home Adviсe Why are sleeping pills dangerous? What are the pros and cons of taking sleeping pills?

Why are sleeping pills dangerous? What are the pros and cons of taking sleeping pills?

At the first signs of insomnia, many resort to taking sleeping pills. It is worth noting that not all of them are safe for the body. Many have a huge amount side effects and contraindications. In addition, most of them are addictive, and sudden withdrawal leads to withdrawal symptoms.

Therefore, choose medications that promote falling asleep quickly, should be used with caution, or better yet, after consulting a doctor. We will learn further about which sleeping pills have a fast-acting effect and are most safe for health.

Before you start taking medicines Those struggling with insomnia should find out the cause of this condition. Here are the main ones:

stress;
experiences;
anxiety states;
– respiratory stops during night rest;
bad habits;
overwork;
mental and physical stress;
long-term use of medications;
drinking caffeinated drinks before bed;
existing diseases – bronchial asthma, thyroid problems, oncology, kidney and liver diseases, pathologies digestive tract.

In addition, changing time zones and moving can be a source of sleep difficulties.

Sleeping pills are divided into several groups:

Benzodiazepine group. Suitable for those who have trouble sleeping due to unreasonable anxiety, fear, worries and phobias. This includes Phenazepam, Sibazon. If you use medications from this group for a long time - more than 2 weeks, this will lead to dependence and increased symptoms. With a single dose, no negative consequences The use of benzodiazepines does not lead to this.
Barbiturate acid derivatives. Used in cases of serious sleep disorders. This group includes: “Barbital”, “Hexobarbatal”, “Phenobarbital”, “Relodorm”. Prescribed as anticonvulsants, hypnotics, and relaxants. At long-term use addiction syndrome may develop. In addition, barbiturates shorten the phase time REM sleep. When purchasing, the pharmacist requires a doctor's prescription.
Preparations with melatonin. These medications are among the safest. Do not affect sleep cycles, do not cause drowsiness or fatigue during the day. This group includes: “Melaxen”, “Melarena”, etc.
Z- drugs. The most effective and safest products with hypnotic effect. They have no side effects, and no cases of overdose have been observed. It is worth noting that too long use leads to addiction. This group includes Ivadol, Andante, Zopiclone.

There is another group of drugs that affects the quality of sleep - antihistamines. This includes Diprazine and Diphenhydramine. Not suitable for the treatment of severe forms of insomnia.

Drugs fast action are prescribed for difficulties falling asleep, numerous awakenings at night, shallow sleep, as well as increasing the duration of night rest, eliminating agitation, and improving sleep quality.

It is worth noting that all drugs with a hypnotic effect that have quick effect, there is one common feature. They help relax muscles and suppress the activity of certain areas of the brain responsible for tension and anxiety.

Important! All drugs with hypnotic effects lengthen the duration of the REM sleep phase, but reduce the deep sleep stage.

List of rapid-acting sleeping pills

To begin with, we will describe medications that are sold in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription and are the safest for the body.

The main substance that is part of the medicine is melatonin. It is recommended to take 1 tablet before a night's rest - half an hour before. If severe problems with falling asleep are observed, the dosage can be doubled.

Melaxen is eliminated from the body very quickly. Other advantages include:

acceleration of falling asleep;
does not lead to drowsiness during the day;
does not cause mental or physical dependence;
the number of awakenings during the night's rest is reduced.

Disadvantages include the inability to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with hormonal disorders, individual intolerance to the components of the drug, disorders of the kidneys, diabetes mellitus the medicine is also prohibited for use.

The cost of the drug is 650 rubles.

According to reviews, we can conclude: the drug "Melaxen" is very effective. Many claim that the medicine does not cause drowsiness and promotes instant falling asleep and deep sleep.

"Donormil" is a fast-acting sleeping pill. The main active ingredient is doxylamine. In pharmacies you can find it in the form regular tablets and “fizzy drinks” that dissolve in water. The drug is prescribed for sleep disorders, insomnia, and frequent awakenings.

The action begins 10-15 minutes after administration. During this period of time, ethanolamine H-1 receptors are blocked. The duration of action of the drug is from 6 to 8 hours. Take ½ tablet 10-15 minutes before bedtime. Duration of therapy is 3-5 days. For serious sleep disorders, the dose may increase to 1-2 tablets.

Among the contraindications it should be noted:

the patient has angle-closure glaucoma;
problems with urination in men, prostate diseases.

Expectant mothers are allowed to use Donormil in any form. The medicine should not be given to children under 15 years of age. People who suffer from temporary cessation of breathing during night rest (apnea) should be careful.

Important! In order for the drug to put you to sleep faster, doctors recommend ventilating the room before resting at night, providing yourself with a comfortable sleeping place, not overeating and not watching films that affect the psyche.

Side effects include urinary retention, dry mouth, and constipation.

The main analogues of the drug are “Reslip”, “Sonmil”. The price of Donormila is 330 rubles. Released.

Many people claim that with the help of Donormil you can fall asleep in 10 minutes. Also, those using this drug note the absence of side effects and drowsiness in daytime.

Dreamz is completely natural preparation, which has hypnotic and sedative effects. It is absolutely safe, as it consists entirely of plant materials. It can be taken even by children as young as 2 years old.

Available in the form of drops. Used for insomnia chronic form, irritability, mental disorders, anxiety, depression, unreasonable fear, waking up frequently during the night's rest, long periods of falling asleep.

Adults need to use the drug at night - for insomnia, 3 times a day - for anxiety. Dosage – 5 ml.

The cost of Dreamz is 1600 rubles. The composition of the product is similar to “Sonylux”.

Numerous reviews say that the drug is good for anxiety, especially when expected the next day. important events. “Dreams” quickly calms you down and relieves anxiety. The next morning no drowsiness. Most of those who tried this medicine recommend it for use.

