What are sleeping pills and tranquilisers?

Almost everyone experiences periods of stress, tension and restlessness. If these symptoms interfere with your daily life in such a way that you suffer and can no longer function normally, your GP can prescribe a tranquilliser.

Medication as valium (Diazepam®)) and alprazolam (Xanax®)) have a calming, restful and relaxing effect. They also have an anti-anxiety effect. They are only available on prescription and are used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, sleeping problems and epilepsy. Less well known is their use in alcohol and cocaine withdrawal.

What do sleeping pills and tranquilisers do to your body?

Restlessness, anxiety and tension are linked to hyperactive brain areas.Sleeping pills and tranquilisers have a dampening effect on your central nervous system. Your brain activity slows down, you become more sleepy and find it harder to concentrate.

The medication suppresses the symptoms but does not tackle the underlying causes. They are therefore prescribed for a short period, with the idea that a period of reduced complaints can be used to treat the underlying problems, for example with therapy or other medication.

Side effects

In the short term

The most common side effects are drowsiness and drowsiness (during the day), difficulty concentrating, confusion, flattened emotions, reduced motivation and lower need for social contact. Drowsiness increases the risk of accidents and falls.

In the long term

With long-term and regular use, side effects such as headaches, memory loss, fatigue, blurred vision, gloominess, weak and tired muscles and dizziness are more likely to occur. The desire for sex can also diminish. You may become less able to cope with stress or react alertly. The risk of violent behaviour and abuse of alcohol and drugs increases.

Both tranquillisers and alcohol have narcotic effects, which reinforce each other when you use them simultaneously. Therefore, do not drink alcohol when taking sedatives.

The medication has a physically addictive effect. You therefore need an increasingly higher dose to achieve the same effect, which can lead to addiction. When using sleeping pills or tranquillisers, it is therefore very important to always follow your doctor's instructions carefully and consistently. The risk of developing physical dependence (addiction) is high when using this type of medicine for longer than intended.

Suddenly stopping the use of sedatives can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle pain, sleeplessness, anxiety, irritability, sweating and trembling. Phasing out under the supervision of a doctor is often necessary.