Miya Pearson
Sleeping pills are a common treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders. They work by either inducing drowsiness or binding to neurotransmitter receptors, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, to promote relaxation and sleep. While they can be effective, they also come with risks and side effects. Taking two 50 mg sleeping pills would mean a dosage of 100 mg, which exceeds the recommended dosage of certain sleeping pills and can lead to adverse effects, including overdose. The impact of taking two 50 mg sleeping pills depends on the specific medication and the individual's characteristics, such as age, sex, and body weight. It's important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended dosage | 50mg |
| Effects of taking two 50mg sleeping pills | 6 hours of sleep |
| Side effects | Next-day drowsiness, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, confusion, sleepiness during the day, parasomnia, tolerance, "hangover" effect |
| Overdose symptoms | Slowed breathing, unresponsiveness, severe drowsiness, confusion, extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, clumsiness |
| Overdose treatment | Flumazenil, stomach pump, naloxone (if trained) |
| Types of sleeping pills | Prescription: antidepressants, benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, hypnotics, Zolpidem (Ambien), Zaleplon (Sonata), Eszopiclone (Lunesta), Ramelteon (Rozerem). Over-the-counter: antihistamines, melatonin, valerian supplements, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) |
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What You'll Learn
Tolerance and dependence
Sleeping pills are prescription medications that contain tranquilizers to treat insomnia, restless sleep, or difficulty falling asleep. While they can be effective in the short term, long-term use is not recommended due to the risk of developing tolerance and dependence.
Tolerance occurs when an individual's response to a drug decreases over time, requiring a higher dosage to achieve the same effects. With sleeping pills, tolerance can lead to increased dosage or abuse, resulting in more severe side effects. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and duration of use to mitigate the risk of tolerance.
Dependence on sleeping pills is a significant concern. Psychological dependence can develop, making it difficult for individuals to fall asleep without the medication. This can lead to a cycle of continued use and worsening insomnia when attempting to stop. The risk of dependence is higher with long-term use, and it can impact an individual's daily life, causing side effects such as drowsiness, impaired focus, and balance problems during the day.
To avoid dependence, it is crucial to use sleeping pills as directed by a healthcare provider and only for the intended duration. Abruptly stopping the medication is not recommended, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia. Instead, individuals should gradually taper off the medication under the guidance of a specialist.
Some sleeping pills, such as non-benzodiazepine or Z-drugs, have a lower potential for drug tolerance and addiction. Melatonin, a synthetic hormone that mimics the body's natural sleep hormone, is also considered less likely to cause dependence. However, even melatonin may cause side effects if misused or taken in high doses.
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Overdose and death
While modern sleeping pills are safer than their predecessors, it is still possible to overdose on them, and even die. Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants, slowing down brain activity to help you rest. Taking a higher dose than prescribed or taking pills more often than prescribed can increase the risk of an overdose. Mixing sleeping pills with other substances like opioids or alcohol can also increase the risk of overdose.
Sleeping pills are classified as "sedative hypnotics," and are prescribed to ease anxiety or enable sleep. The two main types of sedatives are barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Barbiturates are less common nowadays, having been replaced by benzodiazepines as the sedative drug of choice. However, benzodiazepines are still commonly used for sleep and can be addictive. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added a boxed warning on all benzodiazepines to caution people about the serious risks of addiction, abuse, drug interactions, and potential adverse effects.
Overdosing on sleeping pills can lead to death. Physical signs of a sleeping pill overdose include extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, trouble breathing, and clumsiness. Overdosing on sleeping pills can occur when a person takes 60–90 times the intended dose. For example, Lunesta, typically taken at a 10mg dose, can lead to overdose at 600 mg, with death reported at doses higher than 2,000 mg. Similarly, it takes around 200 mg of Sonata to overdose. Fatal overdoses typically occur when mixed with other depressants like benzodiazepines or alcohol.
If you suspect someone has overdosed on sleeping pills, call emergency services immediately. Keep the person awake and talking if possible until help arrives. If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position—on their side, with one leg forward of the other—and wait for help.
