What happens when you overdose on sleeping pills?

An overdose of sleeping pills can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It can cause symptoms such as: Drowsiness or extreme sleepiness Confusion or disorientation Slow or shallow breathing Decreased heart rate and low blood pressure Blue or gray skin, nails, or lips due to lack of oxygen Loss of consciousness or coma In severe cases, it can also lead to seizures, respiratory arrest, and death. If you or someone you know has taken an overdose of sleeping pills, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Overdosing on sleeping pills can cause serious harm and it is important to receive prompt and appropriate treatment.

What happens if you take too many sleeping pills?

Taking too many sleeping pills can be extremely dangerous and can lead to an overdose, which can be life-threatening. Some of the symptoms of a sleeping pill overdose include: Excessive drowsiness or deep sleep Confusion or disorientation Slowed breathing or shallow breathing Low heart rate or blood pressure Bluish or grayish skin, lips, or nails from lack of oxygen Loss of consciousness or coma Seizures in severe cases Respiratory arrest, which can lead to death If you suspect that you or someone you know has taken an overdose of sleeping pills, it's important to seek medical help immediately. Overdosing on sleeping pills can cause serious harm and it's important to receive prompt and appropriate treatment.

Can you overdose on over the counter sleeping pills?

It is possible to overdose on over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills. The active ingredients in many of these pills can be dangerous if taken in excessive amounts. Some OTC sleeping pills contain antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, which can cause serious side effects in large doses, such as confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, hallucinations, urinary retention, or even more severe outcomes. There are also other ingredients in different brands of sleeping pills which can have various effects when taken in excess. It's very important to use medication, including over-the-counter medication, responsibly and according to the directions on the label or the instructions provided by a healthcare professional. If you suspect an overdose or are concerned about the health or safety of yourself or someone else due to the consumption of sleeping pills or any other medication, it is important to seek medical help immediately. In the United States, you can call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or dial 911 for emergency assistance. If you are in another country, look up and use your local emergency number.

Can you overdose on sleeping pills? - Illinois Recovery Center

Sleeping pills may be prescription or non-prescription substances. Today, they are becoming more common among adults of all ages. In some cases, people become dependent on them for sleep, and misusing sleeping pills can be dangerous. It is important to understand how they work, common side effects, why they are problematic and what the overdose risks are.

Table of Contents

What Are Sleeping Pills?
Why Are Sleeping Pills So Prevalent in Today’s Society?
How Long Do Sleeping Pills Take To Kick In?
Can You Overdose on Sleeping Pills?
What Happens if You Overdose on Sleeping Pills?
- OTC Antihistamine Overdose Symptoms
- Prescription Sleep Aid Overdose Symptoms
Can You Overdose on Melatonin?
What Are the Side Effects of Sleeping Pills?
- OTC Sleeping Pill Side Effects
- Prescription Sleeping Pill Side Effects
Which Sleeping Pill Is Most Dangerous?
Sleeping Pill Addiction and Overdose Treatment
FAQ

What Are Sleeping Pills?

There are several types of pills that are sleep aids. For prescription sleeping pills, the drugs typically prescribed are hypnotics, tranquilizers or sedatives.[1] They either cause drowsiness or affect an area of the brain that is responsible for alertness. Ambien and Lunesta are two common sedative-hypnotic prescription sleeping pills. Some doctors may also recommend various antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Some common over-the-counter sleep aids people use are Benadryl, Unisom, melatonin or valerian.[2] Benadryl and Unisom are both antihistamines with sedative effects. The drugs are commonly used for allergy relief. Valerian is an herbal supplement that makes some people feel sleepier.[2] Melatonin is a hormone that helps balance waking and sleeping. It tends to have mild effects and is often recommended to relieve jet lag.[2]

Why Are Sleeping Pills So Prevalent in Today’s Society?

In one study of nearly 650 adults, 19% regularly used prescription sleep aids.[3] One year later, almost 70% of those individuals still used sleep aids. While sleep aids are not meant to be long-term solutions, many people use them regularly anyway. There are plenty of potential contributors to the growing use of sleeping pills or sleep aids. Prescription sleeping pills are often given to people with insomnia.[1] Stress is a leading cause of insomnia.[4] These are some examples of stressors that may temporarily affect sleep:

Job loss
Death of a loved one
Major life change
Illness
Noise
Extreme temperatures

Some of these stressors are inevitable. However, people who face stress continually may be more likely to misuse sleep aids.[3] Also, people with underlying mental health needs that are unmet may be more likely to misuse sleep aids or other substances.[5] Some mental health disorders come with insomnia or sleep disturbances. This may be another contributor since at least 25% of the population has a mental health issue.[6] About 45% of those who have a mental illness do not receive professional treatment for it.[7]

How Long Do Sleeping Pills Take To Kick In?

