Miya Pearson
Sleeping pills can be a short-term solution to sleep problems, but they can have side effects and risks, especially if misused or taken long-term. Overdosing on sleeping pills can be dangerous and even life-threatening, and it can occur when someone takes more than the recommended dose or mixes it with other substances like alcohol or opioids. If you suspect someone has overdosed on sleeping pills, it is important to act quickly. Signs of an overdose include extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, and unanticipated behaviours. Call 911 immediately and try to keep the person awake and talking until help arrives. Place them in the recovery position if they lose consciousness. Treatment for sleeping pill overdose typically involves supportive care, monitoring vital signs, and, in some cases, administering flumazenil to reverse the sedation. If you or someone you know is struggling with sleeping pill misuse or addiction, seek help from a treatment centre or rehab facility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do if someone overdoses on sleeping pills | Call 911 immediately. Monitor their breathing and perform CPR if they are gasping for air or have lost consciousness. |
| Signs of overdose | Extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, clumsiness, drunk-like behavior, slow or dysfunctional breathing, bluish tinge to the lips, fingers, and skin (cyanosis). |
| Treatment | Supportive care, flumazenil, activated charcoal, hemodialysis, whole bowel irrigation, medical detox, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), group therapy. |
| Prevention | Do not mix with alcohol or other drugs, especially opioids. Do not take if over 65 years old without first trying non-drug treatments. Only take the prescribed dose and do not take long-term. |
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What You'll Learn
Call emergency services
If someone has eaten sleeping pills, it is important to act quickly and calmly. Here are some steps to take if you believe someone has overdosed on sleeping pills:
If the person is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately:
- Extreme lethargy or drunk-like behaviour
- Breathing irregularities, such as slow or dysfunctional breathing
- Bluish tinge to the lips, fingers, and skin (cyanosis)
- Abdominal pain
- Clumsiness or unanticipated behaviours
- Loss of consciousness
If the person is having trouble breathing or has lost consciousness, administer CPR if you are trained to do so. It is important to act quickly as sleeping pill overdoses can lead to serious health complications or even death. When calling the emergency services, try to remain calm and provide as much information as possible about the person's condition and any medications they may be taking. If the person has a history of addiction or substance misuse, be sure to mention this to the emergency services.
If you are unsure whether the person has overdosed, it is always best to err on the side of caution and call for medical help. The emergency services can provide guidance and support to ensure the person receives the care they need. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with a potential overdose.
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Place them in the recovery position
If someone has eaten sleeping pills, it is important to act quickly and follow these steps:
First, check if the person is breathing and in need of CPR. If they are not breathing, administer CPR and call for emergency services immediately. If they are breathing, it is still important to call for emergency medical help as soon as possible, as sleeping pill overdose can lead to serious health complications and even death.
While waiting for professional medical assistance to arrive, it is recommended to place the person in the recovery position. This position is crucial in keeping the person's airway open and preventing choking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
- Kneel beside the person: Position yourself beside the person, facing them.
- Position the arms: Place one of their arms closest to you at a right angle so that their hand is on the ground, pointing up. Take their other arm and gently place it across their face and head so that the back of their hand can provide a cushion.
- Roll them towards you: Gently tug at the knee farthest from you, pulling the person onto their side, facing you. Ensure they are rolled slightly forward so that their top arm can continue to cushion their head, and the lower arm remains in place to support their position.
- Check for injuries: If you suspect the person has a back, neck, or head injury, it is recommended to use the HAINES (High Arm In Endangered Spine) position instead. For this variation, stretch the arm farthest from you straight above their head and place the other arm across their chest. This minimizes neck and head movement, reducing the risk of further injury.
- Monitor breathing: Keep a close eye on the person's breathing. While the recovery position is meant to maintain an open airway, some experts argue that it may obscure signs of breathing cessation. Thus, it is crucial to continuously monitor the person's breathing and be prepared to administer CPR if needed.
Remember, the recovery position is a temporary measure while waiting for professional medical help. It is not a substitute for emergency medical care.
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Monitor breathing
If someone has eaten sleeping pills, it is important to monitor their breathing. This is because sleeping pills are classified as "sedative hypnotics", which slow down the body's functions, including breathing. If the person has taken a large dose, their breathing may slow or become dysfunctional, and they may appear to be gasping for air. In this case, it is important to call 911 immediately and administer CPR if necessary.
