Are sleeping pills dangerous??

Question

The bottle says take 2 before bed (25mg), but i've been taking 4. I was wondering if there's any dangerous short or long term effects? Serious answers please...

Answer 1

As a kid I used to get high off of diphenhydramine taking as many as 24 at once.  4 won't hurt you at all for the short term at least.

As for long term, the recommended dose is very far below a dangerous dose and even the recommended daily alotment is something like 200 mg so I really doubt it will hurt you.

Answer 2

It is very dangerous in heavy doses................

Answer 3

Most drugs have their eventual side effects when you don't follow instructions.

If you are needing that many to sleep, then i would re-think your strategy, visit your local doctor to see if he could prescribe a controlled substance that is more powerful then (what I'm assuming to be over the counter) sleeping pills.

Read thoroughly through the list of side effects, it will have it either written on the side of the box or on an instruction sheet packed inside of the package.

It could also have interactions with any other substances you might be taking. Please take caution.

http://www.drugs.com/pro/diphenhydramine...

PRECAUTIONS:

General:

Diphenhydramine hydrochloride has an atropine-like action and therefore should be used with caution in patients with a history of lower respiratory disease including asthma, increased intraocular pressure, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease or hypertension.

Overdosage:

Antihistamine overdosage reactions may vary from central nervous system depression to stimulation. Stimulation is particularly likely in children. Atropine-like signs and symptoms, dry mouth; fixed, dilated pupils; flushing; and gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur.

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If you have trouble sleeping, try out some more light alternatives with a smaller dosage, such as hot coco & or sleepy time tea. Avoid anything that makes your brain buzz, such as T.V, Computer or eating an 1hr-2hrs before bed time.