The time sleeping pills take to work depends on the person and the type of sleep aid. For example, melatonin often takes between 30 and 60 minutes to make someone fall asleep.[8] Ambien usually works within about 30 minutes, and most people see an improvement in sleep within a week.[8] With many sleeping pills, the substances help people fall asleep between eight and 10 minutes faster than most people.[1]

Can You Overdose on Sleeping Pills?

Yes, you can overdose on sleeping pills; taking more than the recommended dose is possible and potentially dangerous. Medications can affect people differently, which is why it is important to discuss the possible effects of any OTC or prescription sleep aid with a doctor before taking it. Also, some sleep aids may interact with other medications and cause adverse effects. If a doctor prescribes a non-OTC sleep aid, it is important to follow the dose instructions precisely.

What Happens if You Overdose on Sleeping Pills?

The specific dangers of overdosing on any OTC or prescription sleep aid depend on the substance and its actions. Even OTC sleep aids can be dangerous when taken in high doses.

OTC Antihistamine Overdose Symptoms

Both Unisom and Benadryl that people often take to aid in sleep are first-generation antihistamines, which are known to have more potential dangers than second-generation drugs.[9] These are some common symptoms of an antihistamine overdose:

Blurred vision
Extreme drowsiness
Vomiting or nausea
Elevated heart rate
Poor coordination
Confusion
Seizures
Coma

If a person who is taking antihistamines for sleep is unconscious or having a seizure, call 911. These are both serious complications.

Prescription Sleep Aid Overdose Symptoms

Since the medications prescribed to help people sleep are usually tranquilizers and sedatives, brain function and voluntary functions become slower.[10] The effects of a sleeping pill overdose may look similar to an alcohol overdose. These are some possible symptoms:

Slurred speech
Bluish-tinted lips, skin or fingers
Dizziness
Fainting
Poor coordination
Slowed heartbeat or breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Cold-to-the-touch skin
Difficulty responding or thinking
Difficulty breathing
Shock
Coma
Unconsciousness

If you see someone who is taking sleeping pills demonstrating signs of an overdose, call 911. Even if the person is talking, slowed heartbeat and breathing can be especially dangerous.[10] It is possible for people who take too many sleeping pills and do not receive medical treatment to die.

Can You Overdose on Melatonin?

Yes, you can overdose on melatonin. While it may not produce the same dangerous effects that antihistamines or prescription sleep aids can, it may produce other effects. Since there is no official standard on melatonin dosing, it is difficult to define an overdose.[11] For example, some packages may recommend taking one tablet, and others may recommend taking two. However, taking more than what is recommended on the packaging can be an overdose. If you take large amounts of melatonin, it may disrupt your sleep cycle.[11] Additionally, it can cause more pronounced side effects, which will be discussed more in the next section.

What Are the Side Effects of Sleeping Pills?

Sleeping pill side effects depend on the specific medication and its actions. These sections cover a few common side effects.

OTC Sleeping Pill Side Effects

Some common side effects of OTC antihistamines are constipation, drowsiness, UTIs and dry mouth.[2] Both melatonin and valerian, which are also OTC substances, may cause headaches for some people. Additional possible side effects of melatonin include daytime sleepiness, reduced blood coagulation and a lower body temperature.[12] In people who take other prescription sleep aids, melatonin may also interact with some medications. For example, it worsened the side effects of Ambien for some people who took the two substances together.[12]

Prescription Sleeping Pill Side Effects

Since there are several types of sedatives, hypnotics and tranquilizers that are prescribed to treat sleep problems, some medications have their own potential side effects. For example, some possible side effects of Ambien are uncontrollable shaking, chest pain, rash, difficulty breathing and sleep walking.[8] For any prescription sleep aid, be sure to read and understand all the potential side effects. There are some common side effects that apply to most types of prescription sleeping pills.[2] These are some examples:

Headaches
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Constipation or diarrhea
Nausea
Lasting drowsiness
Sleepwalking
Changes in thinking
Agitation
Hallucinations
Memory problems
Suicidal thoughts

With antidepressants that are prescribed to aid with sleep, there may also be weight changes or irregular heartbeat.[2]

Which Sleeping Pill Is Most Dangerous?

