Medications are used to treat insomnia

The main classes of medications used to treat insomnia are the sedatives and hypnotics, such as the benzodiazepines and the non-benzodiazepine sedatives.

Several medications in the benzodiazepine class have been used successfully for the treatment of insomnia, and the most common ones include:

• quazepam (Doral),
• triazolam (Halcion),
• estazolam (ProSom),
• temazepam (Restoril),
• flurazepam (Dalmane), and
• lorazepam (Ativan).

Another common benzodiazepine, diazepam (Valium), is typically not used to treat insomnia due to its longer sedative effects.

Non-benzodiazepine sedatives are also used commonly for the treatment of insomnia and include most of the newer drugs. Some of the most common ones are:

• zaleplon (Sonata),
• zolpidem (Ambien or Ambien CR, Zolpimist), and
• eszopiclone (Lunesta).

Melatonin, a chemical released from the brain which induces sleep, has been tried in supplement form for treatment of insomnia as well. It has been generally ineffective in treating common types of insomnia, except in specific situations in patients with known low levels of melatonin. Melatonin may be purchased over-the-counter (without a prescription).

Ramelteon (Rozerem), which is an insomnia drug that acts by mimicking the action of melatonin, is a newer drug. It has been used effectively in certain group of patients with insomnia.

There are also other medications that are not in the sedative or hypnotic classes, which have been used in the treatment of insomnia. Sedative antihistamines, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) have been used as sleep aids because of their sedative effects; however, this is not a recommended use of these or other similar drugs due to many side effects and long-term drowsiness the following day.

Some anti-depressants [for example, trazodone (Desyrel), amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan, Adapin)] can be used effectively to treat insomnia in patients who also may suffer from depression. Some anti-psychotics have been used to treat insomnia, although their routine use for this purpose is generally not recommended.

A doctor or sleep specialist is the best person to discuss these different medications, and to decide which one may be the best for each specific individual. Many of these drugs have a potential for abuse and addiction and need to be used with caution. None of these medications may be taken without the supervision of the prescribing physician.

Prescription Medications for Treating Insomnia

So perhaps you have tried some of the natural remedies or your just feeling you need something a little stronger to help you deal with insomnia. Luckily there are plenty of prescription medications available on the market today to deal with this all to common problem. This article details the advantages and disadvantages of these medications, but remember you should always consult your doctor before starting to take prescription drugs.

Non-Bezodiazephines

These are newer then standard Benzondiazephines and although they produce the same results they are structurally different. Common brand names include Ambien, Sonata and Rozerem. They are viewed as being slightly safer then Benzodiazephines, producing lower dependency rates over a longer period of time, as well as lower addiction and tolerance rates. However they are not without disadvantages and have been known to produce side effects such as pronounced amnesia and ’sleep walking’.

Benzodiazepines

These are the oldest type of medications still available on the market today used for treating short-term or non chronic insomnia. They work by essentially ‘quietening’ the brains over active signals thus producing a calming effect. They are also used to treat anxiety related disorders such as panic attack and phobias. Common types include Alprazolam and Valium, they are often highly addictive, causing physical dependency amongst longer term users.

Anti-depressants

Anti-depressants are prescribed by doctors when they recognise the root cause of a patients insomnia as anxiety or depression. After all over 70% of people with depression say they also suffer from insomnia. Brand names include Amitriptyline and Trazodone. They have a high success rate when treating long-term insomnia in the right type of patient. However they also come with a host of possible side effects. Including dependency (not so much physical but psychological) with the patient mentally unable to sleep without them. As well as withdrawal symptoms when stopping taking the medication.

Over the Counter

There are also a large number of over the counter medications, the main ingredient they contain is ‘antihistamines’, the stuff found in allergy treating products – such as hay-fever. However histamines provide wake-fullness therefore antihistamines to do the opposite and will make you feel sleepy. Diphenhydramine and Doxylamine are two of the most common drugs in over the counter medications and can be found in brands such as Nytol, Sleepaid, Sominex and Unisom. Over the counter medication can be useful in treating mild or short term cases of insomnia, without having to take a course of more ’stronger’ prescriptive medication. They can however produce drowsiness and general grogginess the next day.

So there is a brief overview of the options available. Of course there are plenty of natural remedies on the market too and remember to always seek advice from your doctor before taking any new prescriptive medications.

Medications for Insomnia

There are many types of medications and prescriptions available for treating insomnia. Some of the medications you can buy over the counter, and others require you to see your doctor and get a prescription for. Either one that you try, you should always talk to your doctor first to make sure that it is safe for you to try them, and also to discuss any other medications that you are on that could affect the sleep aid medication. The medications that are available to treat insomnia are available in a number of different strengths and dosages. Once you have evaluated what may be causing your insomnia, and discussed your symptoms with your doctor, you may be able to try a medication to see if it works.

There are also different kinds of symptoms that you can experience with insomnia, which can make some kinds of medications more effective than others. If you have trouble getting to sleep, and spend your nights tossing and turning being unable to sleep, you may want to try a prescription medication that is stronger and can help you fall asleep faster. If you have symptoms of insomnia that cause you to wake often during the night once you are asleep, there are different strengths of medications in over the counter and prescription formulas that can help you sleep better.

If you suffer from insomnia for a period of time, you need to address what could be causing it and you should talk to your doctor about what you can do to make it better. Over time, your body can develop other health problems because you are not getting the sleep you need to completely rest your mind and body. If you think that insomnia is something that you have to deal with, and are trying to get used to not sleeping, there are some things that you can try, and the sooner that you talk to your doctor about possible treatment options, the sooner that you can be sleeping better again which will also help you feel better.

If you try one kind of medication and it does not seem to be working, you can try others until you find one that is what you need to get a good nights sleep. You can find relief for your insomnia, and even if it takes a few different remedies, you can find one that works and start feeling better.