Prescription Drugs

If medicines are taken longer than necessary, in a higher dose than prescribed or in absence of a medical indication, we speak of drug overuse. Such overuse can quickly lead to dependence, which means control over consumption is lost. Withdrawal symptoms can occur and a tolerance may develop. To achieve the same effect, the dose needs to be increased constantly.

Sleeping pills or sedatives taken over a short period of time and in low doses are unlikely to have any negative consequences. If taken over a longer period, the risk for dependence is significant, regardless of the dose. Dependence creates a feeling of compulsion to take the medicines, it diminishes control over consumption, causes withdrawal symptoms when stopping (anxiety, inner restlessness, sweating, trembling, headaches), pushes other interests into the background and lets consumption continue despite harmful consequences.

In addition to this, long-term use can lead to social and mental health problems such as memory lapses, low moods, irritability, emotional detachment, getting exhausted more easily and changes in personality. On top of the above-mentioned problems, which occur especially when the dosage is high, there are further risks:

• accidents – in traffic, at work or during leisure activities – occur more often and falls happen more frequently, especially among elderly people, because of the sedative and muscle relaxant properties of the medicines.
• Sleeping pills or sedatives taken during pregnancy can pose risks to the unborn baby.
• If, in addition to the prescription drugs, other substances such as alcohol are consumed (called polydrug use), serious behavioural disturbances can be triggered. Life-threatening overdoses are also a danger.