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Side effects
Sleeping pills, including prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, can have various side effects. One common side effect is next-day drowsiness or feeling confused and sleepy during the day. This hangover effect can cause a person to feel drowsy and less alert the next day, impacting their daily functioning. Some people may also experience parasomnia, which involves walking or eating in their sleep without awareness.
Sleeping pills can also lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. The development of tolerance can result in unintended consequences, and the risk of misuse and addiction is significant. This is particularly true for certain types of prescription sleeping pills, such as benzodiazepines, which can be habit-forming and are generally not recommended for long-term use.
Additionally, some sleeping pills may prevent the brain from achieving deep, restorative REM sleep, resulting in a non-refreshing sleep. This can leave individuals feeling tired and groggy the next day, even after a full night's rest.
It is important to note that the side effects of taking two 50 mg sleeping pills can be influenced by the specific medication and individual factors such as age, sex, body weight, and other medications being taken. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication to ensure safe and appropriate use.
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Safety considerations
It's important to be aware of the potential side effects of sleeping pills, which can include next-day drowsiness, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Sleeping pills should not be used long-term, and healthcare providers often advise against habitual use. They are typically recommended for use only as needed, no more than two to three times a week. Additionally, certain populations, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, and older adults, may have additional safety considerations and should consult with a healthcare professional before taking sleeping pills.
The development of tolerance and dependence on sleeping pills can lead to unintended consequences. Sleeping pills should only be used as directed by a doctor, and it's crucial to understand the appropriate use, potential risks, and alternative treatment options. Other non-drug therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), may be more effective in improving sleep quality.
The average dose of prescription sleeping pills is determined by a physician based on patient characteristics such as sex, age, body weight, and other medications being taken. Taking more than the recommended dose can lead to an overdose, with symptoms including slowed breathing, unresponsiveness, severe drowsiness, memory loss, and confusion. It's important to note that the specific effects and overdose symptoms can vary depending on the type of sleeping pill and the individual's characteristics.
In summary, when considering the use of sleeping pills, it is vital to consult with a healthcare professional, understand the potential risks and side effects, and explore alternative treatment options. Sleeping pills should be used with caution and only as directed by a doctor to avoid unintended consequences and potential overdose.
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Treatment alternatives
- Non-drug treatments: These can include changing your sleeping environment, such as adjusting the lighting, sound, and temperature to suit your preferences.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This can help address any underlying psychological or behavioral factors that may be contributing to your sleep issues.
- Sleep diary: Keeping a record of your sleep patterns and habits can help identify any areas that need improvement and track your progress over time.
- Natural supplements: Melatonin is a natural hormone that can be taken as a supplement to promote sleep. Valerian root is another natural supplement that has been used traditionally to improve sleep.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines: Diphenhydramine, found in Benadryl, and doxylamine, found in Unisom, can cause drowsiness and help with sleep. However, these are not recommended for long-term use due to potential side effects and the risk of developing tolerance.
- Prescription sleep aids: Zolpidem (Ambien) is a prescription sleep aid that is preferred over antihistamines due to its effectiveness and lower risk of side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any prescription medication.
- Alternative therapies: Some people find relaxation techniques, meditation, or yoga helpful for improving sleep.
- Addressing underlying conditions: Sleep issues can be related to other health conditions, such as heart disease or cancer. Treating these underlying conditions may improve sleep.
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially if you are experiencing persistent sleep difficulties. They can help assess your individual needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the type of sleeping pill and the person taking it. Sleeping pills are generally not recommended for long-term use and should be taken only as directed by a doctor. Taking more than the recommended dose can lead to an overdose.
A sleeping pill overdose occurs when someone takes more than the recommended dose of sleep medication. An overdose can lead to severe health complications and even death.
Symptoms of a sleeping pill overdose include extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, clumsiness, slowed breathing, unresponsiveness, severe drowsiness, and confusion.
If you suspect someone is overdosing on sleeping pills, call emergency services immediately. If you are trained, you can check for symptoms and administer naloxone.
Yes, there are alternative treatments for sleep issues. Healthcare providers often recommend trying other methods to improve sleep before resorting to sleeping pills. These can include changing your sleeping environment, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or other nondrug therapies.
