SLEEP ALL NIGHT

A sedative is a drug that depresses the central nervous system by causing the following symptoms: 

• sleepiness
• calmness
• slowed breathing,relaxation
• reduction of anxiety
• staggering gait
• slurred speech
• poor judgment
• slow reflexes.

Sedatives may be referred to as:  

• tranquilizers
• depressants
• anxiolytics
• soporifics
• sleeping pills
• downers
• sedative-hypnotics. 

Many of these drugs, at high doses or when they are abused,  can cause unconsciousness and death!

Sedatives and their use: Recommendations

Four drugs used to treat insomnia being widely promoted to both doctors and consumers:

• zolpidem (Ambien and Ambien CR)
• eszopiclone (Lunesta)
• ramelteon (Rozerem)
• zaleplon (Sonata) Coution:

  Proprietary sleep aids and sedatives can cause delirium, coma and occasionally death in children and adults. The constituents in sleep aids that significantly effect central nervous system activity are bromides, methapyrilene, pyrilamine and scopolamine (hyoscine). Constituent proportions and mixtures vary greatly at different times since manufacturers make frequent adjustments. The effects of toxicity resulting from the misuse of ethylenediamines include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, incoordination, tremors, dry mouth, constipation and an acute poisoning syndrome. Management of adverse reactions produced by either methapyrilene or pyrilamine consists of dosage reduction or discontinuation. The acute poisoning syndrome requires implementation of general symptomatic and supportive principles. (From Unbound Medicine, by Dr. Thornton WE) 

  While effective, these medicines are not necessarily better than older, less expensive drugs for many people who need a sleep aid for a night or two. For example, non-prescription drugs containing antihistamines (Benadryl, Nytol, Tylenol PM, and Sominex) and older prescription sedatives called benzodiazepines may work just as well.

  Among the benzodiazepines approved as sleep aids are:

  • Eestazolam (ProSom)
  • Flurazepam (Dalmane) 
  • Temazepam (Restoril).