Insomnia Treatments
Can Be Lethal

Insomnia Treatments and Senior Health
The prescribing of sleeping pills ordinarily treats insomnia…

These have a sedative effect from active ingredients diphenhydramine and doxylamine. This is thought to be a result of their initial purpose, which is the antagonism of the central histamine H. They can easily be found in over-the-counter sleep aids

Antihistamines

* Nytol
* Benadryl

Benzodiazepines

* Temazepam (Restoril)
* Estazolam (ProSom)
* Flurazepam (Dalmane)
* Triazolam (Halcion)

These are members of the Valium family and have been prescribed as a sleep aid since the 70s. They work by suppressing the reticular activating system of the brain, the system that regulates brain activity, by increasing the action of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), a chemical that helps to slow the transmission of nerve signals in the brain.

Barbiturates

* Phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
* Secobarbital (Seconal)

These work by more powerfully reducing the amount of activity in the brain and central nervous system. They can be lethal drugs and easily overdosed.

Because of their danger they are much less prescribed now compared to antihistamines and benzodiazepines above, but are still used in the treatment of seizures and to induce anaesthesia.

It is known that Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates may deplete or interfere with the absorption and function of natural substances such as Biotin, Calcium, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A, B6, B9 (folic acid), B12, Vitamin D and K.

All of the above drugs have serious side effects and can be extremely addictive if taken for more than a couple of weeks.

Side effects include the following:

* Poor coordination
* Reduced reaction times
* Impairment of memory
* All-day drowsiness
* Skin irritation
* Irritation to the mucous membranes
* Stomach problems
* Vision problems
* Nightmares
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Nausea
* Headaches
* Loss of sexual pleasure (especially women taking antihistamines)
* General malaise
* Possible heart muscle damage.

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