Sleeping pills are commonly used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and depression. But they also have dangerous side effects and can lead to drug addiction.
To avoid these side effects, follow these tips to use sleep aids safely. It’s especially important to take them as recommended and don’t mix them with alcohol.
They are used to treat insomnia
Sleeping pills are used to treat insomnia, a common problem that can make it hard for people to get enough sleep. Medications are often used to treat this condition because they may help you sleep faster or stay asleep longer.
The medications used to treat insomnia are also called sedative-hypnotics, and they work by working on receptors in your brain that slow your nervous system down so you can fall asleep or stay asleep. They come in different types, and some are more effective than others at inducing or maintaining sleep.
Some of these medicines have side effects, and some are habit-forming. These include a “hangover” effect the next day, and you can feel drowsy or have a headache.
Other options for treating insomnia are medication-free, such as behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors that keep you from sleeping well. It’s much more effective than sleeping pills at treating long-term insomnia.
They are used to treat anxiety
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They work by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA. This helps to calm you and promote sleep.
Depending on the type of anxiety you have, your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications or other therapies. SSRIs, tricyclics, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are commonly prescribed.
Non-pharmacological treatment strategies, such as acupuncture and mindfulness meditation, are sometimes also used. Chamomile supplements and diluted aromatherapy oils have also been shown to reduce anxiety.
Health care providers should first consider underlying medical causes, such as hyperthyroidism or other endocrine conditions. If these are the cause of your anxiety, the underlying condition should be addressed.
They are used to treat depression
Antidepressants are one of the most common types of medication that healthcare providers prescribe. They can help treat depression by changing the way your brain uses certain chemicals (called neurotransmitters) to regulate your mood and behavior.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed types. They work by keeping levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the gap between nerve cells, potentially strengthening circuits that regulate mood. You can buy diazepam vallium 10mg online.
They can be a good choice for people who have a mild to moderate case of depression and don’t need psychotherapy. However, they can’t always treat the causes of depression.
If you have treatment-resistant depression, it may be better to see a psychiatrist for medications. They have specific expertise in mental health conditions and have a greater understanding of how these medications can affect your body.
Sleeping pills can cause serious side effects, especially if you take them for long periods of time. These include headaches, dizziness, difficulty swallowing and breathing and sleep-related behaviors such as sleep-walking or sleep-driving.
They are used to treat narcolepsy
Medications are used as part of the treatment for narcolepsy in order to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness, hallucinations and sleep paralysis. Depending on your specific diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe several medications or a combination of drugs to help you get the best results.
Amphetamines and similar stimulants, such as Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) and Adderall, are effective in promoting wakefulness by increasing brain levels of dopamine. However, these medications are not recommended for all people because they can cause negative side effects, such as nervousness, irritability and addiction.
Another popular narcolepsy medication is modafinil, also known as Provigil or Nuvigil. This prescription drug increases alertness and reduces EDS associated with narcolepsy.
Sunosi ( solriamfetol) is another FDA-approved narcolepsy medication that can reduce excessive sleepiness and improve your ability to stay awake for longer periods of time. This dual-acting dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor has proven to be effective in reducing the symptoms of narcolepsy.
Conclusion:
Narcoleptics who take these medications should be carefully monitored for side effects and possible drug interactions with other medications they may be taking. Patients with high blood pressure or a heart condition should be especially vigilant for potential problems.