Miya Pearson
Sleeping pills are available over the counter or by prescription. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger and carry a risk of dependence and addiction. While sleeping pills are not opioids, combining opioid painkillers with sleeping pills is associated with a greater risk of overdose. Stanford researchers found that nearly 30% of fatal opioid overdoses also involved benzodiazepines, a common sleeping pill. However, new research has found that the FDA-approved sleep medication suvorexant can help people sleep better during opioid withdrawal, reducing drug cravings and easing withdrawal symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping pills treat | Insomnia |
| They make users feel | Drowsy and relaxed |
| Side effects | Confusion, sleep-walking, sleep-eating (parasomnia) |
| Available as | Over-the-counter (OTC), natural supplements, or by prescription |
| Risk factors | Dependence, addiction, withdrawal symptoms |
| Types | Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines (benzos), Z-drugs, Antidepressants |
| Opioid users with insomnia | Treated with suvorexant |
| Concurrent use of opioids and sleeping pills | Higher risk of overdose |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping pills are available over the counter or by prescription
- Opioids can cause sleep issues by affecting the orexin neurotransmitter system
- Benzodiazepines, a type of sleeping pill, are often prescribed with opioids, increasing the risk of overdose
- Suvorexant, a sleep medication, has been found to help people sleep during opioid withdrawal
- Sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction
Sleeping pills are available over the counter or by prescription
Sleeping pills are medications that treat insomnia and other sleep disorders by making one feel drowsy and relaxed. They are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. OTC sleep aids often contain an antihistamine, which treats allergies but can also induce drowsiness. Some people also opt for natural remedies and supplements like melatonin or valerian root, which can be purchased without a prescription.
Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones and are recommended for short-term relief. They are typically not advised for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction. Examples of prescription sleeping pills include benzodiazepines (benzos), barbiturates, and Z-drugs like zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta). These work by stimulating the GABA chemical in the brain, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety.
It is important to exercise caution when taking sleeping pills, as they can cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. Additionally, approximately 8 out of 10 people experience a hangover effect the day after taking sleep medicine, feeling drowsy and having muddled thinking. These effects can negatively impact daily activities, including driving and working.
While sleeping pills are a common treatment for insomnia, other non-drug therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be more effective in improving sleep. Sleep issues are also common among those with opioid use disorder (OUD), and medications like suvorexant have been studied for their potential to improve sleep and reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
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Opioids can cause sleep issues by affecting the orexin neurotransmitter system
Sleeping pills are medications that treat insomnia by making one feel drowsy and relaxed. They are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. However, it is important to note that sleeping pills are not a cure for insomnia and can cause side effects, so they should not be used as a long-term solution.
Now, opioids are a different class of drugs that act on the brain and nervous system to reduce pain. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic condition characterized by a loss of control over opioid use, leading to cognitive and mood impairments, altered pain perception, and autonomic activity disruptions. Notably, sleep deficiency is prevalent in 75% of patients with OUD, indicating a strong link between opioid use and sleep issues.
Here's where the connection between opioids and sleep becomes clearer: opioids directly affect sleep through the orexin neurotransmitter system. Orexin, also known as hypocretin, is a neuropeptide produced by neurons primarily located in the lateral hypothalamus. These orexin neurons have a critical role in regulating wakefulness, arousal, stress signaling, and even consumption behaviours. When orexin is overactive, individuals may struggle with falling asleep or maintaining sleep.
Additionally, increased orexin signaling is associated with arousal and stress reactivity, which are key features of insomnia. This connection between orexin and insomnia is so significant that orexin receptor antagonists are commonly prescribed to treat insomnia. Furthermore, by targeting the orexin system, these antagonists can also help attenuate opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings.
In a recent clinical trial, the sleep medication suvorexant, which acts as an anti-wakefulness drug and blocks orexin, showed promising results in treating insomnia in individuals with OUD. This trial highlighted the potential of targeting the orexin system to improve sleep and, consequently, overall well-being in people struggling with opioid use.
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Benzodiazepines, a type of sleeping pill, are often prescribed with opioids, increasing the risk of overdose
Benzodiazepines are a type of sleeping pill that is commonly prescribed to treat insomnia, anxiety, and epilepsy. They are also used to aid in alcohol withdrawal. While benzodiazepines can be effective in treating these conditions, they also carry certain risks, especially when used long-term or in conjunction with other substances.
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants, which means they slow down the body's functions. When taken in combination with opioids, another type of central nervous system depressant, the risk of a life-threatening overdose increases significantly. This is because the combined effect of both drugs can slow down involuntary functions, such as breathing and heart rate, to dangerously low levels.
