What happens when you overdose on sleeping pills?… by JC is the M
What happens physically to your body functions when you overdose on sleeping pills? Do users who overdose typically get induced in a a coma? And if they are caught and after their stomach is pumped what is the side effecst?
I have a friend who claimed that he/she overdosed on sleeping pills. So I am trying to see if your story is accurate by getting as much info as I can. Thanks.
Please pray for my friend.
I will pick Best Answer probably tonight! But if not, tomorrow for sure!
Best Answer:
It all depends on which drug was involved. If it was an OTC sleeping medication, it is the same ingredient seen in the allergy medication Benadryl (diphenhydramine). They can actually be more harmful that the newer prescription drugs in overdose.
Most prescription sleeping aids used today are in the benzodiazepine family. In the past opiates and barbiturates were used. Of course, they are addicting as well as extremely dangerous, especially in overdose.
Benzos (BZD) are also used for other conditions and their use it based on their pharmacology. The most common benzos are Valium, Librium and Xanax. They are used primarily for anxiety. The BZD sleeping meds include: Dalmane (flurazepam), Restoril (temazepam) and Halcion (triazolam). Although safe in overdose, they too are addicting and the FDA recommends they be used no longer than 10 days in a row.
There's a newer class of nonbenzodiaepines. Unofficially I've heard them called “Z” sleeping pills. The most common is Ambien (zolpidem). Ambien in overdose is treated the same as BZDs. The newest medication for sleep is Rozerem (ramelteon). It works on the same receptors in the brain as the OTC supplement melatonin. It is supposed to be non-addicting, but once it's used by thousands of people we'll know for certain if that's true.
About overdosing. More than likely your friend took a benzo. Death rarely occurs, unless mixed with other meds or alcohol. Stomach pumping (gastic lavage) and activated charcoal would most likely be used. There is an “antidote” for BZD overdose called flumazenil, it is often used and it counteracts BZDs rather quickly. After that treatment is “supportive.” Meaning they'll “sleep it off” under hospital supervision. A drug-induced coma certainly could occur.
Fortunately, today's sleeping pills are extremely safe when it comes to people trying to use them to commit suicide. But they'll sleep, sleep, sleep until they wear off.
I will pray and I hope this helps. And thanks for asking for my help. I took an oath to help people and Yahoo Answers is another venue besides the drugstore to make that happen.
Rick the Pharmacist
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