In this Article

• What is insomnia and what causes it?
• What are non-drug treatments for insomnia?
• What over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are there for insomnia treatment?
• Antihistamines
• Melatonin
• What prescription medicines are there for insomnia treatment?
• What stimulant products are available OTC?
• Caffeine
• Sleep Aids And Stimulants Glossary
• Sleep Aids And Stimulants Index

What prescription medicines are there for insomnia?

There are numerous prescription medications a doctor may prescribe if you are suffering from short-term or chronic insomnia. Most are not recommended for long-term use.

Medication to treat insomnia includes several classes of drugs;

• Short-acting sedative-hypnotics (non-benzodiazepines) - these medications slow activity in the brain to allow sleep.
   
  • zolpidem (Ambien)
    
    
  • zaleplon (Sonata)
    
    
  • eszopiclone (Lunesta)
     
• Melatonin receptor agonists - used to help patients who have difficulty falling asleep and it works similarly to melatonin
   
  • ramelteon (Rozerem)
    
    
• Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) - this class of medication is used to slow down the central nervous system, causing drowsiness. These medications have a high risk of dependence with chronic usage.
   
  • flurazepam (Dalmane)
    
    
  • temazepam (Restoril)
    
    
  • estazolam (ProSom)
    

In February 2007, the Food and Drug Administration issued this warning regarding sedative-hypnotic drugs and their risks, which "...include severe allergic reactions and complex sleep-related behaviors, which may include sleep-driving. Sleep driving is defined as driving while not fully awake after ingestion of a sedative-hypnotic product, with no memory of the event."

If your doctor recommends prescription sleep medications:

• Follow all prescribing instructions given by your physician.
  
  
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications or supplements you are taking as many can have adverse interactions with sleep medications.
  
  
• Tell your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions.
  
  
• Note any possible negative side effects (changes in your body, and even your emotions)
  
  
• Do not use the medications nightly - this can lead to dependence
  
  
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other non-prescription drugs while using sleep medication
  
  
• Never drive a car or operate machinery after taking a sleeping pill.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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