Monitor the person's breathing rate, ensuring that their breaths are slow and steady. Keep a close eye on their chest to make sure it is rising and falling at a regular pace. Listen for any unusual noises, such as gurgling or rasping, which could indicate that the person is struggling to breathe. If their breathing becomes laboured or stops altogether, call for emergency medical help right away.
If the person is still conscious, try to keep them calm and comfortable. Reassure them that help is on the way and that they will be alright. Keep them still and prevent them from exerting themselves, as this could make their breathing more difficult. If possible, loosen any tight clothing around their chest or neck, as this could restrict their breathing further.
If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position. This will help to keep their airway open and prevent any obstruction that could hinder their breathing. Make sure that they are lying on their side with their upper leg bent at the knee and their lower leg straight. Their upper arm should be bent at the elbow with their hand resting on their cheek, and their lower arm should be extended outwards. This position will ensure that their airway remains open and clear.
It is important to monitor the person's breathing until emergency services arrive. If their breathing becomes more laboured or stops, be prepared to administer CPR again. Try to keep the person warm, as their body may struggle to regulate its temperature. Cover them with a blanket or coat, but ensure that their chest remains visible so that you can continue to monitor their breathing effectively.
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Treat addiction
If someone has eaten sleeping pills, it is important to look out for signs of an overdose. Physical signs may include extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, and clumsiness. If the person is gasping for air or has lost consciousness, call 911 and administer CPR.
If someone is addicted to sleeping pills, it is important to seek help. Attempting to detox from sleeping pills alone can be dangerous, and there have been reports of seizures after sudden withdrawal. Treatment for sleeping pill addiction often involves counseling and a gradual reduction in medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy is also effective at treating sleeping pill addictions, as it helps people learn healthy sleep habits without the use of drugs. This can lead to increased energy and improved concentration.
Rehab can be helpful for those struggling with addiction, as it removes people from an environment where sleeping pills are readily accessible. Inpatient rehab is especially beneficial for those with polydrug addiction or co-occurring disorders. Treatment centers throughout the U.S. are specifically qualified to treat sleeping pill addictions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with sleeping pill misuse or dependence, there are resources available to help. The Recovery Village offers treatment plans that can be tailored to individual needs. Additionally, SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
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Avoid future misuse
If you or someone you know is misusing sleeping pills, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Sleeping pill misuse can lead to addiction and serious health risks, including death. Here are some detailed instructions to avoid future misuse:
Educate Yourself and Others:
Understand the risks associated with sleeping pills. Sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use due to their potential side effects and addictive nature. Make sure you are well-informed about the proper dosage, interactions with other substances, and any potential allergies. Educate others around you about the correct usage and risks of sleeping pills to create a supportive environment.
Seek Professional Help:
If you or a loved one is struggling with sleeping pill misuse or addiction, contact a healthcare provider or a specialized rehab or recovery center. They can provide support and guidance on safely stopping the medication. It is important to gradually reduce the dosage under medical supervision to prevent withdrawal symptoms and manage cravings effectively.
Explore Alternative Treatments:
Consider alternative treatments for sleep disorders or insomnia. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often recommended as an effective tool for improving sleep quality without the need for medication. Other nondrug therapies, such as relaxation techniques, meditation, or lifestyle changes, can also promote better sleep habits.
Safe Storage and Disposal:
Ensure that sleeping pills are stored securely and out of reach of children or individuals who may be at risk of misuse. Keep them in their original containers with clear labels. Properly dispose of any unused or expired sleeping pills according to your healthcare provider's instructions or local guidelines.
Maintain Open Communication:
Encourage open communication about sleeping pill usage, especially with your healthcare provider. Be transparent about any other medications or supplements you are taking to avoid harmful interactions. If you are experiencing side effects or unusual behaviors, promptly seek medical advice.
Remember, seeking help early and following the guidance of healthcare professionals are crucial steps in avoiding future misuse of sleeping pills and promoting safe and effective sleep management.
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Frequently asked questions
Signs of a sleeping pill overdose include excessive lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, drunk-like behaviour, clumsiness, and memory loss. If you notice these symptoms in someone who has been taking sleeping pills, call 911 immediately.
If someone has eaten sleeping pills, call 911 immediately. Try to keep the person awake and talking until help arrives. If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position and wait for help to arrive.
Sleeping pill overdoses are usually treated with supportive care, which involves monitoring the patient's breathing and cardiovascular system while the body works the drug out of its system. In some cases, activated charcoal, hemodialysis, or whole bowel irrigation may be used to help treat the overdose. Flumazenil can be used to reverse the effects of the overdose, but it is rarely administered due to the risk of seizure and heart rhythm disorders.
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