatonin. Other OTC products, like Nytol, Sominex, and Unisom, are also sold as sleep aids but contain antihistamines. While these medications can help you get some sleep, they are not meant for long-term use and can cause side effects.
Side effects of OTC sleeping pills include dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, constipation, and confusion. Older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing these side effects, which can lead to falls, broken hips, and car accidents. Additionally, people with asthma or other chronic lung problems should be cautious as sleeping pills can interfere with normal breathing.
Some people may experience more unusual side effects, such as parasomnias, which include behaviours like sleepwalking, driving, or eating while asleep. Allergic reactions and dependence on the medication are also possible side effects. It is recommended to consult a doctor if you experience any severe side effects.
Sleeping pills should be used with caution and are not recommended for long-term use. If you find yourself needing to take them every night, speak with your doctor, as this may indicate a larger issue affecting your sleep. Additionally, older adults and children are advised to avoid sleeping aids, as they can pose greater health risks for these age groups.
Natural remedies, such as chamomile tea, valerian root, and saffron, are also options for promoting sleep. These natural supplements have been used for centuries and typically come with a lower risk of side effects. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is another promising approach to improving sleep that does not involve medication.
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The risk of overdose
Overdosing on sleeping pills is possible, and it can lead to various outcomes depending on the medication and dosage. Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants that slow down brain activity to help individuals rest. Taking a higher dose than prescribed or consuming pills more frequently than advised can increase the risk of overdose. This risk is significantly heightened when sleeping pills are combined with other substances, such as opioids or alcohol.
Benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed as sleeping pills, can cause overdose when taken alone, but the risk becomes more severe when mixed with alcohol, opioids, or other narcotics. An overdose from benzodiazepines can lead to altered mental status, slurred speech, impaired coordination and movement, and respiratory depression. Z-drugs like Ambien also carry the potential for overdose, resulting in impaired consciousness and respiratory depression. The combination of these drugs with alcohol or other substances dramatically increases the risk of overdose.
Antihistamines, a common ingredient in over-the-counter sleeping pills, pose a higher risk of overdose compared to other supplements. Taking too much antihistamine can lead to hallucinations, blurred vision, an inability to urinate, and increased body temperature. Melatonin, another popular OTC supplement, has no clinical evidence of overdose. However, excessive drowsiness, headaches, and vomiting may indicate excessive melatonin consumption. Similarly, valerian, an herbal supplement, has shown mild symptoms even in high doses, typically resolving within 24 hours.
While overdose from sleeping pills alone is uncommon, it is essential to understand the dangers associated with their misuse. Sleeping pills should only be taken as prescribed or according to the recommended dosage on the packaging. Mixing sleeping pills with other substances, especially central nervous system depressants, significantly increases the risk of overdose and can have fatal consequences.
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Addiction and misuse
While over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are easily accessible, they should be used with caution. Sleeping pills can cause side effects such as constipation, muscle weakness, daytime grogginess, blurred vision, confusion, and dry mouth. It is advised that you check with your healthcare provider before taking them as they can interfere with other medications or worsen health conditions.
Sleeping pills are sedative-hypnotics, and their misuse occurs when they are used outside of their prescribed use, such as taking them in higher doses or for longer periods than recommended. While OTC sleeping pills are generally not considered to cause physical addiction, psychological addiction is commonly reported and can be challenging to overcome. The risk of addiction is lowered if sleeping pills are taken exactly as prescribed, and they are intended for short-term use only.
Sleeping pill abuse has escalated among teens and college students, with many obtaining the drugs from family members. Mixing sleeping pills with other drugs or alcohol can be dangerous and even deadly, especially with benzodiazepines. Those with a severe addiction may use alcohol to increase the potency of the sleeping pills. Withdrawal from sleeping pills can also produce unpleasant side effects, with the most serious being "rebound insomnia," where insomnia is compounded and even worse than before the individual started taking sleeping pills.
