Sleeping Pill Effects

Since there was some evidence that these compounds owe their action to interference with the action of histamine, this class has earned the soubriquet "antihistamines." This class of drugs is further characterized by a spectrum of side effects which occur to a greater or lesser degree in various members. These include antispasmodic action, sedative action, analgesia, and antiemetic effects. The side effects of some of these agents are sufficiently pronounced so that the compounds are prescribed for that effect proper. Antihistamines, for example, are used as the sedative-hypnotic component in some over-the-counter sleeping pills. 

It is easy to imagine the ideal sleeping pill. It would help you to fall asleep quickly and remain asleep through the night. There would be no hangover effect the next... 

If patients are on sleeping pills, tranquilizers or beta-blockers, all of which have sedative effects, herbal formulas that stimulate the Qi and excite the Yang should be avoided. Formulas that strongly tonify the Qi should be used with caution. 

Drugs that alter sleep produce their effects on the brain by altering the actions of neurotransmitters and consequently how neurons communicate with each other. However, different drugs can alter the actions of neurotransmitters in different ways. Stimulants such as amphetamine cause neurons to release excess amounts of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Other drugs, such as the prescription sleeping pills Halcion or Ambien or antihistamines, can interact directly with the neurons receptors to either enhance or block the effects of the neurotransmitters. In later chapters, we will discuss how drugs that help you sleep or stay awake alter the chemistry of the brain. 

People called amphetamines uppers because the drugs gave them energy. Sometimes that side effect meant that people could not sleep at night. As a result, they took sleeping pills. Referred to as downers, these drugs were extremely addictive barbiturates that some users called liquid alcohol. 

Because oxycodone may intensify the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, it should not be taken with antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-anxiety drugs, seizure medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, or muscle relaxants, except under the supervision of a doctor. Patients who may be prescribed oxycodone should tell their doctor if they are taking any of these medications. 

Originally, Rohypnol was developed as a sleeping pill. It has been used successfully for that purpose in many countries outside the United States (It is the most frequently prescribed sleeping pill in Europe.) When used as prescribed, it is an effective short-term therapy for severe sleep disorders. Studies show that Rohypnol increases the total amount of time spent sleeping and lessens the difference between the amount of time spent in bed and the amount of time asleep. Both factors are significant to people who suffer from severe sleep problems that leave them sleep-deprived and anxious. Therapeutic doses of Rohypnol vary from 0.5 mg to 1 mg. 

Soporific Soporifics, better known as "sleeping pills" or "tranquilizers", are used to put a patient to sleep or render them unconscious. To resist the effects of these drags, a user must make a DC 15 Fortitude save for each dosage. If a user fails his roll, he falls unconscious for the duration of the drag. 

The sedatives or tranquilizers have a calming effect, while the hypnotics produce drowsiness and sleep. Sometimes referred to as solid alcohol, the sedative-hypnotics have an effect similar to that of alcohol. If you take a sleeping pill or sedative, in addition to making you drowsy, it affects your breathing, slows your reflexes, impairs muscular coordination, and lowers your inhibitions. Like alcohol, these drugs can impair your thinking, memory, and judgment. 

Melatonin has side effects, but much less so than pharmaceutical sleeping pills. Long-term safety is not known. Prolonged use may have an influence on sex organs and reduce libido. It may slightly lower blood pressure. People with the symptoms of severe mental illness, severe allergies, autoimmune diseases, or immune system cancers such as leukemia should not... 

Kolata, G. (1992, January 20). Maker of sleeping pill hid data on side effects, researchers say. The New York Times, p. 1. 

Do not combine psychedelics with other drugs. However, the interesting effects of psychedelics sometimes wear off while their stimulation continues. If you feel agitated, restless, and unable to sleep at the end of an experience with one of these drugs, it may be appropriate to take a hypnotic dose of a sleeping pill or minor tranquilizer. 

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