"Sonylux" is another medicine with a hypnotic and sedative effect, which consists only of plant materials. The drug helps you fall asleep quickly, reduce the number of awakenings and eliminate the sources of lack of sleep and insomnia. Besides, active ingredients, contained in this product, easily eliminate irritability, anxiety, fear, aggression, and chronic fatigue.

For insomnia, take 1 scoop 30 minutes before bedtime on an empty stomach. For psycho-emotional disorders, the number of doses should be increased to three.

The cost of the drug is 990 rubles. An analogue is “Dreams”.

Many claim that the drug is absolutely safe. Its effect is equivalent to strong sleeping pills, which with prolonged use lead to addiction. “Sonylux,” according to reviews, acts almost instantly, sleep comes quickly, the nervous system calms, and in the morning there is no drowsiness or fatigue.

Another product that can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription is Valocardin. This is one of the most safe drugs, which will not only speed up the process of falling asleep, but also eliminate the symptoms of angina pectoris, and also reduce high blood pressure.

The main active ingredients of Valocardin are: phenobarbital, validol. Prescribed for insomnia caused by irritability, anxiety states, neurosis. The drug is available in the form of drops. Taken at night half an hour before bedtime. Dosage – 15 drops (can be increased to 25 if necessary).

Advantages of Valocordin:

Relieves pain.
Reduces blood pressure.
Improves blood circulation.
Prevents vascular spasms.
Eliminates intestinal bloating.
Reduces the excitability of some parts of the central nervous system.
Blocks the activity of the area of the brain responsible for anxiety, anxiety, and excitement.
Does not inhibit reactions.

Among the disadvantages are the following:

As mentioned earlier, one of the main active ingredients is phenobarbital. So, frequent use products containing it are addictive.
Systematic use may cause dizziness and drowsiness during the day.

The drug should not be taken by breastfeeding women or pregnant women.

The cost of “Valokardina” is 50 rubles. Among the analogues one can note - “Corvalol”, “Validol”, “Barboval”, “Darvilol”.

An excellent remedy that not only relieves anxiety and improves sleep, but also eliminates stomach pain. All those who use this remedy, talk about its effectiveness and safety.

“Phyto-novo-sed” consists entirely of plant components. It has no side effects (except for allergies to the herbs it contains).

The main indication for the use of the drug is neurotic conditions, which are accompanied by anxiety, irritability, fear, insomnia, and headaches.

Important! Among the advantages of “Fito-novo-sed” is the absence of drowsiness, which makes it possible to take it during the day.

The use of the drug is contraindicated:

children under 18 years of age, expectant mothers and women who are breastfeeding;
people with HIV infection;
at autoimmune diseases, tuberculosis, leukemia.

You need to take the medicine 3 times a day - for psycho-emotional disorders, and before bed - if you suffer from insomnia. Dosage – 0.5 teaspoon of extract. Be sure to dissolve in 50 ml of water. The course of treatment is 14 days.

The price of the medicine is 90 rubles.

Most people suffering from insomnia report good result after using "Fito-novo-sed". Sleep occurs within a few minutes after use. The medicine quickly calms down, relieves irritability, and does not cause fatigue or drowsiness during the day.

"Sleep Formula"

The composition of this dietary supplement is dominated by traditional “sleepy” herbs, such as hops and passionflower, as well as vitamins B and Magnesium. This composition makes it easier to fall asleep and get a deeper and more quality sleep. There is also a version of the drug enhanced with phytomelatonin.

The drug has a natural herbal composition, is available in various forms (tea, tablets, syrup), suitable even for children (from 3 years old), improves sleep quality, relieves stress. What is important is that he passed clinical trials on the basis of the clinics of the State Research Institute of Mental Health of Tomsk Scientific Center SB RAMS and is not addictive. Among the disadvantages, buyer reviews note that the Sleep Formula does not act immediately, but has a cumulative effect. Contraindications: intolerance to components, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

"Tryptophan Calm Formula"

A drug based on the amino acid L-tryptophan, which affects the sleep-wake cycle. Also contains vitamin B and pantothenic acid, which are important for maintaining the body's anti-stress functions.

The drug improves mood well during the day, reduces irritability, helps to calm down and fall asleep during insomnia due to stress, good composition. Among the disadvantages, consumers note the price of the product. Contraindications include intolerance to the components, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

Medicines available only with a doctor's prescription

Another drug that almost instantly solves the problem of falling asleep is Phenazepam. Refers to a number of tranquilizers. Among all sleeping pills, this medicine is considered to be the best. The hypnotic effect of Phenazepam can be expected 15 minutes after administration. It is recommended to take it for insomnia that appears due to fears, anxiety, and phobias.

Important! The fast-acting sleeping pill Phenazepam relieves anxiety and is used as an anticonvulsant drug.

It is prescribed in the following dosage: for adults, the daily dose can reach 6 grams. main active ingredient (in difficult cases). One-time optimal dose– 250-500 mcg.

Take 1 time per day before bedtime - half an hour before. Long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms and dependence.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be careful. It is not allowed to use the drug together with alcohol. Duration of therapy is 2 weeks, no more.

Upon purchase, the pharmacist requires a prescription from the doctor. Price – from 85 to 200 rubles.

According to doctors, Phenazepam is last resort for insomnia. There are milder medications that will relieve restlessness, anxiety and irritability that lead to insomnia.

“What drug should I take to make me fall asleep instantly?” — many people ask at a doctor’s appointment. "Imovan" is a fast-acting sleeping pill. It is prescribed in the following cases:

for sleep disorders;
when the process of falling asleep is difficult;
with numerous awakenings during the night's rest;
for situational insomnia;
for chronic insomnia;
when sleep disturbances are associated with neurosis, anxiety, and unreasonable fears.

