![]() Some last longer than others in your system (a longer half-life), and some have a higher risk of becoming habit forming. Some medications are used more for inducing sleep, while others are used for staying asleep. In general, these medications act by working on receptors in the brain to slow down the nervous system. There are several different types of prescription sleeping pills, classified as sedative hypnotics. Moderate to severe drowsiness the next day.Because of these issues, sleep experts advise against their regular use.Ĭommon side effects of antihistamine sleeping pills When used long-term, they can also cause forgetfulness and headaches. The problem with antihistamines is that their sedating properties often last well into the next day, leading to a next-day hangover effect. Others, such as NyQuil, combine antihistamines with alcohol. Some other OTC sleep aids combine antihistamines with the pain reliever acetaminophen (found in brand names like Tylenol PM). Doxylamine (brand names such as Unisom, Nighttime Sleep Aid).Diphenhydramine (found in brand names like Nytol, Sominex, Sleepinal, Compoz).Standard over-the-counter sleeping pills rely on antihistamines as their primary active ingredient to promote drowsiness.Ĭommon over-the-counter sleep medications include: ![]() Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids and sleeping pills If you experience any unusual sleep-related behavior, consult your doctor immediately. Sedative-hypnotic medications (benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines) can cause severe allergic reaction, facial swelling, memory lapses, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts or actions, and complex sleep-related behaviors like sleep-walking, sleep-driving (driving while not fully awake, with no memory of the event) and sleep-eating (eating in the middle of the night with no recollection, often resulting in weight-gain). There may be an underlying medical or mental disorder, or even a sleep disorder, causing your insomnia that can't be treated with sleeping pills. If you need to stop taking sleeping pills, sometimes the insomnia can become even worse than before. This can worsen side effects and sometimes be dangerous, especially with prescription painkillers and other sedatives. Sleeping pills can interact with other medications. If you stop the medication abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, and shaking.ĭrug interactions. Prescription pills, in particular, can be very addictive, making it difficult to stop taking them. You may come to rely on sleeping pills to sleep, and will be unable to sleep or have even worse sleep without them. 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.ĭrug dependence. Other risks of sleeping pillsĭrug tolerance. Common side effects include prolonged drowsiness the next day, headache, muscle aches, constipation, dry mouth, trouble concentrating, dizziness, unsteadiness, and rebound insomnia. Risks and side effects of sleeping pillsĪll prescription sleeping pills have side effects, which vary depending on the specific drug, the dosage, and how long the drug lasts in your system. If you choose to take sleeping pills over the long term, it is best to use them only on an infrequent, “as needed” basis to avoid dependence and tolerance. In general, sleeping pills and sleep aids are most effective when used sparingly for short-term situations, such as traveling across time zones or recovering from a medical procedure. ![]() ![]() That doesn't mean that you should never use medication, but it's important to weigh the benefits against the risks. At worst, they’re an addictive crutch that can make insomnia worse in the long run. At best, sleeping pills are a temporary band aid. But whatever it is, it won’t be cured with sleeping pills. Or it may be a symptom of an underlying medical or psychological problem. It could be something as simple as too much caffeine or viewing TV, your phone, or other screens late at night. But if you regularly have trouble sleeping, that’s a red flag that something’s wrong. When sleep just won’t come, it’s tempting to turn to a sleeping pill or sleep aid for relief. It’s the middle of the night, and you’re staring at the ceiling, thinking about work, or bills, or the kids. ![]() Sleep Sleeping Pills and Natural Sleep Aids All you need to know about prescription and over-the-counter sleep medications-as well as effective insomnia treatments that don’t come in pill form.Īre sleeping pills or sleep aids right for you? ![]()
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