Why Do I Experience Unpleasant Symptoms Soon After Taking A Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic?

Did you experience clinically significant maladaptive behavioral or psychological changes (e.g., inappropriate sexual or aggressive behavior, mood lability, impaired judgment) that developed during, or shortly after, sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience slurred speech during, or shortly after, sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience incoordination during, or shortly after, sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience unsteady gait during, or shortly after, sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) during, or shortly after, sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience impairment in cognition (e.g., attention, memory) during, or shortly after, sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience stupor or coma during, or shortly after, sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you experienced sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic intoxication. Intoxication is diagnosed when exposure to one of these substances causes problematic changes. After intoxication, memory loss is common. People usually don’t remember what happened while they were under the influence of the substance. If you have a problem with sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic substances, it may be important to discuss this with your doctor.

While it is unlikely that meet the criteria for a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic (SHA) intoxication, you have been displaying a sign related to it. SHA intoxication causes impairment on a psychological and social level. You may show mood problems, inappropriate sexual behavior, and aggressive behavior. Severe intoxication can cause depression that can even lead to suicide. It may be important to seek medical attention if you are struggling with sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic abuse.

Unfortunately, you have been displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic (SHA) intoxication. It may be very important to visit your doctor. Your doctor will ask you questions about the drugs that you use. He will also ask you about your symptoms and behavioral problems that are associated with the drug use. Your doctor may conclude that you are addicted to a substance, and he may propose a treatment plan. It is very important to be honest with your doctor about your drug use. Only then you can be helped and guided towards a better and healthier life. In case you suspect someone near you has an SHA intoxication, seeking medical help immediately is crucial.