People with respiratory and heart failure, apnea, children under 15 years of age, as well as pregnant and lactating women should not take Imovan.

A single dosage for people over 15 years of age is 7.5 mg. IN severe cases, as prescribed by the doctor, it can be increased to 15 mg. Elderly people and those who suffer from severe renal impairment should start with a dosage of 3.75 mg.

Among unwanted effects Disorders in the organs of the digestive tract, disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system (head pain, drowsiness, blurred vision, hallucinations, scary dreams, confusion, dizziness) can be noted.

You cannot combine the use of Imovan and alcoholic drinks. The drug is dispensed only with a medical prescription from a doctor. Cost – 550-900 rubles.

According to reviews, “Imovan” really helps you fall asleep almost instantly. Only a few complain about the many side effects that manifest themselves in daytime drowsiness, as well as difficulty waking up in the morning. morning time.

"Ivadal" is included in the category "sedative, fast-acting sleeping pills" The medicine is good to use when there are sleep disturbances, chronic lack of sleep, insomnia, constant awakenings during the night's rest.

Important! The next morning, drowsiness after taking Ivadal does not persist.

It is better not to take the drug for people with impaired gas exchange in the lungs, apnea, severe renal pathologies, liver diseases, as well as children under 18 years of age, women expecting a child (in the first trimester) and nursing mothers.

Undesirable effects include disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, and allergic reactions. When taking the drug for a long time (more than 1 week), addiction develops.

The tablets should be taken a quarter of an hour before bedtime. Single dose – 0.1 g. The course of therapy is from 2 to 5 days. If the doctor has prescribed to continue treatment for more than a week, then the drug should be discontinued gradually.

The medicine is dispensed only with a doctor's prescription. The cost of the medicine is 830 rubles.

As for those who have tried the drug on themselves, the reviews are generally positive. Many people talk about the rapid action of the medicine. The drug is especially good for shallow sleep and frequent awakenings.

To quickly fall asleep, doctors often prescribe Reladorm to patients. The medicine has combined action. It begins to act within 15-20 minutes. It has the following effects on the body:

sedative;
hypnotic;
anxiolytic, that is, it relieves anxiety.

In pharmacies it is found only in tablet form. The medicine includes the following substances: calcium cyclobarbital, diazepam. Prescribed for sleep disorders caused by anxiety and neuroses.

People with:

In addition, the drug is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, children under 15 years of age, and elderly people over 65 years of age. The use of "Reladorm" is prohibited in case of severe poisoning with alcohol and drugs that affect nervous system.

You need to take the drug 15 minutes before bedtime, ½ or a whole tablet orally. Side effects include digestive tract disorders, allergies, low blood pressure, dizziness, weakness, and fainting. Duration of treatment – 7 days (no longer possible, as there is a possibility of developing withdrawal syndrome).

The medicine is dispensed only with a doctor's prescription. The price varies between 380-600 rubles. Analogues are: “Sibazon”, “Relium”, “Seduxen”.

Opinions about this drug are divided. Some talk about its effectiveness, while others complain about a large number of side effects.

The main substance of Sanval is zolpidem. It is sold only in tablet form. The medicine is prescribed to people who complain of systematic and early awakenings during the night, as well as difficulty falling asleep.

The disadvantages of the drug include the inability to use in depression, as well as a negative effect on the central nervous system and digestive tract.

The optimal dosage of Sanval is 10-20 mg (maximum). Elderly people should take no more than 5 mg of the active ingredient. The tablets should be taken before bedtime. The duration of treatment is no more than 4 weeks. The withdrawal should be gradual.

The price of the drug is 350 rubles.

Many people speak positively about this drug. After using it, sleep comes quickly. However, there are also those who talk about undesirable effects, among which the most common are daytime drowsiness and short-term stomach pain.

Another good one quick cure- “Andante.” The drug belongs to the group of pyrazolo-pyrimidines. It is considered one of the safest of this category. It is prescribed to help you fall asleep faster and prevent early awakening. The main component, zaleplon, begins to act within 15 minutes. Available in capsule form.

It is not recommended for people who are intolerant to the components that make up the drug, as well as for expectant mothers. In addition, there is no need to use the rapid-acting sleeping pill “Andante” for pulmonary and renal failure, as well as girls breastfeeding and children under 18 years of age.

Among the advantages can be noted:

accelerating the process of falling asleep;
reducing the number of awakenings at night;
elimination severe form sleep disorders.

It is worth noting that the drug has several side effects: from the central nervous system - lethargy, passivity, headache, dizziness, short temper, aggressiveness; from the digestive tract - vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, pain in the entire abdominal area. IN in rare cases Skin rashes and allergies are noted.

Important! The fast-acting drug Andante is addictive if taken for a long time. With systematic use, withdrawal syndrome develops, which manifests itself in the form of increased symptoms of insomnia.

Price “Andante” – 470 rubles.

Many who have taken Andante talk about its immediate effect. However, there are those who claim that they will no longer take this medicine due to side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and tiredness during the day.

The main component of the drug is diphenhydramine. "Diphenhydramine" has sedative and hypnotic effects. The therapeutic effect occurs 1 hour after administration and lasts about 6 hours.

It is recommended to take 50 mg 1 hour before bedtime. Undesirable effects include disturbances in the functioning of the nervous, respiratory, reproductive, immune, digestive, and cardiovascular systems. Such failures occur only when the drug is overdosed.

Not allowed for use by people with glaucoma, asthma, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The price of the drug is 100 rubles.

As for the reviews, they are both positive and negative. Doctors say that Diphenhydramine is a drug that should be taken for insomnia only in extreme cases.

Sleeping pills should be taken with caution. Since many of them cause addiction with a subsequent increase in insomnia symptoms. Therefore, before purchasing sleeping pills without a prescription, it is better to consult a doctor.