In 2021, approximately 14% of overdose deaths involving opioids also involved benzodiazepines. This statistic highlights the potentially deadly consequences of combining these substances. Studies have consistently shown that the risk of overdose death is significantly higher when benzodiazepines are prescribed concurrently with opioids. For example, a cohort study in North Carolina found that the overdose death rate among patients receiving both types of medications was ten times higher than among those only taking opioids.
The dangers of combining benzodiazepines and opioids have been recognized by health authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that clinicians exercise caution when prescribing these medications together and carefully consider whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Both prescription opioids and benzodiazepines now carry boxed warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, highlighting the potential dangers of concurrent use.
It is important to note that the risk of overdose and other adverse effects associated with benzodiazepines extends beyond their interaction with opioids. Benzodiazepines can also cause overdose when taken with other pharmaceutical drugs, including strong pain relievers, antidepressants, and antihistamines. Additionally, benzodiazepines carry a risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms, even when used as prescribed. As a result, they are typically not the first-choice treatment for insomnia or anxiety.
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Suvorexant, a sleep medication, has been found to help people sleep during opioid withdrawal
Sleeping pills are typically used to treat insomnia by making individuals feel drowsy and relaxed. While they can be effective, they are not a cure for insomnia and can cause side effects such as daytime drowsiness, confusion, and parasomnia. Moreover, long-term use of sleeping pills is not recommended due to the risk of dependence and addiction.
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a condition where individuals experience difficulty falling or staying asleep due to the impact of opioids on the orexin neurotransmitter system responsible for wakefulness. As many as 80% of people with OUD suffer from insomnia, and finding an appropriate treatment can be challenging. Commonly prescribed medications for sleep issues, such as benzodiazepines or zolpidem (Ambien), interact with opioids and can increase the risk of overdose.
Suvorexant, an FDA-approved sleep medication, has emerged as a promising treatment for insomnia in people with OUD. Unlike traditional sleeping pills, suvorexant targets the sleep-wake cycle and blocks the action of orexin without causing overall drowsiness or a drug "high." In clinical trials, suvorexant has been found to reduce sleep disturbances during opioid withdrawal and improve total sleep time by about 90 minutes in patients tapering off opioids. It also reduced withdrawal symptoms, lessened drug cravings, and increased the desire to refrain from opioid use.
The positive effects of suvorexant on sleep and withdrawal symptoms in individuals with OUD suggest that targeting the orexin signaling pathway may be a viable strategy to reduce the negative impact of opioid withdrawal on sleep quality. This approach could potentially improve overall well-being and enhance OUD treatment outcomes, contributing positively to addressing the opioid crisis. Further research and larger clinical trials are needed to strengthen the evidence and provide relief for millions struggling with opioid addiction and withdrawal-associated insomnia.
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Sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction
Sleeping pills are not a cure for insomnia and are therefore not recommended for long-term use. They are intended to provide short-term relief from sleep disorders. Sleeping pills are associated with several side effects, including drowsiness during the day, confusion, memory issues, and balance problems. They can also cause parasomnia, where individuals walk or eat in their sleep. The risk of dependence and addiction further underscores the importance of using sleeping pills only as a short-term solution.
Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can also be found in off-label prescriptions for insomnia. Antihistamines work by blocking histamines, the substances in the body that cause alertness. However, antihistamines have been shown to be ineffective in treating insomnia in people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Additionally, they may interact with opioids and increase the risk of overdose.
Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than OTC sleep aids and are associated with a higher risk of dependence and addiction. Benzodiazepines, a common type of prescription sleeping pill, can be particularly addictive and may lead to substance use disorder. To mitigate this risk, healthcare providers typically prescribe benzodiazepines only for short-term use. Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), are often preferred as they are considered less addictive. However, they still carry a risk of dependence and addiction, especially with long-term use.
The risk of addiction to sleeping pills increases with prolonged use and higher dosages. Addiction is characterized by compulsive behaviors, continued use despite negative consequences, and abusing pills to achieve a high. Dependence on sleeping pills can develop within a few weeks, and withdrawal symptoms can occur when discontinuing their use. As such, sleeping pills should only be used as directed by a healthcare provider and for the shortest duration necessary to address sleep issues.
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Frequently asked questions
No, sleeping pills are not opioids. Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. They are also available as natural supplements. However, sleeping pills can be habit-forming and addictive.
Taking prescription opioids and sleeping pills together can increase the risk of an opioid overdose. Stanford researchers found that nearly 30% of fatal opioid overdoses in the US involved benzodiazepines, a common sleeping pill.
Suvorexant is an FDA-approved sleep medication that has been found to help people with OUD sleep better during withdrawal. Unlike many sleeping pills, suvorexant targets the sleep-wake cycle instead of causing overall drowsiness.
