This is the second major type of sleeping pills in the market. The main difference between these types and prescription ones are in the active component and how they induce sleeping action.
These drugs are known by several brand and street names. Some of the known brands for these drugs include Nighttime Sleep Aid, Unisom, Benadryl, Nytol, and Sominex. Meanwhile, in the streets it is commonly known by the following names: Zombie pills, Planks, Sleepers, Candy pills, and Totem poles.
Several types of these drugs are available in the market and each with some unique actions. For instance, Diphenhydramine is used to treat watery eyes, skin itchiness, and sneezing while inducing drowsiness. Doxylamine is another common brand which is used to treat difficulty in sleeping and allergies in the upper respiratory tract. Meanwhile, some natural resources such as Valerian and Melatonin are used to treat sleeping disorders.
In terms of physical form, it is available in tablet, capsule, or spray type canisters in the market. It comes in various color combinations from where it got its street name “candy pills”. Similar to prescription drugs, these types also has its pill identifiers which contain the strength and brand name of the drug.
Over the Counter Sleeping Pills, How They Work
In general, these medications are used to help patients with sleeping disorder get a better and easier means of sleeping. This drug category has a unique way of inducing sleep to patients which is strongly linked to its active ingredient.
These medications contain antihistamines as the active ingredient which binds in the histamine receptor site of the brain. The binding of this active ingredient hinders the attachment of the histamine chemicals to the receptor area. Consequently, this action induces the drowsing effect which helps patients fall asleep.
Furthermore, some of these medications have a mixture of Acetaminophen or pain reliever which also stimulates relaxation of muscles. This combination makes a good sleeping formula for people suffering from insomnia.
Addiction and Dangers
Unlike the illicit substances heroin and cocaine, these medications have a lower addictive potential and classified as Schedule IV controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency.
However, this does not mean these medications are not dangerous. In fact, it is dangerous because these medications have a quick tolerance build-up to any individual. Likewise, most people taking it are having difficulty telling one’s increased tolerance for the medication.
The main effect of these drugs is to reduce brain activity so that people can sleep faster. However, people tend to abuse these medications due to their high accessibility. Self-medication is also a common practice for many people, which could lead to tolerance. Consequently, serious health consequences can be felt once these drugs are abused.
Early detection of an overdose is important to administer treatment methods in the early stage of addiction. One can tell if a person has overdosed these drugs by seeing the following symptoms: very slow responses, extreme sleepiness during daytime, stomach cramps, intense sadness, slower breathing, and feeling tired always.
Like any other drugs, these types also have their respective short and long-term side effects. Some of its short-term impacts include lack of body coordination, irregular bowel movement, lightheadedness, being easily irritated, and slow brain alertness. Whereas, its long-term impacts include slow degradation of memory retention, unpleasant dreams, heart complications, respiratory failure, paralysis, and death.
If one plans to undergo a drug test, then knowing how long these substances stay in the body is important. In the blood and urine, these substances stay for around one to seven days. In the saliva, these substances can still be detected up to three days from the last time one has taken it. Whereas in the hair follicles, residues can still be detected up to three months from the last time of ingestion.
Medications and Treatments
The treatment process for any type of addiction and abuse is a challenging endeavor. One needs to combat all social stigma and convince oneself for the need of undergoing treatment for the sake of self-improvement, family and loved one.
In relation, the first step towards a successful treatment program is for the patient to gain self-acceptance and awareness of the present condition. After, one needs to decide what kind of treatment is most suitable which depends on the individual’s financial capacity, nature of work, the school for students, and facility options available.
Detoxification is the first step in any treatment process. To do this, one has the option to flush the drug out of the stomach, ingest activated charcoal, or both. The first step aims to remove chemicals inside the stomach. The second step is efficient considering that activated charcoal has a high absorptive property which can absorb a large number of toxins inside the body.
In relation, slow or abrupt abstinence from taking these drugs can result in certain withdrawal symptoms. Some of the common withdrawal symptoms include tremors, anxiety, uncontrolled sweating, and depression.
Sleeping pills have the capacity of slowing muscle movement including the heart and lungs. Consequently, this action can result in extremely low blood pressure and low breathing patterns. To counter this effect, the patient can be prescribed with flumazenil or romazicon.
Aside from medications, therapies are also incorporated in any treatment program. This is done to reinforce positive behavior and hasten the recovery process. The three common therapies used to treat addiction from sleeping pills include Reward System, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Recovery Group.
The Reward System intervention motivates the patient to do positive behavior by gaining rewards for every good habit performed.
In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the therapist will assist the patient in identifying negative thoughts which trigger unhealthy behaviors. After identifying, the therapist will help the patient formulate positive means of coping from these negative thoughts.
Lastly, for the Recovery Group, this intervention aims to enhance social communication skills and allow patients to gain meaningful insights. The patient will be included in a group where they all share the same condition. Everyone gets to have a chance to share one’s experiences in dealing with this condition.