It may be that taking medications with a soporific effect is not necessary at all. Indeed, in most cases, sleep problems can be eliminated by adjusting nutrition, daytime routine, and giving up bad habits etc.

Despite the dangerous side effects, sleeping pills are the most popular medicine for. You should have a good idea of what their advantages and disadvantages are, and whether they provide natural sleep, before resorting to the pharmacological assistance of these drugs.

According to statistics, up to 9 million different sleeping pills are taken annually in the United States. Moreover, they are most popular among people over 60 years old, and this age group makes up only 15% of the world's population.

A little history

Sleeping pills as medicine appeared about a hundred years ago. Attempts to normalize sleep with the help of herbal remedies and elixirs have been made at all times, because insomnia is as old as the world.

In the Middle Ages, doctors used healing ointments, rubdowns, compresses and poultices to treat sleep disorders, and they successfully used the same drugs for pain relief during operations.

Alcohol has long been considered a generally accepted sleeping pill, but it gives short-term inadequate sleep, which gives way to unpleasant symptoms hangover.

Also, hashish, opium and other derivatives of substances extracted from plants of the nightshade family, belladonna, for example, were previously considered favorite remedies for insomnia (insomnia). All these remedies were ineffective in treating sleep disorders and, moreover, could be harmful to health.

At the end of the 19th century, “real” hypnotics—sleep-inducing drugs—appeared, namely paradelhyd and chloral hydrate. They are still on the list modern medicines, but are used extremely rarely, this is due to bad taste and smell.

Classic sleeping pills of the last century

Barbiturates. In 1864, barbituric acid was synthesized from urea and malonic acid, which became the basis for the extremely popular and “reliable” sleeping pill of the last century - barbiturate. At the beginning of the 20th century, these sleeping pills were prescribed more often than any other medicine for insomnia.

However, the reliability and effectiveness of this product had a dangerous reverse side– a tenfold overdose caused severe poisoning, which was initially accompanied by confusion of consciousness and then led to its complete loss.

Further, the situation worsened - shock was accompanied by impaired functioning of the kidneys and lungs, hypothermia (lower body temperature). If a person poisoned by a barbiturate did not receive immediate medical assistance, the chance of recovery was very small.

Another disadvantage of barbiturates was the possibility of poisoning children due to adult negligence. But the most incriminating fact was its use for suicide: about 10% of all suicides in 1963 in the United States were committed with the help of barbiturates.

Barbiturates, like other sleeping pills, cause dependence and addiction, the so-called barbiturate addiction.

This medicine is used by drug addicts to enhance the “high” in combination with opiates. When abruptly stopping drug use, a barbiturate addict experiences a barbiturate hangover, a life-threatening withdrawal symptom.

Thus,

Barbiturates, while providing improved sleep, carried a great threat to health with their side effects.

Efforts to develop more harmless sleeping pills continued, and in 1956, pharmaceutical market performs and gains wide popularity - Thalidomide, a new generation drug.

Thalidomide

Its main advantage is that even with a significant overdose there are no symptoms of poisoning; doctors form the opinion that thalidomide is a safe sleeping pill.

But... 5 long years passed before medical world It became clear that the greatest pharmacological disaster had occurred. Women who took thalidomide during pregnancy began to give birth to monstrously deformed children.

Calculations showed that about 10 thousand such children were born, and almost half of them survived. Following this disaster, laws are passed that tighten the requirements for testing a new drug.

Sedatives (sedatio – means calm, lat.) or psycholeptics

– have a general calming effect, regulating the functions of the central nervous system (CNS): inhibition processes increase (reduce the severity of reactions to various external stimuli), excitation processes decrease (reduce wakefulness).

Psycholeptics make falling asleep easier and deepen sleep.

Sedatives include:

Bromides (camphor bromide, potassium and sodium bromide) are synthetic substances,

Preparations made on the basis medicinal plants(valerian root, passionflower herb, motherwort flowers, peony, mint and others).

Bromides

found application in medicine back in the 19th century. Their action is aimed at restoring equilibrium processes of inhibition and excitation in the cerebral cortex; the dose of drugs is determined by the individual degree of dysfunction of the central nervous system.

Bromides are prescribed for various neurotic disorders and as a sedative.

A feature of this group of drugs is their slow elimination from the body; it takes about 12 days to reduce their concentration in the blood by half.

The accumulation of bromides can provoke chronic poisoning, bromism, manifested by apathy, general lethargy, memory impairment, inflammation of the mucous membranes and the appearance skin rash.

Valerian preparations

have a moderate sedative effect, enhance the effects of sleeping pills and have an antispasmodic effect. The composition is based on essential oil, consisting of esters, organic acids, borneol, alkaloids (chatinin and valerine), tannins, sugar and others.

Motherwort preparations

Combination drugs

(valocordin, corvalol, ankylosing spondylitis, validol and others) contain a complex of sedatives.

Indications for the use of sedatives:

Irritability, increased nervous excitability,
vegetative-vascular disorders,
sleep disorders,
neuroses and neurosis-like conditions.

Sedatives have good tolerability, absence of dangerous side effects(do not cause addiction, physical and mental dependence, drowsiness, muscle relaxation, etc.).

Despite the weaker sedative effect compared to modern benzodiazepines (tranquilizers), these drugs are deservedly popular among doctors, especially for treating people in the elderly and senile age group.

Modern sleeping pills

Benzodiazepines(pharmaceutical term)

appeared in pharmacies in the 60s of the last century in the form of tranquilizers: librum, elenium, seduxen. Several years later, doctors come to understand that the sedative effect of these drugs can be used to combat insomnia.

It is now known that it is impossible to draw a clear line between the tranquilizing and hypnotic effects of benzodiazepines.

The use of benzodiazepines in practical medicine has made significant progress; they have replaced barbiturates and other classical hypnotics. Although the dose of benzodiazepines is 10 to 100 times less than that of a barbiturate, their overdose is also fraught with poisoning, they cause drug dependence with constant use, but the health threat from their use is much less.

