Sleeping pills – types, dosage, side effects. Over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills

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Sleeping pills can be helpful when we are struggling with serious problems and suffer from insomnia. However, it is worth reaching for the appropriate preparation that will not cause dizziness and will not cause irritation. What sleeping pills will help soothe shattered nerves? What is worth remembering when taking sleeping pills?

Sleeping pills without a prescription

We are not always interested in the composition of sleeping pills. First of all, they are supposed to work, but it is worth stopping at the warehouse a bit longer. Well, some sleeping pills can be addictive and can be simply dangerous to our body.

1. The presence of addictive substances in the blood will help determine Psychoactive Substances Dispatch Test – Semi-quantitative Determination.

It is therefore worth reaching for tablets that contain natural plant-based ingredients. Thanks to this, sleeping pills will help you to calm down and fall asleep peacefully. Natural and vegan sleep supplements are available on Medonet Market.

Some sleeping pills contain hops, melatonin and valerian. These are tablets intended only for adults. Thanks to natural ingredients, we can fall asleep calmly at night, and our body functions properly during the day – it is not stimulated, irritable and has no problems with concentration. Pay attention to Good Night – Panaseus dietary supplement, the natural ingredients of which support falling asleep and at the same time have a calming effect.

You can also take advantage of sleep-aid supplements in the form of syrup. Try eg. Lemon balm sleep syrup available at Medonet Market.

Sleeping pills with melatonin

The hormone melatonin plays a key role in the natural sleep-wake cycle. Natural blood levels of melatonin are highest at night. It has been shown to be effective in improving sleep quality in circadian rhythm-related sleep disorders (e.g. time zone shift syndrome, shift work, delayed sleep phase syndrome) and in elderly patients with known lowering of melatonin levels. Unlike many other sleeping pills, melatonin is unlikely to be addictive and that you will have a weaker response after repeated use (habituation).

Also read: Four new types of daily activity have joined the owls and larks. Check which one you belong to

Sleeping pills – natural ingredients

The individual sleeping pills without a prescription include, among others, valerian or chamomile. Below you will find out about the characteristics and effects of these herbs.

Valerian (valerian) is a calming herb that has been used since the XNUMXnd century AD to treat insomnia and anxiety disorders. It is believed to work by increasing the levels of the calming chemical GABA in the brain. Although the use of valerian for insomnia has not been widely researched, research is promising and its use is generally considered safe. It works best when taken daily for two or more weeks.

Many people drink chamomile tea because of its mild sedative properties, although it can cause allergic reactions in people allergic to plants or pollen. To make this tea, bring the water to a boil, then add two or three tea bags (or the equivalent of leaf tea), cover with a lid and let it brew for ten minutes.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid used to create the chemical messenger serotonin, a substance in the brain that helps the body fall asleep. L-tryptophan is a common byproduct of tryptophan that the body can convert into serotonin. Some studies have shown that L-tryptophan can help us fall asleep faster. However, the results were inconsistent.

Other herbs that have a calming or sedative effect include lemon balm, passion flower, and lavender. Many natural sleep supplements use a combination of these ingredients to promote sleep.

Prescription sleeping pills

There are several different types of prescription sleeping pills that are classified as sedative sleeping pills. In general, These drugs work by affecting receptors in the brain to calm and quiet the nervous system. Some drugs are used more often to induce sleep, while others are used to maintain sleep.

Some sleeping pills last longer than others (longer half-life), and some are more likely to become addictive. Here are the types of prescription sleeping pills:

1. benzodiazepines – is the oldest class of hypnotics that are still widely used. Benzodiazepines as a group are considered to exhibit a higher risk of dependence than other sedative hypnotics for insomnia and are classified as controlled substances. Primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, benzodiazepines that have been approved to treat insomnia include estazolam, flurazepam, quazepam, temazepam, and triazolam.
2. non-benzodiazepines, sedatives, sleeping pills – some new generation drugs do not have the same chemical structure as benzodiazepines but act in the same area of ​​the brain. They are believed to cause fewer side effects and a lower risk of addiction, but are still considered controlled substances. These include zalepon, zolpidem, and eszopiclone, which have been tested for long-term use, up to six months,
3. sleeping pills sleeping pills, melatonin receptor agonist – Ramelteon (Rozerem) is the newest type of sleep medication, it works by mimicking melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone. It has a low risk of physical dependence but still has some side effects. It is used for sleep problems and is not effective for sleep maintenance problems. The most common side effect of Ramelteon is dizziness. It can also worsen symptoms of depression and should not be used by people with severe liver damage.

See: Magic pill for anxiety and insomnia. Millions of addicted to benzodiazepines

Sleeping pills – dosage

It is very important not to exceed the recommended dose of sleeping pills. The daily dose of sleeping pills for an adult is one tablet. The tablet should be taken at bedtime with a drink of water.

Sleeping pills – contraindications

Sleeping pills can not be used by people who are allergic to any ingredient of the drug. In addition, sleeping pills are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. You should also not take sleeping pills after drinking alcohol, as this increases their potency. It is important not to exceed the recommended dose of the drug, but also a proper diet. Sleeping pills should be kept out of the reach of children, because the drug is intended only for adults.

See also: Sleep deprivation and its importance for health. What can sleep disturbances lead to?

Sleeping pills – side effects

Like all medicines, sleeping pills may also have side effects. The most common side effects after taking sleeping pills include dizziness, headaches, and low body temperature. Occasionally, itching, hives and rash may appear. The use of the drug should be discussed in detail with your doctor, especially if you suffer from hormonal disorders, liver disorders, problems with the immune system, kidneys, but also if you suffer from depression. Also, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Some prescription sleeping pills can cause a parasomnia. It is a group of disorders where abnormal or undesirable behavior occurs during sleep or when awake.

In turn, benzodiazepines can be addictive and lead to their abuse. To reduce this risk, doctors only prescribe these sleeping pills for short-term use.

Sleeping pills – precautions

If you decide to take sleeping pills, remember the following safety rules.

1. Never mix sleeping pills with alcohol or other sedatives. Alcohol not only interferes with sleep quality, but also increases the sedative effect of sleeping pills. This combination can be quite dangerous and even fatal,
2. Only take the sleeping pill when you have enough time for at least seven to eight hours of sleep. Otherwise, the next day you may feel very sleepy,
3. Don’t take the second dose in the middle of the night. Doubling the dose can be dangerous and because the medicine takes less time to clear your body it can be difficult to wake up the next morning.
4. Start with the lowest recommended dose. See how the drug affects you and what side effects you experience
5. Avoid frequent use. To avoid addiction and minimize the negative effects, try to take sleeping pills in case of emergencies, rather than taking them every night at night.
6. Never drive a car or operate machinery after taking a sleeping pill. This tip is especially important when you start taking a new sleeping pill as you may not know how it will affect you.
7. Read the package leaflet carefully. Pay close attention to potential side effects and drug interactions. Many common medications, including antidepressants and antibiotics, can cause dangerous interactions with both prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills. Certain foods such as grapefruit and grapefruit juice should also be avoided with many sleeping pills.

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.