How Do Prescription Sleep Meds Endanger Your Life?

Before diving into this topic, please understand that mind controlling prescription medications are the same as street drugs according to Scripture. There is NO difference. They also fall into the category of IDOLATRY! The Bible is clear regarding where idolaters end up in eternity. I will get into that in a later article and you can research it yourself in the meantime.

Here’s the typical scenario. You can’t sleep. It’s driving you crazy and you end up feeling short tempered, jittery, and exhausted all day when you need to be alert. You make an appointment with your doctor about it and he/she gives you a prescription for one of the sleeping medications on the market of which ALL are dangerous and addictive. You take the prescription and run to your local pharmacy. You are certain that all will go well now and you’ll just happily drift off to sleep; however, what you don’t know is that now, you’ve just begun your ascent into Addiction and Hell.

Prescription sleeping medications can have several serious side effects that users should be aware of:

1. Parasomnia behaviors: Some prescription sleep aids, particularly Z-drugs, can cause complex sleep behaviors like sleepwalking, sleep-eating, sleep-driving, and other activities while not fully awake. These behaviors can be extremely dangerous.
2. Allergic reactions: In rare cases, users may experience severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/throat, chest pain, and rashes.
3. Dependence and addiction: Long-term use of sleeping pills, especially benzodiazepines, can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Stopping the medication abruptly may cause rebound insomnia and withdrawal symptoms.
4. Cognitive impairment: Many sleeping pills can cause significant daytime drowsiness, confusion, and impaired thinking. This can affect a person’s ability to drive, work, or perform other tasks safely.
5. Increased fall risk: Especially in older adults, the sedating effects of sleeping pills can increase the risk of falls and injuries.
6. Severe drowsiness: Some users may experience extreme drowsiness that persists into the next day, which can be dangerous when operating vehicles or machinery.
7. Memory problems: Certain sleeping medications can interfere with memory formation and cause amnesia-like symptoms.
8. Psychiatric effects: In some cases, sleeping pills may cause or worsen depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
9. Respiratory depression: Particularly when combined with other sedatives or alcohol, sleeping pills can dangerously slow breathing.
10. Paradoxical reactions: In rare instances, some people may experience increased anxiety, agitation, or insomnia from sleeping medications

Here is a list of commonly prescribed sleeping medications:

1. Zolpidem (Ambien, Edluar, Intermezzo, Zolpimist)
2. Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
3. Zaleplon (Sonata)
4. Ramelteon (Rozerem)
5. Doxepin (Silenor)
6. Suvorexant (Belsomra)
7. Lemborexant (Dayvigo)
8. Daridorexant (Quviviq)
9. Temazepam (Restoril)
10. Triazolam (Halcion)
11. Flurazepam (Dalmane)
12. Estazolam
13. Trazodone (off-label use)
14. Mirtazapine (off-label use)
15. Gabapentin (off-label use)

These medications fall into several categories:

• Benzodiazepines (e.g., temazepam, triazolam)
• Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics or “Z-drugs” (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon)
• Melatonin receptor agonists (e.g., ramelteon)
• Orexin receptor antagonists (e.g., suvorexant, lemborexant, daridorexant)
• Antidepressants used off-label for sleep (e.g., trazodone, mirtazapine)

It’s important to note that these medications should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as they can have side effects and potential risks, especially when used long-term.

To safely taper off prescription sleeping pills, follow these guidelines:

1. Consult Your Doctor

• Medical Supervision: Always work with your doctor to create a tapering plan tailored to your specific medication and dosage. Your doctor can monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed to minimize withdrawal symptoms and avoid complications.

2. Gradual Reduction

• Slow Tapering: Gradually reduce the dosage of your sleeping pills over a period of weeks or months. This approach helps your body adjust and reduces the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms. The exact timeline can vary, but tapering over 2 to 4 months is common.
• Step Sizes and Milestones: Establish small, manageable reduction steps, such as reducing by one-eighth of a pill at a time. Set milestones and gradually increase the frequency of the reduced dose.

3. Address Withdrawal Symptoms

• Manage Symptoms: Be prepared for temporary withdrawal symptoms like trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, and gastrointestinal issues. These symptoms are usually temporary but can be mitigated by a slow tapering process.
• Avoid Abrupt Stopping: Stopping sleeping pills suddenly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures in some cases and death.

4. Develop Good Sleep Habits

• Healthy Sleep Practices: Implement good sleep hygiene practices to support your tapering process and improve natural sleep. These include:
  • Establishing a consistent sleep schedule
  • Creating a relaxing bedtime routine
  • Reducing screen time before bed
  • Keeping the sleep environment quiet and dark
  • Avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.

5. Monitor and Adjust

• Track Progress: Keep a sleep log to monitor your progress and note any changes in sleep patterns or withdrawal symptoms. This information can help your doctor make necessary adjustments to your tapering plan.

By following these steps and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can safely and effectively taper off prescription sleeping pills.

Here are some natural, healthy alternatives to prescription sleep medications:

1. Melatonin: This hormone naturally produced by the body helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin supplements may help with jet lag and shift work sleep issues. Start with a low dose (0.1-0.3 mg) and consult your doctor.
2. Valerian root: This herb has mild sedative properties and may help improve sleep quality when taken regularly. It’s generally considered safe for short-term use.
3. Magnesium: This mineral plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters involved in sleep. Some studies suggest magnesium supplements may improve sleep quality.
4. Chamomile tea: This herbal tea has mild sedative effects and is commonly used as a sleep aid. It’s generally safe but may cause allergic reactions in some people.
5. Lavender: Whether as an essential oil for aromatherapy or in tea form, lavender may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. IF YOU HAVE PETS, CHECK WITH YOUR VET ABOUT ANY USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS AS MANY HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE VERY TOXIC TO PETS!
6. Passionflower: This herb has calming properties and may help with insomnia and anxiety-related sleep issues.
7. L-theanine: An amino acid found in tea leaves, L-theanine may help reduce stress and promote relaxation.