• A sleeping pill overdose occurs when one has ingested a hazardous amount of sleeping pills, or sedatives. This can have a toxic effect on the body. According to the University of Michigan, side effects of an overdose of sleeping pills can include difficulty breathing, slurred speech, fainting, and shock.University of Michigan: What is an overdose of sedatives?

  The Mayo website suggests that before a patient takes sleeping pills, they should seek medical advice from a doctor to avoid an overdose.

• 1. Can result in deathMayo: What's right for you?
  2. Can happen when medications are mixedMayo: What's right for you?
  3. Can occur when mixed with alcoholMayo: What's right for you?
  4. Common types of sleeping pills: Amitriptyline, trazodone, nortriptyline and zolpidem tartrate
  5. Zolpidem tartrate is sold as Ambien by prescription http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125339394529025429.html
  6. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Drug_and_Addiction_Information/benzodiazepines_dyk.html
  7. Benzodiazepine side effects include confusion, disorientation, amnesia, depression and dizziness http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Drug_and_Addiction_Information/benzodiazepines_dyk.html

• Treatments

  • Stomach could be pumped
  • Charcoal may be administered
  • IV fluids
  • DialysisUniversity of Michigan: What is an overdose of sedatives?

• Sleeping Pill Types

  • Amitriptyline
  • Estazolam
  • Eszopiclone
  • Nortriptyline
  • Ramelteon
  • Trazodone
  • Triazolam
  • Temazepam
  • Zaleplon
  • ZolpidemMayo: What's right for you?

• Famous Victims

  • 1949: Will Cuppy
  • 1987: Mike Von Erich
  • 2008: Anna Nicole Smith
  • 2009: Heath Ledger

• Heath Ledger

  Heath Ledger was found unresponsive in January 2008 from an overdose of sleeping pills combined with the anti-anxiety medications Diazepam and Alprazolam. He was taken to the hospital and later declared dead.ABC News: Sleeping Pills, Anti-Anxiety Drugs Found at Scene (January 22, 2008)

• Disclaimer

  A Sleeping Pill Overdose is a medical emergency! Call 911 immediately!

Categories