Sleeping pills (sedative hypnotics) are used to treat sleeping difficulties such as the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep and early morning awakenings. When taking this therapeutic, possible side effects may follow depending on a number of factors unique to each individual. The occurring side-effects are dependent on age, the severity of sleeping conditions, other chronic medications, and concurrent conditions.
Generally, the medication is advised to be used during a short period; however, due to some individuals’ dependency or condition, they may find themselves using it for a longer period. Individuals who use this medication for a short period of time may experience fewer side effects as compared to those using it long-term.
The therapeutics’ side effects are categorised as short-term and long-term. Short-term side effects are mild and easy to manage, lasting as long as 2 weeks. While, long-term side effects are moderate to severe and may require medical attention or different forms of treatment (psychological, medication, etc).
The duration and severity of the side effects depends on the dose taken and the individual’s tolerance to the medication. Initially, individuals are prescribed a dose suited to them, however, if desired effects are not experienced and one chooses to increase dose without consulting their doctor, side-effects may worsen. Therefore, it is important to use this medication moderately and appropriately according to your condition.
See more: https://www.sleepingpillsuk.net/blog/sleeping-pills-side-effects
Short-term and long-term side effects of sleeping pills
The below mentioned effects are common and may be experienced for the first few days or weeks and are likely to disappear quicker than long-term side effects. The short-term side effects of sleeping pills include, but are not limited to:
· Dizziness,
· Imbalance,
· Drowsiness next day,
· Headache,
· Heart burn,
· Interference in memory and attention, etc.
Long-term side effects last longer and cause difficulties in everyday normal functioning. These effects are usually caused by misuse and abuse of the medication, or comorbid diseases. A few examples of long-term side effects include:
· Dependency
· Withdrawal symptoms
· Hypertension
· Palpitations
· Weight gain or weight loss
· Sexual dysfunction
· Heart attack (in a few cases), etc.
How long does a sleeping pill stay in my system?
Studies have shown that insomnia and other sleeping disorders are not considered taboo; rather they are quiet common to many people and are said to be experienced by at least 80% of the world’s population. Therefore, medication used to treat these disorders has been used for many years and have proven to reduce, prevent and cure sleeping difficulties.
The amount of time a pill lasts in your system will depend on the onset of the pill, the dosage and how your body absorbs and releases the medication. There are many kinds of sleep inducing medications in the world. To find the perfect one for you, your doctor will take into consideration your age, health history, severity of sleeping difficulty, chronic medication and other pre-existing conditions.
According to Pagel & Parnes (2001), names of a few sleep inducing medications include benzodiazepines (such as Estazolam, Triazolam, Flurazepam, temazepam and clonazepam), and GABA receptor agents (such as Zolpidem and Zaleplon). Other agents used for inducing sleep include barbiturates, antihistamines and chloral hydrate.
Triazolam and Estazolam both have a short onset period, however, the former lasts about 8.5 hours and the latter lasts up to 4 hours in the system. Flurazepam, on the other hand, has a short onset period and a long-life between 50 to 330 hours. Temazepam and Clonazepam have a medium onset period and life between 7 to 10 hours. Zolpidem and Zaleplon both have short onset periods, however, Zolpidem has a medium life (8.5 hours) and Zaleplon has a short life (up to 4 hours).
How do I manage side effects?
Sleeping pills side effects can usually be managed by other medication, tapering, and medical treatments, among other methods. If an individual suffers mild side-effects (like headaches, dizziness, or imbalances), he/she can lower dosage to minimize the effects. By lowering the dose, one may still gain desired effects while lowering the risk of adverse effects.
If one experiences moderate affects, such as weight gain/loss, constant heartburn or attention and memory interferences, they should either stop using the medication or seek medical assistance from their doctor who would usually prescribe other medication to treat co-existing conditions.
More severe experienced effects, such as heart attacks and palpitations, should be treated immediately and individuals are to be rushed to the emergency room. Doctors’ orders thereafter should be followed religiously and necessary precautions should be taken to prevent such effects. The individual should not use the medication again until advised by their doctor.
Usually severe side-effects are uncommon and may only be experienced by those with pre-existing heart conditions. It is important to note that these side effects are not subject to each individual using sedative-hypnotic, rather, it is possible that one may experience these effects depending on factors listed previously.
Tips to prevent serious adverse effects
As we already know, sleeping pills work to induce sleep and produce calming and relaxing effects in the brain. This medication is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for sleeping difficulties and is available over-the-counter and on prescription. Because of its easy accessibility, it is therefore essential we use the therapeutic with caution. Below are a few tips when using this medication:
· Only take this medication when you experience consistent sleeping difficulties that are causing interferences in your daily life. Taking sleep-inducing medication when there are no problems may increase your level of tolerance, which many people see as a gateway for an increased dose or a stronger pill.
· Even though this short-term treatment is highly effective, some individuals with previous cases of misuse and abuse of substances may form a dependency toward the medication. It is essential to only follow the dose prescribed to you and not overdose or increase dosage without consulting professionals. If an individual notices a dependency forming, he/she should lower the dose to prevent undesired effects.
· This medication should only be taken when one is sure to have at least 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. During a case of inadequate sleep, one may experience drowsiness, dizziness and mild other side-effects the next day. This can severely impair co-ordination, driving or other daily activities.
· Interaction with other sedatives, like medication or alcohol, is not recommended as these two substances combined may cause over-sedation and breathing difficulties due to the depression of the nervous system. The medication may also be risky for individuals suffering from lung diseases (such as emphysema and asthma).
