Colin Snow
Sleeping pills, also known as sleep aids, are drugs that promote drowsiness or directly bind with GABA receptors to cause sleepiness or relaxation. They can be classified into two categories: milder ones that promote drowsiness and stronger drugs that are specifically designed as sleep aids. While sleeping pills can be beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or other sleep disorders, it's important to use them cautiously as they may have side effects and potential for abuse or dependence. Some commonly used chemicals in sleeping pills include diphenhydramine, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and selective GABA medications. Natural sleep aids, such as valerian, chamomile, and tryptophan, are also available but may have varying levels of effectiveness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Selective Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) medications, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antihistamines, diphenhydramine, magnesium, chamomile, tryptophan, valerian, opiates, sugars, starches, magnesium stearate, artificial colours, microcrystalline cellulose, wax |
| Function | Promote drowsiness, induce sleep, relieve anxiety, calm, relax |
| Usage | Mild insomnia, severe insomnia, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, allergies |
| Side Effects | Addiction, overdose, nausea, vomiting, cardiac problems, allergic reactions, next-day drowsiness, behavioural changes, decreased sleep quality, hallucinations, amnesia, adverse drug events, toxicity, death |
| Availability | Over-the-counter, prescription |
| Regulation | FDA, Food and Drug Administration |
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What You'll Learn
Benzodiazepines
There are several types of benzodiazepines, including:
- Alprazolam (Xanax): Approved for treating anxiety disorders, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
- Quazepam (Doral): Approved to treat insomnia and sleep problems.
- Remimazolam (Byfavo): Approved for pre-anesthesia before surgeries and procedures.
- Temazepam (Restoril): Approved for treating insomnia.
- Triazolam (Halcion): Approved for treating insomnia.
- Diazepam (Valium): Used for treating anxiety and insomnia, especially in older people and children.
- Lorazepam, chlordiazepoxide, oxazepam, nitrazepam, loprazolam, lormetazepam, clobazam, and clonazepam.
While benzodiazepines can be effective in treating sleep disorders, they are typically prescribed for short-term use, as they may have side effects and potential for abuse or dependence. They can also cause next-day drowsiness, and an overdose can be hazardous. Additionally, drinking alcohol while taking benzodiazepines can increase the sedative effect and cause dangerous side effects.
It is important to consult a doctor before taking benzodiazepines or any other sleep medication to ensure they are safe and suitable for your individual needs.
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Selective Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) medications
Sleep medications that selectively target gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are among the newest sleep medicines. These medications work on the GABA receptors in the brain, which help control our level of alertness or relaxation. The selective GABA medications target only a certain type of GABA receptor, one believed to be more dedicated to promoting sleep.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It lessens the ability of a nerve cell to receive, create, or send chemical messages to other nerve cells. GABA is known for producing a calming effect and is thought to play a major role in controlling anxiety, stress, and fear. Decreased GABA levels are associated with several neurological and mental health conditions, as well as other medical conditions. Increasing GABA levels may help treat high blood pressure, diabetes, and insomnia.
Because of the abundance of GABA in the brain, the GABA receptor is a major target of drug development by pharmaceutical manufacturers. While selective GABA medications are thought to be safer than benzodiazepines, the older drugs on which they are based, with less potential for abuse or dependence, more evidence is needed to learn if GABA supplements and GABA-containing foods can help prevent or treat disease.
Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax), act on the GABA-A receptor. They are used in surgical anesthesia, the treatment of epilepsy, REM sleep disorders, alcohol withdrawal, anxiety, essential tremor, and muscle spasticity. However, there is concern that using benzodiazepines may contribute to the development of dementia.
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Antidepressants
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a popular type of antidepressant that works by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain. Common SSRIs include Celexa, Cymbalta, Prozac, and Zoloft. While generally considered safe, SSRIs can cause side effects such as insomnia or withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, doctors may recommend taking SSRIs in the morning or gradually tapering off the medication to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are another type of antidepressant that affects both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. SNRIs are typically prescribed when SSRIs have not been effective or when depression is accompanied by other problems such as pain disorders or certain forms of anxiety.
