A sleeping pill or hypnotic is any substance capable of inducing or preserving sleep. Problems falling or staying asleep can have very different causes, depending on each person and situation. It is advisable to always consult with the doctor or pharmacist to be advised correctly.
Are sleeping pills safe? If synthetic sleeping pills are taken for a long time and without adequate control, they can lead to three situations:
Tolerance : it is defined as the progressive loss of the effects of a substance as it is consumed repeatedly, needing to increase the dose progressively to achieve the initial effects.
Rebound effect: insomnia reappears after abrupt discontinuation of treatment.
Withdrawal syndrome: set of organic and psychological signs and symptoms that appear immediately after stopping consumption.
What does it depend on for a sleeping pill to become harmful?
Dosage: In general, sleeping pills have a wide range of doses, so they are quite safe. However, if the recommended doses are exceeded, side effects may appear.
Mixing with other substances: The most serious poisonings are usually the result of mixing alcohol and sleeping pills.
What are the most common side effects?
Generally, sedative or hypnotic poisoning causes central nervous system depression, leading to the following symptoms:
Sedation or drowsiness: it can be harmful if the periods of sleep and wakefulness are not respected, not allowing a normal life to be carried out.
Respiratory system depression: it is more common in barbiturates and can lead to death from asphyxia.
Hyporeflexia: the lack of reflexes can lead to loss of balance and injury, this is of vital importance in the case of the elderly.
Hypotension: a sudden drop in blood pressure can lead to fainting.
Most of these side effects usually appear when substances are mixed, such as alcohol or other psychoactive substances. If a sleeping pill is prescribed appropriately, there is therapeutic adherence by the patient and there is control and monitoring of treatment, insomnia can be treated effectively and without complications. The doctor-patient-pharmacist cooperation is of vital importance to guarantee the efficacy and safety of the treatment.
By Vicent Alonso Oroval, member of Saluspot and pharmacist.