All prescription sleeping pills have the potential to be highly dangerous for some people. Although even antihistamines can be dangerous in a few cases, the biggest dangers are with prescription medications that come with a risk of dependence and addiction. Dependence happens when the person’s body is chemically dependent on the substance.[13] If a person cannot stop using the substance, that means the individual is addicted. There are several medications prescribed as sleep aids that have a higher risk of dependence and abuse, which makes them potentially more dangerous.[2] These are some sleeping pills with a high risk of abuse:

Dayvigo
Quviviq
Lunesta
Ambien
Halcion
Sonata
Ambien and Ambien CR
Belsomra
Restoril
ZolpiMist
Edluar

Sleeping Pill Addiction and Overdose Treatment

If you or someone you know is addicted to or taking too many sleeping pills, help is available. Addiction treatment is designed to help people learn the causes of behaviors or triggers and how to beat addiction. Behavioral therapy may also help improve sleep problems. Since many people who misuse prescription medications have a mental health condition that is untreated or treated insufficiently, dual diagnosis treatment for the issue and addiction may also help.

Detox, dual diagnosis treatment, outpatient treatment and inpatient programs are available to suit varying needs. Let the professionals at Illinois Recovery Center help you start on the path to recovery. Please. Contact us to learn more about sleeping pill addiction treatment.

FAQ

What happens when you overdose on sleeping pills?
An overdose of sleeping pills can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It can cause symptoms such as:
1. Drowsiness or extreme sleepiness
2. Confusion or disorientation
3. Slow or shallow breathing
4. Decreased heart rate and low blood pressure
5. Blue or gray skin, nails, or lips due to lack of oxygen
6. Loss of consciousness or coma
7. In severe cases, it can also lead to seizures, respiratory arrest, and death.
If you or someone you know has taken an overdose of sleeping pills, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Overdosing on sleeping pills can cause serious harm and it is important to receive prompt and appropriate treatment.
What happens if you take too many sleeping pills?
Taking too many sleeping pills can be extremely dangerous and can lead to an overdose, which can be life-threatening. Some of the symptoms of a sleeping pill overdose include:
1. Excessive drowsiness or deep sleep
2. Confusion or disorientation
3. Slowed breathing or shallow breathing
4. Low heart rate or blood pressure
5. Bluish or grayish skin, lips, or nails from lack of oxygen
6. Loss of consciousness or coma
7. Seizures in severe cases
8. Respiratory arrest, which can lead to death
If you suspect that you or someone you know has taken an overdose of sleeping pills, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. Overdosing on sleeping pills can cause serious harm and it’s important to receive prompt and appropriate treatment.
Can you overdose on melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, and it is available as a supplement to help with sleep problems. While melatonin is generally considered safe and has few side effects, it is possible to overdose on melatonin if taken in excessive amounts.

The recommended dose of melatonin varies depending on the individual’s age, health status, and sleep needs. In general, doses of melatonin between 0.3-5 mg per day are considered safe and effective for most people. However, doses greater than 5 mg per day may cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness.

In rare cases, extremely high doses of melatonin can cause more severe symptoms such as seizures, confusion, low blood pressure, and shortness of breath. However, it is essential to note that these cases typically involve taking many times the recommended dose of melatonin.

If you suspect that you or someone else may have taken too much melatonin, seek medical attention immediately. It is always important to follow dosing instructions carefully and to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or medication.
Can you overdose on over the counter sleeping pills?
It is possible to overdose on over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills. The active ingredients in many of these pills can be dangerous if taken in excessive amounts. Some OTC sleeping pills contain antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, which can cause serious side effects in large doses, such as confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, hallucinations, urinary retention, or even more severe outcomes. There are also other ingredients in different brands of sleeping pills which can have various effects when taken in excess.

It’s very important to use medication, including over-the-counter medication, responsibly and according to the directions on the label or the instructions provided by a healthcare professional.

If you suspect an overdose or are concerned about the health or safety of yourself or someone else due to the consumption of sleeping pills or any other medication, it is important to seek medical help immediately. In the United States, you can call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or dial 911 for emergency assistance. If you are in another country, look up and use your local emergency number.

References
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/15308-sleeping-pills
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep-aids/art-20047860
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791616/
[4] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11429-common-sleep-disorders
[5] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness
[6] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics
[7] https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2021/05/24/why-so-many-americans-do-not-seek-professional-help-for-mental-disorders/?sh=131d8d6f3de7
[8] https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/july/sleeping-aids
[9] https://www.healthline.com/health/antihistamine-overdose#symptoms
[10] https://www.verywellmind.com/the-danger-of-sedative-overdose-66578
[11] https://www.healthline.com/health/melatonin-overdose
[12] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/melatonin-side-effects#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6

Published on: 2022-11-28
Updated on: 2024-12-19

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