Can you overdose nighttime sleep aid

Other prescription sleep aids include:[2]. Instead, they are usually meant to treat pain, cough, or fever and the sleeplessness that comes with it. Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol or taking too many pills at once can lead to a life-threatening overdose. People rarely overdose intentionally when taking sleeping pills, however, accidental overdoses can be just as fatal as intentional ones. At the same time, not all overdoses lead to death. Many overdoses can be reversed with medical help, however, some people may be left with brain damage or permanent physical injury.

If you suspect you or a loved one are overdosing on sleeping pills, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. Common signs of a sleeping pill overdose are:[3]. Fortunately, the sleeping pills developed today are far safer than the ones people took decades ago. The only reason to worry about a sleeping pill overdose is if you are abusing the medication or mixing it with alcohol.

In addition to the risk of overdose, sleeping pill abuse can lead to addiction and physical dependence. Someone who is addicted to sleeping pills will experience intense drug cravings, be unable to sleep without taking a pill, and lie to their loved ones or doctor about their drug use. People who are addicted to sleeping pills are more likely to take a higher dose than they should or to mix their pills with drugs and alcohol, therefore, increasing the risk of overdose and other negative consequences.

Once addicted, people will experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop taking the drug abruptly. These withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous but medical detox programs can provide support and monitoring to keep individuals safe and comfortable. Many people get addicted to their sleeping pills without knowing the possible risks of overdose, dependence, withdrawal, and more.

Fortunately, people just like you have overcome their addiction and have learned to live sober. Call now to speak to a dedicated treatment provider. All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

She currently practices in the public domain in South Africa. Supplements may vary in strength between manufacturers, so a person should research consumer reports before choosing a brand of melatonin. Anyone who is taking other medications should discuss possible side effects with their prescribing doctor. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can interact with melatonin supplements.

Some medications, such as birth control , can cause the body to produce more melatonin. Taking a supplement may cause levels of melatonin to increase too much, producing unwanted side effects.

Immune suppressors and some blood thinners may also react with melatonin. For example, melatonin may intensify the effects of some blood thinners, causing a risk of excessive bleeding. A person should speak to a doctor if they are considering taking melatonin for trouble sleeping. A doctor can recommend the correct dose and tell a person whether their medication is likely to cause unsafe side effects. People should also report any unwanted side effects from melatonin to a doctor as soon as possible.

A person using melatonin should contact poison control, , or their local emergency number if they experience any of the following side effects:. Treatment for a melatonin overdose will depend on the severity of the symptoms.

A person experiencing chest pain or trouble breathing may require additional medical interventions. In most cases, the best treatment is to reduce or eliminate melatonin use. There is no research indicating that it is unsafe to stop using melatonin suddenly. If a person has to stop using melatonin because of side effects, a doctor or sleep specialist may be able to recommend other methods to help the person fall asleep.

Some people may find melatonin far more effective to help them fall and stay asleep throughout the night than others. Some people may not tolerate even small doses of melatonin and others may not experience any benefits from taking melatonin. For some people struggling with insomnia or having trouble sleeping, a sleep specialist may be able to give additional suggestions.

A sleep specialist may recommend cutting out caffeine or reducing alcohol consumption. It is not likely that an adult taking melatonin will experience a medical emergency. On the other hand, children are far more likely to experience severe medical issues when they take melatonin supplements.

All people should start with the smallest dose of melatonin possible to avoid potential overdose, and consult a doctor before they begin. Learn about the types, effectiveness, and safety of sleeping pills here.

Valerian root and melatonin are two natural sleep aids. This article discusses their effectiveness, dosage, side effects, interactions, and more. Email Address. The Rockies cut right through the center of the state, Speedballing is a slang term that refers to the mixing of cocaine with heroin or benzodiazepines. Cocaine, a stimulant, combined with heroin, an Fentanyl is a synthetic drug in the opioid family. Like morphine, doctors may prescribe fentanyl to treat pain.

While more often manufactured in Meth, short for methamphetamine, is a stimulant drug. It primarily affects the central nervous system, but also has a variety of short and long-term Ketamine is a common anesthetic for painful medical procedures. Additionally, it has also been approved as an option for patients suffering from All of these terms are titles for what most people Sleeping Pill Overdose. Sleeping pill overdose symptoms include: Extreme Lethargy Most prescription sleeping pills cause unnatural sedation.

This is safe at the right dosage, but in large quantities the difference between sleepy and sedated is dangerous and easy to spot. If someone who has taken sleeping pills is suddenly unable to function properly, they may have overdosed. Trouble Breathing Breathing naturally slows down when we sleep, but no sleeping aid should make breathing difficult. Never ignore irregular or extremely slow breathing. Unresponsiveness If someone taking sleeping pills is so sedated that they cannot be woken up, their life is very likely in danger.

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