Overdose these funds to fatal outcome rarely leads. However, the danger increases significantly when a large dose is combined with alcohol or other psychotropic (altering mental and emotional condition) drug.

The quality of a sleeping pill is determined by three requirements:

1. Reducing sleep latency - the time interval between the moment of going to bed and the moment of falling asleep.

2. Reducing the duration and frequency of periods of wakefulness during the night.

3. Increase in total sleep duration.

Fast-acting sleeping pills affect sleep in the first half of the night, and slow-acting ones affect sleep in the second half.

Side effects of sleeping pills

Hypnotic, sleep-inducing, indistinguishable from the natural, would be considered ideal. But, unfortunately, everything modern drugs change the structure of sleep and EEG.

Barbiturates suppress paradoxical sleep, reducing its duration by 10 to 15 percent. After stopping taking sleeping pills, this sleep phase increases by 40%. Suffering and deep slow sleep, especially when treated with benzodiazepines.

Sleeping pills do not have the best effect on brain activity during sleep, distorting the natural picture on the night of taking the medicine and continuing their effect next night, free from it.

An ideal sleeping pill should only affect the quality of sleep at night, without affecting our state during daytime wakefulness.

But any sleeping pill has aftereffect,

violating psychological condition on the day after taking the medicine the night before, the person may experience drowsiness until noon, fatigue, decreased mental performance. His condition resembles a hangover.

The sedative effect slows down the reaction and the patient is not aware of his lethargic state, which can be fraught in situations that require high concentration attention.

In Finland, for example, a blood test of drivers injured in road accidents showed the presence of benzodiazepines in the blood. The aftereffects of these tranquilizers are felt even a day after taking them.

There is another type of aftereffect of sleeping pills - “recoil of insomnia.”

It is observed with an abrupt cessation of taking sleeping pills, which have a short period of elimination from the body, and manifests itself as sleep disturbance. This happens due to drug dependence on a drug taken for a long time.

Sleep becomes more disturbed and superficial for several nights. If the patient cannot stand it and returns to taking this drug, drug dependence continues.

This situation can be eliminated by gradually reducing the dose of sleeping pills taken.

Aged people are more concerned about sleep disturbances and increase their consumption of sleeping pills. However, the aftereffects of drugs at this age can be more severe: confusion, dizziness, and memory loss are possible.

Often these symptoms are attributed to senile (senile) symptoms. Therefore, when choosing sleeping pills for an elderly person, special care should be taken.

"Natural" sleeping pills

The most famous home remedy for insomnia is alcohol:

Serious Scientific research not confirmed hypnotic properties alcohol, but many people admit that a drink before bed makes it easier to fall asleep. The problem is this: a small dose of alcohol is ineffective in serious disorder sleep, and the effect of a larger dose is aimed only at the first half of the night.

Back in 1891, Hard, an American doctor, wrote that sleep caused by alcohol is very short; waking up a few hours after drinking alcohol, a person does not feel rested, and cannot fall asleep again until the morning. In addition, such a “medicine” gives a well-known side effect - hangover symptoms.

All kinds of herbal medicines,

manufactured according to folk recipes, is often presented as natural medicines that provide natural sleep, as opposed to artificially created ones chemical substances. But when using such natural sleeping pills, you should be careful: the properties of plants have not been thoroughly studied and may have dangerous side effects.

Summary

In conclusion, I would like to draw attention to the fact that

sleeping pills are potent drugs the influence of which is not limited to the regulation of sleep functions, they aggravate snoring and sleep apnea, have an impact on brain functions, so their use should not be chaotic, from time to time.

Alexander Borbeli, a famous sleep researcher, recommends:

Understand the reasons for your insomnia, be proactive about your own problems and try to solve them. Passively swallowing pills leads to the belief that sleeping pills are necessary and that you can’t sleep without them.Don’t get used to sleeping pills - this “pharmacological crutch” is fraught with drug dependence, a kind of drug addiction.

Sleeping pills should not be considered as a treatment, this is a means for temporary relief of suffering, the first step in complex treatment true disease that led to insomnia.

Even with existing indications, you should adhere to the minimum dose, and the course of admission is the shortest. It has been proven that as the course lengthens, the effectiveness of sleeping pills decreases.

Insomnia in modern world begins to pursue more and more more people. This disease is provoked by stress at work, conflicts, lack of sleep and others. various diseases. To treat insomnia, many people use various sleeping pills. But few people think about the dangers of sleeping pills.

Despite the variety of sleeping pills in the modern world of medicine, which differ in their mechanism of action (barbiturates and benzodiazepines), each of them has its own side effects.

The main side effects of sleeping pills include physical dependence from drugs and depression of the nervous system. Tranquilizers are especially addictive.

The harm of sleeping pills is especially pronounced if they are taken together with alcohol, since the effect of the drug increases several times, which leads to arrhythmia and cessation of blood circulation. In many cases this ends in death.

Consequences of long-term use of sleeping pills.

Overdose of sleeping pills.

Upon admission large quantity sleeping pills the muscles relax, breathing becomes very rare and shallow, cardiac activity slows down, and reflexes disappear. This leads to death or causes coma.

If a person is lucky and these options pass him by, then with an overdose of sleeping pills, other unpleasant consequences. Most often it is stress, mental disorders. Various diseases also occur: pneumonia, heart failure or impaired renal function.

In case of overdose of sleeping pills plant origin there is drowsiness during the day or, conversely, overexcitation, as well as nausea.

List of strong sleeping pills.

One of the strong sleeping pills is Donormil. It can be sold in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription, although it is a prescription. This sleeping pill has many side effects, drug dependence develops quickly, and also has many limitations.

