

However, some people do experience serious complications from a sleeping pill overdose, such as: If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position and wait for help. Try to keep the person awake and talking until help arrives. An overdose of sleeping medication can be fatal if not treated right away. The overdose may not be fatal, but it’s best to get medical help just in case. If someone takes too much of a sedative-hypnotic drug like Ambien, Lunesta, or Sonata, it can depress the central nervous system to the point where breathing is difficult. If you think someone has overdosed on sleeping pills, call 911 right away. What to Do if You Suspect an Overdose on Sleeping Pills? 22.6% of them or 3.7 million people misuse prescriptions for the first time. 16.3 million people misuse prescriptions in a year. Healthcare specialists generally agree that a high rate of use and availability drives reported rates of prescription drug abuse, addiction, and ultimately, overdose. Women are 11% more likely than men to be prescribed medication, but men are 22.9% more likely to misuse prescriptions.Ĥ5.8% of American adults used a prescription drug – legally or not – within the past 30 days. 20.9% of users report taking tranquilizers as sleep aids while 15.8% use tranquilizers to cope with emotions. In the US, 5.9 million people over the age of 12 abuse sedatives and/or tranquilizers, 20.1% for the first time. Among addicts, 253,100 or 12.7% acknowledge their addiction. The most common reason people give for prescription drug abuse is trouble sleeping.Ģ.0 million people or 11.9% of people who misuse prescriptions are definitively addicted to the prescription drugs they misuse. 3.99% of nationwide OD deaths occur in New Jersey. 3.70% of all deaths are from a drug overdose. In New Jersey, 2,805 overdose deaths per year. Sleeping pill overdoses are not common, but they do happen. Taking a higher dose than recommended can increase your risk of overdose. This means you’ll need to take higher and higher doses to get the same effect. If you’re taking them for more than a few weeks, your body may build up a tolerance to the medication.

It’s important to remember that sleeping pills are only meant for short-term use. However, most people who overdose on sleeping pills only take between 2 and 4 times the recommended dose. The amount of sleep medication that can cause an overdose varies from person to person. This slows down brain function and helps you fall asleep. Both types of sleep aids work by depressing the central nervous system. Over-the-counter drugs include brands like Benadryl and Unisom. Prescription medications include brands like Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata. There are two main types of sleep aids: prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. Today, they are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Sleepings pills have been around for over a century and were initially used to treat anxiety and insomnia. So if you’re taking any type of sleep aid, it’s important to follow the dosage instructions carefully. It’s important to remember that any sleep medication, including over-the-counter drugs like Benadryl and Unisom, can be dangerous in large amounts. Not following the dosage instructions on the label.Combining sleeping pills with other medications or alcohol.Sleeping pill overdoses can come as a result of the following: However, in some cases, an overdose can be deadly. Most people who overdose on sleeping pills only experience mild symptoms, such as nausea or dizziness. The average doses used for sleeping pills can vary, however, most sleeping pills are taken at a dose of:Ī sleeping pill overdose occurs when someone takes more than the recommended dose of sleep medication. What Are the Average Doses Used for Sleeping Pills? It is a sedative-hypnotic drug that works by slowing down the activity of the brain.

