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The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.
If you have chronic insomnia, medication may be prescribed to help you sleep. Medication should be used only in combination with good sleep practices and/or behavioral changes. Consult with your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications to make sure they will not interfere with sleep or interact with other medications you take.
Common names include:
Hypnotics, or sedatives, are drugs that cause relaxation and help induce and maintain sleep. They affect chemicals in the brain that may be out of balance and causing the insomnia. These drugs are for short-term use. In any situation where long-term use is required, use should be closely monitored by your doctor. These drugs can react with other drugs you may be taking. Before starting a hypnotic, tell your doctor about any and all drugs (including herbs and natural supplements) you are taking. Do not take any medications unless your doctor approves them.
Before using these drugs, you should tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
These medications will make you sleepy and perhaps dizzy. When taking one of these drugs, use the following guidelines:
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
Sedating antidepressants work by treating the underlying depression that may be the cause of the insomnia, while at the same time having a sedative effect. They have not been found to be effective in people with insomnia who are not depressed. While there are many medications for depression, sedating antidepressants are effective in treating people who have both insomnia and depression.
Before starting an antidepressant, tell your doctor about any and all drugs (including herbs and natural supplements) you are taking. Do not take any medications unless your doctor approves them.
Before using these drugs, you should tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
Take these medications with a full glass of water. Some of these medications may take four weeks or more before you feel its full therapeutic effect.
Possible side effects include:
Common medications include:
An antihistamine is a medication that blocks an allergic reaction in the body. Because one of its side effects is drowsiness, it is sometimes used to induce sleep. This and any other over-the-counter sleep aid should be taken only with the approval of your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, and with a full glass of water. These drugs can react with other drugs you may be taking. Before starting an antihistamine, tell your doctor about any drugs you are taking.
Before using these drugs, you should tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
Possible side effects include:
If you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:
Note: On March 14, 2007, the Food and Drug Administration requested that all manufacturers of drugs used to induce or maintain sleep strengthen product labeling regarding potential risks of taking these medications. The risks include severe allergic reactions and complex sleep-related behaviors, which may include sleep-driving, making phone calls, and preparing and eating food while asleep. For more information, click here.
Hypnotics and sedating antidepressants can have side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:
Many of these medications need to be tapered off when stopping them. Stopping your medication abruptly can lead to “rebound insomnia,” which worsens your condition. Talk your doctor before stopping your medication.
References:
Conn HF, Rakel RE. Conn’s Current Therapy. 54th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2002.
FDA requests label change for all sleep disorder drug products. FDA News. March 14, 2007. Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01587.html . Accessed May 6, 2007.
Morin AK, Jarvis CI, Lynch AM. Therapeutic options for sleep-maintenance and sleep-onset insomnia. Pharmacotherapy. 2007;27:89-110.
National Sleep Foundation website. Available at: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/ .
Spratto GR, Woods AL. PDR Nurse’s Drug Handbook. Delmar; 2002.
Silber MH. Chronic insomnia. N Engl J Med. 2005;353:803-810.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.