Melaxen or melatonin is available in pharmacies without a prescription and is an analogue natural hormone sleep. Its advantage is that it is impossible to overdose when taking melatonin.

Z-group drugs (Zolpidem, Zopiclone) are strong sleeping pills that help even in cases of long-term insomnia. They do not disrupt the physiological parameters of sleep, and dependence on them occurs very rarely. Sold with prescription only.

If you suffer from sleep disorders, it's best to start by trying folk remedies from insomnia. If sleep does not return to normal, you should not start taking sleeping pills uncontrolledly, but consult a specialist. This way you can determine the cause of insomnia, and the doctor will prescribe medications for you in accordance with your age and gender.

About half of people suffer
. There are many reasons for sleep disturbance. Many people decide on their own
about taking sleeping pills, because there are sleeping pills that are sold without
prescription And rarely does anyone consult a doctor about sleep disorders and selection
drugs. wants to talk about sleeping pills, about how to correctly them
take, about side effects.

What is a sleeping pill?

Certain drugs are prescribed for
insomnia treatment. They should be taken immediately before going to bed at night. Their
should not be taken in the morning, as they cause severe drowsiness,
a person's concentration is reduced, so it can be dangerous when driving
car, when working on machines, etc.

It is important to understand that sleeping pills are
An effective remedy to solve short-term sleep problems. Very
it is important to know all the information about sleeping pills in order to take them correctly and
avoid side effects. You should also remember that if you start
Taking sleeping pills does not mean that you no longer need to maintain hygiene
sleep and daily routine.

Sleeping pills are classified as sedatives
medications that are used to improve or support normal sleep.
There are three groups of drugs:

Benzodiazepines. This
a type of antidepressant that increases sleepiness and promotes rapid
falling asleep. These drugs are used only for short-term treatment, So
How are they addictive?
Barbiturates. This
This type of medication causes drowsiness by suppressing the nervous system. Eat
preparations of long and short acting, are used as a sedative and
sleeping pills. But most often this type drugs used in
quality of anesthesia.
Other types
sleeping pills. The new kind drugs that reduce the time spent
to fall asleep. Such drugs are not addictive.

Side effects of sleeping pills

Like any drug, sleeping pills too
has side effects.

If a person suffers from asthma, he is given sleeping pills
with extreme caution, as some drugs may slow down breathing,
make breathing less deep. For asthmatics and people with obstructive conditions
lung diseases are very dangerous.

Most common side effects
actions:

These potential side effects
you need to know in order to prevent their occurrence or choose others
medications, and know when to see a doctor.

But besides the above, side
actions, there are more serious violations. And these include parasomnia,
which is uncontrollable behavior and actions of a person,
and the person is absolutely unaware of what is happening to him. Human can
unconsciously eat food, can make calls and perform any other actions while
during sleep.

Taking sleeping pills incorrectly
An overdose can lead to sleep disturbances and side effects.

Some people may experience
allergy to sleeping pills. Therefore, if the following symptoms occur, you should
Contact your doctor immediately:

Deterioration
vision
Pain
in the chest
Difficulty
breathing or swallowing, shortness of breath
Rash
or itching
Nausea
and vomiting
Hoarseness
Rapid
or loud heartbeat
Swelling
mucous membranes

At the first such signs you should
Stop taking these medications immediately.

The most dangerous complication, which can
giving sleeping pills is anaphylaxis. It is an acute allergic
reaction. Severe swelling of the mucous membranes may occur. This condition is
deadly. Therefore, if you are allergic, then the doctor who prescribes you
sleeping pills, you should definitely tell this.

When to take sleeping pills

Before using sleeping pills
drug, be sure to read the instructions, because each drug has its own
specific features. The drug is taken shortly before bedtime.

Another important condition reception
sleeping pills - you need to be sure that you can get the sleep you need
amount of sleep, i.e. you will definitely have 8 hours of sleep, and you won’t have to early
get up and get behind the wheel.

Sleeping pills and alcohol

The combination of sleeping pills and alcohol is very
dangerous because alcohol increases the sedative effect of sleeping pills.
This condition can be life-threatening.

Who knew that during the reception
sleeping pills should not be eaten or drunk grapefruit juice. It turns out that he himself
grapefruit affects the amount of medicine that is concentrated in the blood and on
the time this medicine remains in the blood. Therefore, grapefruit can cause
drug overdose.

Sleeping pill addiction

If you long time torments
insomnia and your doctor decides that you take medication for
over several weeks, then in this case addiction may occur
body to this drug. A person may also develop psychological
addiction to sleeping pills. And often many people think that they will have to fall asleep
without sleeping pills, it begins to cause fear in a person. Therefore, so that there is no
such dependence, it is very important to follow the doctor's instructions and finish the appointment
medications when the doctor said.

In dental practice, sleeping pills in small dosages are used as sedatives before various procedures. In addition, they are used in complex therapy diseases of the oral mucosa such as pemphigus, erythema multiforme, and Dühring's disease. In combinations with non-narcotic analgesics (potentiating the effect of the latter), hypnotics are used for pain syndrome accompanying glossalgia, neuralgia, neuritis trigeminal nerve, pulpitis, periodontitis, etc.

A possible side effect of many sleeping pills, especially barbiturates, is cravings and withdrawal symptoms (with long-term use).

Barbituric acid derivatives

Barbamil(Barbamylum) Synonyms: Amytal sodium, Dormital(Dormiatl).

pharmachologic effect : has a hypnotic effect, providing sleep for 6-8 hours. In high doses it causes a narcotic effect.

Indications: used for insomnia and as a sedative and antispastic agent in dental patients with neurotic conditions, preoperative stress. Prescribed at night, on the eve of surgery or as a premedication before anesthesia.

Mode of application: prescribed orally before bedtime, 0.1-0.2 g per dose. The highest single dose for adults is 0.3 g, daily dose is 0.6 g.

