Three Most Commonly Abused Addictive Types Of Sleeping Pills
Sleeping pills are one of the most rampantly accessible drugs on todays market. Most people assume sleeping pills are non-addictive, yet they also report being unable to fall asleep without them. The inability to stop taking sleeping pills, the need to increase dosages over time, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms are all signs of a serious sleeping pill addiction.
Many patients begin taking sleeping pills for legitimate reasons, but soon after, many develop a dependency, increase the dosage, and begin using them recreationally. Knowing which sleeping pills are abused most often and which are the most addictive can help you avoid taking a drug that will cause serious problems in the future.
Prescription Sleep Aids For Insomnia
Prescription sleep medications are only available from a pharmacy, and to obtain them you must have a prescription from your doctor.
Insomnia occurs when a person cant fall asleep or stay asleep even when they have the chance to do so. It is the most common sleep disorder, and many prescription sleep aids are designed to treat insomnia.
Several kinds of drugs may be used. While they are chemically different, they have many similar effects and potential side effects. The following sections review the types of prescription drugs for insomnia to help you compare your options.
How Can I Sleep Well Without Taking Medicines
There are plenty of ways to improve your sleep without medicines. Cognitive therapy is a type of talk therapy that can help people who feel worried about their sleep. Sleep restriction is a behavioural treatment approach can help people who find it hard to stay asleep for the whole night. Your doctor can advise you about non-medicine treatments for your insomnia.
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Need More Information About How You Can Sleep Better
At Sleephub we understand the struggle people endure with sleeping problems which is why we have created a comprehensive FAQs page with information for those seeking information about sleep disorders and potential solutions.
Check our resources or take our Sleep Wellness Quiz for a free assessment of elements that may be keeping you from a good nights sleep.
What Is The Strongest Sleep Aid Over The Counter
Doxylamine is one of the strongest OTC sleep aids. It is an antihistamine. However, it is only suitable for short-term use.
A person should contact a doctor and check that doxylamine is safe for them to use before taking it. It can cause extreme fatigue that can continue if a person wakes up soon after taking it.
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What Are The Potential Risks Or Complications Of Sleeping Pills
When you take sleeping medicines night after night, your body may start to depend on them. When you stop the medicine, your insomnia may come back worse than before. This effect is called rebound insomnia.
If youve used sleep aids for a long time, talk to your healthcare provider about how to stop safely. It may take months to stop taking the pills.
You also shouldnt mix sleep aids with other sedatives or alcohol. Theres a possibility of overdosing.
Other Risks Of Sleeping Pills
Drug tolerance. You may, over a period of time, build up a tolerance to sleep aids, and you will have to take more and more for them to work, which in turn can lead to more side effects.
Drug dependence. You may come to rely on sleeping pills to sleep, and will be unable to sleep or have even worse sleep without them. Prescription pills, in particular, can be very addictive, making it difficult to stop taking them.
Withdrawal symptoms. If you stop the medication abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, and shaking.
Drug interactions. Sleeping pills can interact with other medications. This can worsen side effects and sometimes be dangerous, especially with prescription painkillers and other sedatives.
Rebound insomnia. If you need to stop taking sleeping pills, sometimes the insomnia can become even worse than before.
Masking an underlying problem. There may be an underlying medical or mental disorder, or even a sleep disorder, causing your insomnia that cant be treated with sleeping pills.
Some serious risks of sleeping pills
Sedative-hypnotic medications can cause severe allergic reaction, facial swelling, memory lapses, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts or actions, and complex sleep-related behaviors like sleep-walking, sleep-driving and sleep-eating . If you experience any unusual sleep-related behavior, consult your doctor immediately.
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What Are Sleeping Pills Used For
Sleeping pills are medicines designed to help you fall asleep or stay asleep, and are sometimes used to help treat insomnia. Sleeping pills can have serious side effects, so if you are having sleep problems its a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional.
Its important to remember that sleeping pills might help you sleep, but they do not treat the cause of your insomnia.
Preventing And Recovering From A Sleeping Pill Addiction
Being aware of the risk of sleeping pill addiction can prevent this issue before it begins. Most people dont realize the addictive nature of sleeping pills until they try to stop taking them. They might experience serious withdrawal symptoms or be unable to fall asleep without them. Other signs that usage has crossed the line into addiction include:
- Doctor-shopping for multiple prescriptions
- Cravings for sleep medications
- Taking pills despite negative consequences
- Frequent memory loss from the pills
Most people addicted to sleeping pills developed the problem after slowly increasing their dosage. Over time, the recommended dosage doesnt work, so they take more of the pill to get the same effect they did before. Combining sleeping pills with other drugs or alcohol is another common way in which users abuse these drugs. Failing to take sleeping pills as recommended by your doctor can be the beginning stages of a sleeping pill dependency. Overcoming a sleeping pill addiction typically requires help from a professional rehabilitation center.
