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Prescription Medications

 

There are a number of medications that your doctor may prescribe to treat your insomnia.

 

Traditional or older medications used to help induce sleep are in a class called benzodiazepines (tranquilizers).  These drugs should be used with caution because they can have negative side effects and be addictive over time.  Common names include Dalmane, Restoril, and ProSom.

 

Newer sleep medications on the market that are not benzodiazepines are short-acting sedative-hypnotics and are considered more effective and safer. They include ambien, sonata, and lunesta.  Lunesta is currently the only prescription medication in this category approved for long term use.

 

Rozerem was approved by the FDA in 2005 to treat insomnia.  This drug is considered a melatonin receptor agonist and works by targeting specific receptors in the brain that are responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle.  In effect, it mimics melatonin which is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced when you sleep.  It has been approved by the FDA for long term use.

 

Beware that any of these medications can have wanted side effects. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons before making a decision about which one is right for you.

 

 

Over the Counter Sleep Aids

 

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is commonly used in nonprescription sleep aid pills.  Although the effectiveness of these sleep aid pills can decrease with long term use and morning sedation or other side effects may occur , dependence is not a reported side effect.  Some common names of sleep aid pills include Sleep-Eze, Sominex, Nytol, and Unison.  These aids are best used for occasional or transient (short-term) insomnia. 

 

Antidepressants

 

Depression and anxiety are often associated with insomnia.  If you have chronic insomnia caused by depression and anxiety (sometimes referred to as stress insomnia), your doctor may prescribe anti-depressant medication.  Tackling the underlying depression and anxiety will help alleviate your insomnia.  Commonly prescribed antidepressants include prozac, zoloft, lexapro, celexa, paxil, wellbutrin, and cymbalta.

 

In some instances, chronic pain may be an issue and may also be associated with depression.  Some antidepressants are used for sleeping and pain relief.  Most commonly used are trazodone, amitriptyline, and doxepin.  When used for insomnia and pain relief, these medications are generally prescribed at much lower doses than when used to treat depression.