Would it hurt if you overdose on sleeping pills?
Overdosing on psychotropics can often be a rather painful, whether or not you die as a result. Sleeping pills are no exception, though some of them are far less likely to cause conscious physical pain.Not everyone will have the same side effects or fatal mechanisms as a result of overdosing, and not all sleeping pills work the same way or cause the same side effects---experiences will thus vary.Some sleeping pills can cause acute physical or emotional distress, entailing potential side effects and overdose experiences like hallucinations, seizures, cramping, circulatory issues, nausea, serotonin syndrome, mania, and other physical and psychological issues.A lot of more recent sleeping pills (the past few decades) have been designed to be less capable of providing fatal overdoses, but the side effects are not necessarily less terrifying and do not necessarily avoid the possibility of long term damage (in overdosing, and also sometimes normal use as well).Overdoses that do not result in death can entail permanent physical and psychological harm or disability, and even single doses of psychotropics can still lead to withdrawal syndrome (which can last weeks, months, or as long as years in some individuals).Failed suicide attempts are not always remembered, and altered states can involve a different perception or experience of pain, but the bottom line is that sleeping pills as a vague classification of drug should not be regarded as a guarantee of painless or complication-free overdose or death.
Can you pass out from over-the-counter sleeping pills?
Most OTC sleeping pills have antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or anticholinergics (diphenhydramate...Gravol) in them. They are mildly sedating, and safe for occasional use with the recommended amount. However, contrary to what another answer suggested, it is possible to overdose and get quite sick on them. The risk of death from an OD is small...but it is not zero.
If you take a whole bottle of over-the-counter sleeping pills at once...?
Yes, you will die, but it will NOT be a peaceful death. Most people that overdose on any medication will vomit to the point that they are not in control of their body and die of pulmonary edema, or basically drowning in your own body fluids. If you're convinced you need to commit suicide that's your decision and I'm not going to try to argue with that, but an overdose of sleeping pills is not going to be peaceful EDIT: i've got to say that you're beautiful, and you don't need to die. I've been through horrible parts of my life where I thought i was going to end it. But I didn't and life is just too good to let go of. If you have to, change your life, move away be with new people. But don't end it
Does it hurt to die of a sleeping pill overdose?
I recently overdosed on sleeping pills mixed with alcohol. When the sleeping pills took effect I immediately regretted my actions - my breathing became laboured and very quickly my throat began to close up, all the saliva in my mouth and throat also completely dried out, which made swallowing nigh impossible and was incredibly painful. My vision became foggy and dimmed. I began losing control of my limbs, including my legs... I panicked. I attempted to call for an ambulance and could barely select the numbers on my phone. I was out in the public at the time, I tried to find a place to sit down and ended up on the pavement on a busy street. People walked around me thinking I was on drugs, drunk or homeless. One mature looking lady (a tourist, I think) even took photos or filmed me on her mobile phone as I sat on the pavement in a state of distress. I stayed on the phone with the 999 operator waiting for the ambulance to come, in a complete state of terror that I would suffocate. The ambulance seemed to take so long to arrive. My arms and hands started numbing and trembling. I lost control of my legs completely and was about to pass out when the ambulance finally came and I ended up throwing up the pills of my own accord, as my body rejected them, once aboard. They took me to The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel where I was monitored. Psychotherapists eventually came to my bedside to interview me. I suffered severe problems with my memory which was apparent as I attempted to answer their questions - I would repeatedly begin a sentence and forget almost immediately what I was saying or what the question was. This happened just a few days ago. It was an agonising ordeal. I'm so grateful I've come back to my senses. Life is worth living, if you are feeling suicidal, try to remember it is a passing phase. I could have left behind my precious children, my loving wife, my family, for such trivial reasons. Seek help as I intend to.
What happens when you overdose on sleeping pills?
