Cousins discharges himself

Richmond's Ben Cousins has been hospitalised after a reaction to a sleeping tablet, the club says.

AFL star Ben Cousins has discharged himself from a Melbourne hospital after treatment for a suspected adverse reaction to a prescribed sleeping pill.

An Epworth Hospital spokeswoman told reporters the Richmond player had left the hospital late Tuesday morning, but did not give any details on his condition.

It is understood Cousins insisted on discharging himself.

The hospital had indicated Cousins would make a statement, but those plans were cancelled after he spoke to the club.

A Richmond official told reporters outside the hospital the club would only release a written statement later on Tuesday.

Cousins' girlfriend visited the hospital earlier on Tuesday, leaving alone.

His girlfriend had contacted the Richmond AFL club when she could not wake the 32-year-old on Monday morning and, after he was examined by Richmond's doctor, he was taken to the Epworth Hospital by ambulance and admitted.

The club said it believed Cousins suffered an adverse reaction to a prescribed sleeping pill.

Cousins is a recovering drug addict but Richmond have ruled out the latest incident as being related to his past.