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Avoiding Online Purchases In Public Places
Never get yourself involved in such an activity. Because a few people might not well eat you, these guys may devise a scheme to rob you after seeing the amount of money you have placed. Or, because of the upheavals around you, you may position distinct other things incorrectly, causing problems later. Remember that your purchasing is a personal choice with a relaxed approach.
What Affects Circadian Rhythm
Light is the major outside factor controlling the bodys circadian rhythms. It keeps the circadian rhythm in sync with the Earths natural 24-hour cycle. In addition, other environmental cues may help synchronize the circadian rhythm, including food intake and activity level. However, many things can disrupt this process.
While circadian rhythms occur naturally, several factors may affect them across the day.
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What Are The Risks Of Taking Sleeping Pills
One main risk of sleeping pills is that you become dependent on them. This means they become less effective over time, you can’t sleep well without them. You may also begin to feel unwell or experience worse insomnia when you try to stop.
Sleeping pills can also make you unsteady, dizzy and forgetful. They can make it hard for you to concentrate. You might feel groggy or tired next day. These side effects may increase your risk of having accidents and falls, especially if you are older.
Some types of sleeping pills can cause you to do things while you are asleep. This could be eating, talking or even driving. This is more likely if you are taking more than one type of sleeping pill or drink alcohol.
Taking Sleep Aids Safely
No matter what kind of sleep aid you use, its important to take precautions. Some basic principles of taking sleep aids safely include:
- Only take the prescribed dose at the recommended time. Even if you still struggle to sleep, dont take another dose during the night unless advised to do so by your doctor.
- Focus on sleep hygiene in conjunction with any sleep aids.
- Make sure you have at least 7-8 hours to sleep after taking a sleep aid in order to reduce the risk of morning grogginess.
- Plan for short-term use. The risks from sleep medications may increase if they are taken for longer than recommended.
- Dont mix sleep aids with drugs or alcohol. Serious problems may arise if sedative sleep aids are mixed with alcohol, other sedatives, or recreational drugs.
- Take sleep aids under the guidance of your doctor. Working with your doctor can prevent unwanted side effects or drug interactions that could affect your health.
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How And When To Take It
Zolpidem tablets come in 2 different strengths 5mg and 10mg.
The usual dose is one 10mg tablet, taken 1 hour before you go to bed. If you’re over 65 years old, or if you have kidney or liver problems, the doctor may start you on a lower dose of 5mg.
Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew it. You can take zolpidem with or without food.
It’s important to follow the doctors advice when taking this medicine. They may ask you to take a tablet just 2 or 3 nights a week, instead of every night.
What Should I Expect From A Medication For Insomnia
Unfortunately none of the medications that are available for sleep are perfect, so its important to understand the limitations of medications and not expect too much.
The perfect sleeping tablet would:
- Work quickly every time it was taken
- Work for 7-8 hours
- Maintain its effect in the long-term
- Have no potential for addiction or becoming dependent
However, no medications meet all or even most of these criteria. So in choosing a medication its important to determine what is important to the individual as different medications have different profiles. For example, some do work quickly, but only last 3-4 hours, whereas others can take longer to work, but last for 5-6 hours.
Research on most common medications used shows that they:
- Shorten the time to get to sleep by 15-30 minutes
- Give people 15-30 minutes more sleep per night
- Reduce the number of awakenings
These results are very different from what is sometimes expected from medications, and highlights that if people rely on medications alone they may be disappointed.
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Addiction To Sleeping Pills
Although people successfully treat short-term insomnia with sleeping pills, many become dependent on them. The numbers arent in their favor. Approximately 38 million prescriptions for Ambien were written between 2006 and 2011.
With such rampant accessibility, and a perceived blessing from medical professionals, its no wonder so many people fall prey to the power of sleeping pills.
Many people wrongly assume they cant get addicted to sleeping pills, and some people even claim to have gotten this information from their doctor. Yet some people find themselves unable to sleep without the help of a sleeping pill. As tolerance increases, many find that they need to take larger dosages to obtain the desired effect.
