Side Effects of a Sleep Aid
Sleep aids allow people who suffer from problems either falling asleep or staying asleep to have a better chance of combating their sleep disorders. Most sleep aids are only available by prescription, and a number of these drugs are potentially habit-forming narcotic remedies not intended for long-term use. There are also sedating antidepressants and over-the-counter medications that can be used as sleep aids. All sleeping medications have a risk of side effects, and prescription drugs are especially susceptible to causing addiction and even fatal overdoses.
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Precautions
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Virtually all sleeping pills should never be taken after drinking alcohol, according to MedlinePlus. This can dramatically increase the risk of fatal overdose. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended in 2007 that stronger warnings be placed on narcotic sleep aids. This is because some people who have taken drugs such as the hypnotic estazolam have, while asleep, engaged in potentially harmful behaviors like driving, sex and binge eating.
Estazolam
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Estazolam is available only in its generic form in the United States and is considered a sedative drug similar to benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, according to MedlinePlus. This sleep aid is not intended for long-term use. Serious side effects that require immediate medical help are: muscle spasms of the jaw, neck or back, slowed speech, inability to sit still, fever, problems breathing or swallowing, yellowing of the skin or eyes and irregular heartbeat. More common side effects associated with estazolam are weakness, grogginess, dry mouth, headache, heartburn and diarrhea.
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Desyrel
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Desyrel is a non-narcotic medication that is classified as a sedating antidepressant, according to the Mayo Clinic. This sleep aid is composed of trazodone and can also be used to treat depression and anxiety, according to MedlinePlus. Serious side effects that mandate emergency medical attention are shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fever, sore throat, chills, skin rash, hives, itching and breathing problems. More common side effects that can result from Desyrel treatment are nervousness, headache, nausea, vomiting, nightmares, muscle pain and sweating.
Amitriptyline
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Amitriptyline is a non-narcotic sleep aid that is a sedating tricyclic antidepressant, according to the Mayo Clinic. This medication is available only in its generic form in the United States and is also used to treat depression and anxiety, according to MedlinePlus. Serious side effects that constitute a medical emergency are unusual bleeding or bruising, uncontrollable shaking of any part of the body, fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, hives, itching and a long-lasting painful erection of the penis. More common side effects associated with amitriptyline are nausea, vomiting, weakness, ringing in the ears and nightmares.
Ativan
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Ativan is a sedative sleep aid that is composed of the benzodiazepine drug lorazepam, according to MedlinePlus. It can be potentially addictive and is also used to treat epilepsy, anxiety and panic attacks. Serious side effects that require emergency medical help are shuffling walk, fever, inability to sit still, irregular heartbeat, breathing problems and yellowing of the skin and eyes. More common side effects that can result from Ativan use are appetite changes, dry mouth, nausea, weakness and dizziness.
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