Can sleep medications be dangerous for you?

Sleep Problems?

                An estimated 40 million Americans suffers from insomnia and other chronic sleep related

disorders. Failure to get sufficient sleep results in fatigue, dulled thinking, slowed reaction time, digestive problems, headaches, and weakened immune system. Over time, one can begin to look several years older due to protracted loss of sleep. This is in addition to the dangers inherent in trying to drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery, or perform sensitive activities when one has had insufficient sleep.

The “Quick Fix”

A large percentage of those having sleep problems turn to medications in their attempt to get rest. They tell their doctor the problem and he/she prescribes a drug. Depending on the doctor and what a person says to him/her, those experiencing insomnia and those suffering from anxiety may be prescribed the same or similar medication. The general class of drugs used to treat sleep disorders and anxiety are called depressants. They are also known as sedatives or tranquilizers. Slang names include downers, candy, barbs, phennies, reds, red birds, yellows, yellow jackets, blues, blue devils, tooies, and tranks.

Drug Abuse

Like any drug, depressants have side-effects (minor and major, short-term and long-term), but they are especially dangerous if the drug is abused. There are quite a few ways to abuse a drug, limited only by imagination: Mixing it with alcohol or other drugs; taking a drug you were not prescribed; taking too much or over-dosing; prescribing a drug to children who shouldn’t be anywhere near it; prescribing it to someone who is allergic or who has some other undiagnosed condition; selling or providing a drug illegally; getting addicted to a drug; crushing, snorting, injecting, or smoking a drug to get the immediate effect in the brain or bloodstream. Depressants are broken down into the following categories:

Types of Depressants

§  Antipsychotics (major tranquillizers)

Prescribed for mental disturbance or psychotic behavior, these include Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel, Abilify, Thorazine, and Haldol. They are very heavy drugs which are also referred to as neuroleptic (nerve-seizing) drugs. In addition to a startling list of adverse reactions, they can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms can be severe.

Thorazine and Haldol have long histories of use in psychiatric institutions for the purpose of sedating or restraining patients. They also have a long history of serious and debilitating physical and mental reactions – some of them permanent. A partial list includes: asthma, blood disorders, constant “chewing” of the mouth, drooling, fainting, fever, hives, impotence, involuntary movements, mask-like face, muscle rigidity, seizures, and paralysis.

Abilify, a newer antipsychotic, advertised on television and print media, has been documented as causing such things as: headaches, weight increase, tremors, agitation, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, convulsion, and psychosis. Effects also include tardive dyskinesia (a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the face and jaw) and akathisia (a sensation of restlessness characterized by an inability to sit still or remain motionless, often as a side-effect of psychiatric medications). It does seem odd that such things as psychosis, seizure and inability to sit still would be the result of drugs called “antipsychotics,” yet those are just a few of the facts. For more details click here.

§  Anti-anxiety drugs (benzodiazepines)

A long list of drugs are classified as benzodiazepines, also known as “benzos,” including Xanax, Klonopin, Halcion, Librium, and Valium. These, like any depressant, slow down the nervous system and brain function. A person taking them may appear drowsy or relaxed. They may feel euphoric and experience an artificial sense of well-being for a while. Side-effects include: fatigue, confusion, cognitive impairment, depression, memory loss, insomnia, skin reactions, nausea, aggression, suicidal thoughts, and violent actions.

Long-tern use can lead to sexual dysfunction, hormonal difficulties, kidney problems, and increased risk of high blood sugar and diabetes. People who start taking benzodiazepines can become easily addicted and experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop. They build up tolerance and have to keep taking the drug to feel “normal” while they slowly degenerate into psychological and physical addiction. Due to the severe and violent (even fatal) nature of withdrawal, getting off such drugs should only be done with professional help.

§  Rohypnol

Rohypnol is illegal in the United States but is available as a prescription sleeping pill in Europe and Latin America. It is classified as a benzodiazepine but is about ten times more powerful than Valium. People on the drug experience a form of paralysis where they are able to observe events but utterly unable to move. All-too-often, they have no recollection of what occurred while they were on Rohypnol. The drug has been used in sexual assaults and is known as the “date rape drug.” Slang names for the drug include: roofies, roche, rope, ruffies, R-2, roaches, rib, forget-me pill, and Mexican Valium.

§  Barbiturates

Barbiturates are used as sedatives or sleeping pills and include the drugs Amytal, Numbutal and Seconal. Side-effects can include: addiction, dilated pupils, poor concentration, slurred speech, visual disturbances, difficulty or inability to urinate, disorientation, depression, memory loss, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts.

§  Non benzodiazepines

These are a group of drugs with similar effects to benzodiazepines but which possess a different chemical make-up. These are also called “sleep aids”, “Z-drugs,” or “hypnotics” and include the drugs Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata. They can also be quite addictive and side-effects include: amnesia, impaired driving ability, sleep walking, abnormal behavior, delirium, hallucination, unconsciousness, injury due to fall or accidents, depression, and suicide.

Alternatives

                A cursory glance of the side-effects of sleep medications is enough to send one running in the opposite direction, yet the problems associated with chronic insomnia are enough to cause more anxiety on top of what one is already experiencing. Are there any answers to insomnia that do not involve long lists of shocking side-effects? Factually, in many cases insomnia and sleep problems are quite easy to solve naturally. Here are a few solutions:

·         Take a walk

Taking a walk is a ridiculously simple yet often effective way to get to sleep. Simply go outside and start walking and looking at things in your environment. You may feel exhausted but you keep walking until you don’t feel exhausted anymore, even if you’re just walking around the block. You should feel calmer by the end. Then see if you can sleep.

·         Exercise

Millions of people have desk jobs and don’t exercise, causing gradual physical deterioration. The body is made to move around and when you keep it still all the time it can “revolt” and “refuse to sleep.” Exercise is vital to your cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and your overall health. By getting your body in balance and in tune, you can often put back in normal sleep patterns.

·         Avoid stimulants

Stimulant drugs, caffeine, sugar and tobacco can all adversely affect your sleep. Try avoiding these altogether, but particularly in the last three hours before you go to bed.

·         Nutrition

Difficulty sleeping can be the result of improper nutrition. If a person adheres to a diet of junk food, fast food, processed food and the like, he or she is essentially malnourishing the body. Doing so can have all manner of adverse effects. A sensible plan of proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables – preferably organic – is a good place to start.

·         Supplements

A daily routine of vitamins and minerals – organic is best – should help with sleep. Certain natural compounds have been found particularly useful: Tryptophan (essential amino acid), calcium, magnesium, and B-vitamins. Herbal remedies, often taken as a tea, are used by many people all over the world to assist with relaxation and sleep.

·         Completion of Tasks

One reason people have trouble sleeping is that they lie in bed for hours, their minds racing about all the things they have to get done. A simple and immediate remedy is to write down all your incomplete tasks. Start with “Number One” and write them all down – doesn’t matter what order. Then start getting them done – one at a time. You should feel your burdens easing up a little bit at a time, and you may start sleeping much better as a result.

Conclusion

                There is good chance you will not wish to start taking sleep medications (depressants) due to the wide array of side-effects and adverse reactions. Taking the holistic or natural path is highly recommended.

If you or a loved one have become addicted to sleep medications – or if you suspect abuse – contact a professional consultant at A Forever Recovery.