Sleep aid abuse

[Aprettypsycho]

Hi I'm Leah and I'm 18 years old, I need advice on how to quit. I've been on OTC sleep aids for about 4 years now and at this point I consider myself addicted to these things. The most I've taken a night was around 20 pills. Seems crazy but I've grown so tolerant to them. The usual i will take is 15  or 16 a night and when I wake up I'll take around 5 or 6 more and I'm scared that these are killing me but I don't know what to do. I've been to the doctor but he just put me on anti depressants and I don't take them. I'm not depressed I'm just addicted and I'm lost I don't know what to do anymore. I ran out tonight and I'm already having withdrawals, I feel nauseous and I can't sleep and I have headaches that are terrible. I need some advice on what to do anything will help at this point please  

[Sarbie]

Hi how are you going? Sorry for late reply. It's sad your dr did not listen to you. Are you still taking the sleep aids and experiencing the same symptoms? Have you thought about seeing another dr or perhaps speaking to a pharmacist?

[Aprettypsycho]

I've taken Simply Sleep, Unisom and Equate Night Time Sleep Aid mostly

[Sarbie]

Hi there what is the name of the sleep aid you have been taking?

[Aprettypsycho]

Thanks for the welcome and I'll stick around anytthing helps thank you

[Cricketk92]

Hi Leah and welcome to the forum! I dont know very much about the OTC sleep aids but I do know that you are taking way too much of them!!!  I just read a little about them and from what I read you will definitely have some withdrawals!  Please stick around and Im sure one of the medical members will be around to give you some info about what you should do!!  I dont know if going Cold Turkey off them is safe...so be careful!  Not much help. I know but wanted to at least say hello and welcome you!  Stick around!!  Youll get an answer!!!