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Yes, many celebrities and non-celebrities have died from taking too many sleeping pills at the same time, or from too much drug over several days. Sleeping pills and other sedatives cause a decrease in respirations (called "respiratory depression"). Breathing slows down so much that the person does not breathe again, because the brain is not sending signals to say "breathe now" to the lungs. Also, if a person takes too many pills and happens to vomit, which is a big risk, the person could aspirate ("breathe in") part of the vomit. Lungs cannot expand with liquid or foreign matter in the lungs. The vomit can block the airway completely, and because the drugs made the person too sedated, the person will go into Respiratory Arrest and die.

Doctors assign and prescribe a particular dose as the best dose for a condition and for that person. Never exceed the prescribed dose. If you take the prescribed dose but do not sleep, let your doctor know. You may need a different med, a different dose, or different time to take the dose. Even at normal doses, watch for side effects of over-sedation. And, never drive until you know how the sleeping pill from the night before will affect you.

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12y ago

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