A lot of people dont realize theyve become dependent, or possibly addicted, until they stop taking their medication. They may then begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms, a telltale sign of both dependence and addiction.
Other signs that sleeping pill use has gotten out of control include:
- Having several failed attempts to quit.
- Getting cravings.
- Seeing more than one doctor for prescription refills.
- Continuing to take the pills despite negative consequences.
Addiction can develop and then manifest in various behaviors, such as when an individual increases their dose without consulting a physician or exhibits consistent cravings and desires to use their drug of choice.
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Prescription Sleep Aids For The Treatment Of Insomnia
Hannah R. Howell, PharmD, BCPSAssistant Professor of Pharmacy PracticeLECOM School of Pharmacy
Maureen McQueeney, PharmD, BCPS, CDEAssistant Clinical ProfessorNortheastern University School of PharmacyBoston, Massachusetts
Jolene R. Bostwick, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPClinical Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Michigan College of PharmacyClinical Pharmacist in PsychiatryUniversity of Michigan Health SystemAnn Arbor, Michigan
US Pharm
Proper management of chronic insomnia includes the identification of the underlying medical, psychiatric, and psychosocial factors, as well as utilization of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment.7,8 Pharmacologic options will be discussed here, as well as concerns surrounding the use of these agents that must be considered when determining the optimal management for an individual with insomnia.
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Side Effects Of Prescription Sleeping Pills
Always ask your health care provider about potential side effects before deciding which sleeping pills to consider taking. Depending on the type, prescription sleeping pills may include side effects such as:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, which may lead to falls
- Prolonged drowsiness, more so with drugs that help you stay asleep
- Severe allergic reaction
- Sleep-related behaviors, such as driving or eating when not fully awake
- Changes in thinking and behavior, such as hallucinations, agitation, trouble remembering events, suicidal thoughts and bizarre behavior
- Daytime memory and performance problems
How To Use Eszopiclone
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using eszopiclone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually just before you get into bed. Do not take it with or right after a high-fat or heavy meal since it may not work as well. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, liver function, other medications you may be taking, and response to treatment. Do not take more of this medication than prescribed because your risk of side effects will increase. The starting dose is 1 milligram at bedtime as directed. That dosage lessens the risk of having trouble safely doing activities requiring alertness the next day . Also, you may not be fully alert the next day, yet you think you are fully alert. If you are prescribed the 3 milligram dosage of eszopiclone, you should not do activities the next day that require alertness. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
If you are an older adult or you have liver disease, a low dose will usually be prescribed to lessen the risk of being impaired the next day. Do not stop your medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts after 7 to 10 days, or if it gets worse.
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How To Use Doxepin Oral
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking doxepin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually once nightly within 30 minutes before bedtime on an empty stomach, or as directed by your doctor. Do not take it within 3 hours of a meal because the effect of the medication will be delayed.
Do not take this medication unless you are able to get a full night of sleep before you must be active again.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to therapy. Do not take more than 6 milligrams per day.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after 7-10 days.
Best Natural Sleep Aid: Natures Lab Valerian Root
This herbal supplement is a natural sedative that dates back to ancient times and comes in many different formulations, from supplements to teas. Though studies have shown mixed results about its effectiveness, valerian root can be an effective treatment for some because of how it interacts with GABA , a neurotransmitter that encourages sleep in your brain, according to Dr. Dasgupta.
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Sleeping Pill Addiction And Abuse
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Relaxation Techniques As An Alternative To Sleeping Pills
Relaxation techniques that can relieve stress and help you sleep include simple meditation practices, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, tai chi, and the use of deep breathing. With a little practice, these skills can help you unwind at bedtime and improve your sleep more effectively than a sleeping pill or sleep aid. Try:
A relaxing bedtime routine. Turn off screens at least one hour before bed and focus on quiet, soothing activities, such as reading, gentle yoga, or listening to soft music instead. Keep the lights low to naturally boost melatonin.
Abdominal breathing. Most of us dont breathe as deeply as we should. When we breathe deeply and fully, involving not only the chest, but also the belly, lower back, and ribcage, it can actually help the part of our nervous system that controls relaxation. Close your eyes and try taking deep, slow breaths, making each breath even deeper than the last. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Make each exhale a little longer than each inhale.
Progressive muscle relaxation is easier than it sounds. Lie down or make yourself comfortable. Starting with your feet, tense the muscles as tightly as you can. Hold for a count of 10, and then relax. Continue to do this for every muscle group in your body, working your way up to the top of your head.
For a guided progressive muscle relaxation meditation, .
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