Trazodone is an "atypical antidepressant" that increases natural neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, including serotonin. It is often prescribed as a sleep aid for patients with acute insomnia due to its sedative effects. However, trazodone can cause false positives on drug tests and may lead to mild physical dependence, making gradual withdrawal necessary.
While antidepressants can be effective in treating depression and insomnia, they may also cause side effects and come with risks, especially when used long-term. Doctors recommend combining medication with good sleep practices and behavioural treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, to treat the underlying causes of anxiety and depression and learn valuable coping mechanisms.
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Natural sleep aids
Sleeping pills are commonly used to help people suffering from an inability to get restful sleep. However, they are not meant for long-term use and can have side effects like next-day drowsiness and, in some cases, abuse or dependence. Some of the chemicals used in sleeping pills include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and selective gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) medications.
If you are looking for natural alternatives to promote better sleep, here are some options:
- Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body, with levels rising in the evening to signal sleepiness and falling in the morning. Melatonin supplements have become a popular sleep aid, especially for those experiencing jet lag or trouble falling or staying asleep. They are generally safe for short-term use, but possible side effects include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. It is important to note that melatonin supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so dosages and ingredients may vary between manufacturers.
- Valerian: Valerian is a herb that has been used for centuries to treat insomnia and anxiety. It is believed to work by increasing levels of the calming chemical GABA in the brain. While evidence of its effectiveness is mixed, it is considered safe for short-term use. However, it may cause headaches and stomachaches in some individuals.
- Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is a compound found in marijuana and hemp plants that does not produce a high. It has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in some individuals. However, it may cause tiredness or nausea, and more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term safety. CBD is also classified as a controlled substance in some states, so legality may vary.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that can aid in sleep. However, large doses (exceeding 5,000 mg per day) can lead to adverse effects, and it may interact with certain medications like antibiotics and diuretics.
- Chamomile: Chamomile tea is known for its gentle sedative properties and can be beneficial before bedtime. However, it may cause allergic reactions in individuals with plant or pollen allergies.
- Tryptophan: Tryptophan is an amino acid that forms serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain that helps regulate sleep.
- Lavender: Lavender is a natural sleep aid that can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
While these natural sleep aids offer alternatives to prescription medications, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, as even natural remedies can have side effects or interact with existing medications. Additionally, maintaining good sleep habits and practices is crucial for achieving quality sleep.
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Barbiturates
Despite the risks, barbiturates are still used for various purposes, including general anesthesia, epilepsy treatment, acute migraines or headaches, euthanasia, capital punishment, and assisted suicide. They are also employed as euthanizing agents in small-animal veterinary medicine.
Some common barbiturates include phenobarbital, butalbital, butobarbital, amobarbital, secobarbital, pentobarbital, and thiopental.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping pills contain a variety of chemicals, including antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, diphenhydramine, and selective gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) medications.
Antihistamines are a type of mild sleeping pill that works by blocking histamine, a neurotransmitter that can make us feel drowsy. Some common antihistamine sleeping pills include Nytol, Sominex, and Excedrin PM.
Barbiturates are a class of sedative drugs that were once widely used as sleep aids. While they can be effective, they have also been found to be dangerous and addictive. Examples of barbiturates include Veronal, phenobarbital, Amytal, Seconal, and Pentothal.
Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative drug that can be used to induce sleep. Examples of benzodiazepines include chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium). While they can be effective in the short term, long-term use may have negative effects on the brain and cognitive function.
Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication that is commonly used to treat allergy symptoms. One of its side effects is drowsiness, which makes it useful as a mild sleep aid for those with infrequent insomnia.
Selective GABA medications are a newer class of sleep medicines that work by targeting specific GABA receptors in the brain. These receptors are believed to be dedicated to promoting sleep. Some examples of selective GABA medications include Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Ambien (zolpidem tartrate). They are thought to have fewer side effects and less potential for addiction compared to older drugs.
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