Side effect: with long-term use, dysfunction of the liver and hematopoietic system is possible.

Contraindications: special caution is required when prescribing to patients with liver disease, kidney disease, pregnancy, hypogenia, chronic alcoholism.

: potentiates the effect of anesthetics, local anesthetics and analgesics.

Release form: powder and tablets of 0.1 and 0.2 g.

Storage conditions: Stored in a tight container. List B.

Phenobarbital(Phenobarbitalum). Synonyms: Barbinal, Dormiral. Luminal(Luminal).

pharmachologic effect: has a sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant effect. Reduces the excitability of the motor centers of the brain. Small doses have a positive effect on initial stages hypertension and vascular spasms.

Indications: used for sleep disorders. Prescribed at night, on the eve of dental operations and as a premedication before anesthesia.

Mode of application: prescribed for adults at 0.1-0.2 g per dose 1 hour before bedtime, for children - according to age and body weight. As a sedative and antispasmodic, 0.01-0.05 g is used orally 2 times a day in combination with papaverine, dibazol and others. antispasmodics. The highest single dose is 0.2 g, the daily dose is 0.5 g.

Side effect: general weakness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache.

Contraindications: kidney disease with impaired excretory function.

Interaction with other drugs: simultaneous use with antispasmodics potentiates their effect.

Release form: tablets of 0.05 and 0.1 g.

Storage conditions: list B.

Benzodiazepine derivatives

Midazolam(Midazolam). Synonyms: Dormicum(Dormicum) Flormidal(Flormidal).

pharmachologic effect: being a benzodiazepine derivative, it has a hypnotic, anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant effect. The hypnotic effect is due to increased GABAergic transmission in the central nervous system and increased activity of hypnogenic structures. Characterized by a rapid onset of action and rapid elimination from the body. To a lesser extent than other benzodiazepines, it is capable of accumulation in the body. Has some depressant effect on the cardiovascular system.

Indications: used for insomnia of various origins, and also as a means of premedication before surgical operations And diagnostic procedures. Not prescribed for primary treatment insomnia with severe forms depression and psychosis.

Mode of application: As a sleeping pill for adults, 7.5-15 mg is prescribed orally immediately before bedtime. For premedication, 2.5 mg is administered 5-10 minutes before the start of surgery slowly intravenously. If necessary, additional intravenous injections small doses of the drug (1 mg each). Elderly people are prescribed half the usual dose.

Side effect: may cause weakness, drowsiness, allergic reactions such as skin rash, urticaria, angioedema. In high doses, it can depress the cardiovascular system. Reduces the severity of the reaction, muscle tone, which must be taken into account in outpatient practice. Rarely causes anterograde amnesia.

Interaction with other drugs: potentiates action various drugs, depressing the functions of the central nervous system (barbiturates, analgesics, antipsychotics, alcohol).

Contraindications: pregnancy, myasthenia gravis, increased individual sensitivity to benzodiazepines. Use with caution in persons with organic damage brain, as well as in severe forms respiratory failure. In predisposed persons it can cause drug addiction.

Release form: tablets of 0.015 g, solution in ampoules containing 0.005 g of active substance in 1 ml.

Storage conditions: list B.

Nitrazepam(Nitrazepamum). Synonyms: Radedorm(Radedorm), Eunoctine(Eunoctin), Neozepam(Neozepam) .

pharmachologic effect: differs from other benzodiazepine derivatives by a more pronounced sedative and hypnotic effect. Promotes deepening and duration of sleep. Sleep occurs in 20-40 minutes and lasts 6-8 hours. After sleep, there is no feeling of heaviness and weakness.

Indications: used as a hypnotic for sleep disorders of various origins. Due to its sedative, hypnotic and muscle relaxant effects, it can be prescribed in the pre- and postoperative period.

Mode of application: prescribed orally 30-40 minutes before bedtime or on the eve of surgery. The dose for adults is 0.005-0.01 g. Elderly people are prescribed 0.0025-0.005 g.

Side effect: causes drowsiness, lethargy, impaired coordination of movements, ataxia, less often headache, nausea. It is not recommended for persons in camera professions on weekdays. Should be used with caution on an outpatient basis.

Contraindications: myasthenia gravis and the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Interaction with other drugs: see Diazepam.

Release form: tablets of 0.005 and 0.01 g.

Storage conditions

Fluiitrazepam(Flunitrazepam). Synonyms: Rohypnol(Rohypnol), Somnubene(Somnubene).

pharmachologic effect: being a benzodiazepine derivative, it has a strong hypnotic effect, which develops quickly and lasts 6-8 hours. It has sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant properties. When used as a premedication, it significantly potentiates the effect of analgesics and anesthetics.

Indications: used for sleep disorders, for premedication, induction of anesthesia, potentiation of anesthesia.

Mode of application: for sleep disorders, prescribed at night in doses of 0.001-0.006 g (elderly - 0.005-0.002 g; children under 15 years - 0.0005-0.002 g) for 25 days to 2-3 weeks. Towards the end of treatment, the dose is reduced. For premedication, adults are administered intramuscularly at 0.001-0.002 g (for children - 0.00015-0.003 g/kg body weight) 30-60 minutes before anesthesia. For induction anesthesia, it is prescribed intravenously slowly at a dose of 0.001-0.002 g, for children - 0.00015-0.0003 g/kg body weight. To maintain anesthesia, it is administered intravenously at intervals.

Side effect: when used as a sleeping pill after waking up, muscle weakness, headache, and a decrease in the speed of physical and mental reactions are possible. when used in anesthesiology (intravenous and intramuscular injection) possible respiratory depression, decreased blood pressure, especially in elderly patients.

Rarely causes a paradoxical reaction of excitement, anxiety. Like other benzodiazepines, it can cause the phenomenon of drug dependence, mainly mental, in predisposed patients. After parenteral administration of the drug, patients should be monitored for 24 hours.