It all depends on which drug was involved. If it was an OTC sleeping medication, it is the same ingredient seen in the allergy medication Benadryl (diphenhydramine). They can actually be more harmful that the newer prescription drugs in overdose. Most prescription sleeping aids used today are in the benzodiazepine family. In the past opiates and barbiturates were used. Of course, they are addicting as well as extremely dangerous, especially in overdose. Benzos (BZD) are also used for other conditions and their use it based on their pharmacology. The most common benzos are Valium, Librium and Xanax. They are used primarily for anxiety. The BZD sleeping meds include: Dalmane (flurazepam), Restoril (temazepam) and Halcion (triazolam). Although safe in overdose, they too are addicting and the FDA recommends they be used no longer than 10 days in a row. There's a newer class of nonbenzodiaepines. Unofficially I've heard them called "Z" sleeping pills. The most common is Ambien (zolpidem). Ambien in overdose is treated the same as BZDs. The newest medication for sleep is Rozerem (ramelteon). It works on the same receptors in the brain as the OTC supplement melatonin. It is supposed to be non-addicting, but once it's used by thousands of people we'll know for certain if that's true. About overdosing. More than likely your friend took a benzo. Death rarely occurs, unless mixed with other meds or alcohol. Stomach pumping (gastic lavage) and activated charcoal would most likely be used. There is an "antidote" for BZD overdose called flumazenil, it is often used and it counteracts BZDs rather quickly. After that treatment is "supportive." Meaning they'll "sleep it off" under hospital supervision. A drug-induced coma certainly could occur. Fortunately, today's sleeping pills are extremely safe when it comes to people trying to use them to commit suicide. But they'll sleep, sleep, sleep until they wear off. I will pray and I hope this helps. And thanks for asking for my help. I took an oath to help people and Yahoo Answers is another venue besides the drugstore to make that happen. Rick the Pharmacist
What happens if you overdose on sleeping pills?
It really depends upon the circumstances of your physiological profile. Sleeping pills are aimed to suppress the central nervous system. Signs of overdose include: * Seizure Activity * Involuntary Eye Movements * Emesis * Tachycardia * Diaphoresis * Coma The majority of overdose patients vomit and typically suffocate on their own vomit as a result of them not being able to maintain their own airway. If EMS arrives, they will drop a tube down your throat and get you to a hospital where you will get your stomach pumped. If you do survive, the results of brain damage and liver damage are highly probable.
Survived sleeping pill overdose from 2 years ago...?
2 years ago, I tried to off myself by swallowing 40 pills of Simply Sleep (an over the counter sleeping pill by Tylenol). Little did I know that over the counter sleeping pills do not have nearly the amount of potency as prescription sleeping pills. Needless to say I survived. Mentally, I'm in a great place now. The suicide attempt was like an intervention (even though it wasn't at all) and I would never dream of trying it again. I thought for sure I was dead. And now I'm not dead and I wish I had never tried to kill myself. Physically, however, I'm in terrible shape. I did not go to a hospital after the attempt. I did not tell a single person about the attempt. I have lived my life like it never happened. Not a day has gone by when I haven't had a stomach ache. Few days go by when I do not have a head ache. My heart rate randomly speeds up and slows down. I have sometimes violent bowel movements. Even worse, I started smoking cigarettes after the attempt and have yet to quit. I also drink. I just wanted to live like I never made that horrible mistake. And by doing so, I've made an even bigger mistake by not doing anything about it. So my question is: Do you think it's possible to get back to 100% after something like this? I know that right after an overdose, you can get your stomach pumped or whatever. But what if it has been 2 years? If anyone has some real answers, please email me or post here or message me on AIM: yorrickmann
Can you commit suicide using over the counter sleeping pills?
You probably couldn't take enough to kill yourself, but most over the counter sleep aids have ingredients in them that can really screw up your liver. When I worked in a hospital, we saw lots of people coming in trying to kill themselves with OTC stuff, and they just ended up getting their stomachs pumped and then dealing with liver problems for the rest of their lives. You would be waaaaaay worse off then you are now. Not to mention the fact that they can have you commited against your will if they think you're a danger to yourself. Call your local mental health agency and tell them you've been having suicidal thoughts. They can help you while letting you still be in control But don't put your family through the hell of your trying to kill yourself.