Signs of sleeping pill addiction include failed attempts to quit, cravings, seeing multiple doctors for prescription refills ("doctor shopping"), and continuing to take the pills despite negative consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with sleeping pill addiction, it is important to seek professional help. Treatment options are available, and breaking an addiction to sleeping pills is challenging without the right support.
It is recommended that individuals with a personal or family history of substance misuse avoid sleeping pills altogether. Instead, they can adopt healthy habits such as exercising, limiting caffeine consumption, avoiding electronic screens before bedtime, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has also shown success in treating sleep disorders without the risks associated with sleeping pills.
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Safe dosage
It is important to note that over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are not meant to be used long-term and should only be taken after consultation with a healthcare provider. This is because they can interfere with other medications or aggravate existing health conditions.
Most OTC sleeping pills contain antihistamines, which induce drowsiness by blocking histamines, the substances that cause alertness. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. The recommended dosage for adults and children over 12 years of age is 25 to 50 mg, taken orally, every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 150 mg in 24 hours. For children aged 6 to 12, the recommended dose is usually 25 mg, taken orally every 6 to 8 hours, not exceeding 75 mg in 24 hours. However, it is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist before giving OTC sleeping pills to children, as there are risks of overdose and breathing problems.
Natural sleep aids like melatonin and valerian supplements are also available over the counter. Melatonin is a hormone that promotes sleep by influencing when one falls asleep and wakes up. Valerian has a calming effect on the nervous system, aiding relaxation and sleep. The dosage for these supplements varies depending on the concentration and form of the product. It is important to read the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions or consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
While OTC sleeping pills can be effective in inducing sleep, they should be used with caution. Taking higher doses than recommended can lead to unintended consequences, including overdose and even death. Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol or other sedatives can be especially dangerous, increasing the risk of breathing problems and other adverse effects. Additionally, individuals taking sleeping pills should refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery, as these pills can impair judgment and coordination.
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When to seek medical help
It is important to seek medical help and consult a healthcare provider before taking over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills. This is to ensure that the medication does not interfere with other medications or health conditions you may have, such as high blood pressure or liver problems. Additionally, it is recommended to try non-drug treatments first, especially for older adults, as there may be safer ways to improve sleep.
If you are pregnant, it is crucial to talk to your OB-GYN before taking any sleeping pills. Research has shown a link between sleeping pill use, specifically benzodiazepines, and adverse birth outcomes such as increased preterm birth risks and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions.
You should also seek medical attention if you experience any signs of addiction, dependency, or both while taking sleeping pills. If you are taking sleeping pills for an extended period, such as longer than a month, and still have trouble falling asleep, consult a healthcare provider.
In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is required. Physical signs of a sleeping pill overdose include extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, and clumsiness. Overdosing on sleeping pills can be life-threatening, especially when mixed with other substances like opioids or alcohol.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies, it is crucial to call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Misuse of sleeping pills to commit suicide is a concern, and professional help should be sought to address these thoughts and ensure safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Most OTC sleeping pills contain antihistamines, which work by blocking histamines—the substances in your body that cause alertness. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. Other OTC sleeping pills contain melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, or valerian, which has a natural calming effect on your nervous system.
Side effects of OTC sleeping pills include daytime grogginess, blurred vision, confusion, dry mouth, constipation, trouble peeing, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness. Approximately 8 out of 10 people experience a hangover effect the day after taking sleep medicine.
OTC sleeping pills do not typically lead to dependency. However, over time, your body can develop a tolerance to them, meaning you may need higher doses to get the same effect. If you are struggling with addiction, getting help is one of the most important steps.
It is difficult to determine the strongest sleeping pill as it depends on the person and their tolerance. However, an overdose generally occurs when a person takes too much of a substance at one time. If you think you or someone else has overdosed on sleeping pills, call the emergency services immediately.
Sleeping pills can cause sleep-induced injuries, impaired judgment, and coordination. There is also a risk of overdose and addiction. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always check with your healthcare provider before taking any sleeping pills or supplements as the medication can pass to the fetus or baby.