Interaction with other drugs: mutually potentiates the inhibitory effect on the central nervous system of barbiturates, some antidepressants, antipsychotics, tranquilizers, opioid analgesics, antihistamines, sedatives, clonidine, ethyl alcohol. The drug enhances the effect of muscle relaxants. Cisapride may increase the sedative effect of flunitrazepam.

Contraindications: acute poisoning alcohol, sleeping pills, painkillers or antidepressants, chronic alcoholism, drug addiction, pregnancy and lactation.

Not recommended for children under 14 years of age, persons in operator professions, with impaired liver and kidney function, cerebrovascular accidents, depression of the respiratory center, individual hypersensitivity to the drug.

Release form: tablets 0.002 g (2 mg); dry substance in 0.002 g ampoules complete with solvent.

Storage conditions: in a place protected from light. List B.

Flurazelam(Flurazepam). Synonym: Apo-flurazepam(Apo-Flurazepam).

pharmachologic effect: benzodiazepine derivative. Has a pronounced hypnotic effect. Has moderate anxiolytic properties. Reduces the period of falling asleep, reduces the number of awakenings.

Indications: used for sleep disorders characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime and early awakenings.

Mode of application: prescribed orally at the lowest effective dose. The dose for adults averages 15-30 mg at bedtime. For elderly patients, the dose is selected individually, starting from 1 mg. The duration of treatment should not exceed 7~10 days. More if necessary long-term use drug requires additional examination.

Side effect: there is deterioration in memory, thought processes, mental changes, depression, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness, ataxia, pain in the chest and stomach, burning in the heart, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, dysuric phenomena.

Interaction with other drugs: When taken simultaneously with antihistamines and psychotropic drugs, depression of the central nervous system is observed. The activity of flurazepam is increased by drugs that inhibit liver enzymes (cimetidine, erythromycin).

Contraindications: It is not recommended for use in patients under 18 years of age, as well as in cases of respiratory dysfunction, paradoxical reaction to alcohol or sedatives and hypersensitivity to flurazepam or other benzodiazepines. Prescribe with caution to elderly patients, with liver and kidney diseases, chronic alcoholism, as well as to patients of operator professions.

Release form: capsules of 15 and 30 mg in a package of 100 pcs.

Storage conditions: out of reach of children at room temperature. List B.

Derivatives of other chemical series

Bromized(Bromisovalum). Synonym: Bromural(Bromuralum).

pharmachologic effect: has a calming and moderate hypnotic effect.

Indications: used to eliminate emotional stress associated with the need for various dental interventions in people with mental disorders.

Mode of application: prescribed as a sedative - 0.3-0.6 g orally 1-2 times a day; as a sleeping pill - 0.6-0.75 g orally per dose half an hour before bedtime (washed down with warm tea). The highest single dose is 1 g, daily dose is 2 g.

Side effect: allergic reactions are possible due to individual intolerance, as well as bromism phenomena.

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to bromine preparations.

Interaction with other drugs: potentiates the effect of anesthetics, local anesthetics and analgesics. Release form: powder and tablets of 0.3 g.

Storage conditions: in a place protected from light. List B.

Doxylamine(Doxylamine). Synonym: Donormil(Donormyl).

pharmachologic effect: a hypnotic drug of the ethanolamine class from the group of histamine H receptor blockers, has a sedative and M-anticholinergic effect. Reduces the time to fall asleep, increases the duration and quality of sleep without changing its phases.

Indications: sleep disorders, insomnia.

Mode of application: prescribe 1 tablet of the drug (15 mg of doxylamine succinate) orally 15-30 minutes before bedtime (the “effervescent” tablet is dissolved in 1/2 glass of water; the film-coated tablet is washed down with water). The dose of the drug can vary from 1/2 to 2 tablets.

Side effect: possible daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, impaired accommodation, constipation, urinary retention.

Contraindications: not prescribed to children under 15 years of age, as well as during breastfeeding, with glaucoma and urethroprostatic diseases, hypersensitivity to the drug.

Interaction with other drugs: simultaneous administration with barbiturates, narcotic analgesics, neuroleptics, tranquilizers enhances the inhibitory effect on the central nervous system.

Concomitant use with atropine or other M-anticholinergic drugs increases the risk of anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, urinary retention).

Release form: effervescent tablets, divisible, in a package of 20 pcs. Film-coated tablets in a package of 30 pieces (each tablet contains 15 mg of doxylamine succinate, filler - lactose, cellulose, sodium sulfate, etc.).

Storage conditions: in a dry, cool place.

Chloral hydrate(Chlorali hydras).

pharmachologic effect: has a complex effect on the central nervous system - from sedative, hypnotic and analgesic to narcotic - depending on the dose used. Small doses weaken inhibitory processes, large doses- reduce excitation processes. Sleep occurs within 15 minutes and lasts 6-8 hours.

Indications: used to eliminate emotional stress associated with the need for various dental interventions in people with a labile psyche.

Mode of application: prescribed as a sedative - 0.2-0.5 g orally; as a sleeping pill - 0.5-1 g orally with enveloping agents in mixtures 15-20 minutes before bedtime. The highest single dose for adults is 2 g, daily dose is 6 g.

Side effect: Causes a decrease in blood pressure. May irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.

Contraindications: Use with caution in severe forms of disease of cardio-vascular system, liver, kidneys, stomach and intestines.

Release form: powder. To relieve toothache, it is used as part of Denta dental drops (33.3 g of chloral hydrate, 33.3 g of camphor, 95% alcohol up to 100 ml, in 5 ml bottles).

Storage conditions: in a cool place, in a tight, dark container. List B.

Dentist's Guide to medicines
Edited by Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Professor Yu. D. Ignatov