Sleep disorders are common. An estimated 50 to 70 million people in the United Kingdom suffer from chronic sleep or wakefulness problems, which are more common in women and older people.
Prescription sleeping pills can often relieve insomnia for a short time. However, many of these medications carry the risk of side effects, abuse, and dependence.
Some sleeping pills interact with other substances, including other medications, alcohol, and vitamin supplements. A person needs to consult a doctor before starting any new sleep medication.
Sleeping pills can be effective if stress, travel, or other distractions prevent you from falling asleep. However, for long-term insomnia, the best treatment typically involves behavioural changes learned through behavioural therapy.
If you frequently struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, also known as insomnia, consider making an appointment with your doctor. Treatment depends on what is causing your insomnia. Sometimes, an underlying cause can be found, such as an illness or sleep disorder, and treatment is a much more effective approach than simply addressing the symptoms of insomnia itself.
Behavioural changes learned through cognitive behavioural therapy are generally the best treatment for persistent insomnia. Sleeping regularly, exercising regularly, avoiding caffeine later in the day, avoiding afternoon naps, and managing stress can also help. But sometimes, a prescription sleeping pill can help you get some much-needed rest.
All prescription sleeping pills carry risks, especially for people with certain medical conditions, including liver or kidney disease, and for older adults. Always talk to your doctor before trying a new insomnia treatment.
Here’s information about some of the most common prescription sleeping pills available today.
Prescription sleeping pills can help you fall asleep easier, stay asleep longer, or both. The risks and benefits of various prescription sleeping pills can differ. To determine the most suitable prescription medication for your sleep issues, your doctor will typically:
Here are 10 medications that a doctor may prescribe to help someone sleep. Some non-drug solutions to sleep problems are also discussed here:
Doxepin, marketed as Silenor, is a sleep aid that doctors may recommend for individuals with insomnia. It can help a person fall asleep and stay asleep for up to three months.
It is available as an immediate-release tablet in doses of 3 mg and 6 mg. Individuals should consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dose for their needs.
Doctors do not recommend Silenor for people taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a type of antidepressant, or for people with glaucoma or urinary retention.
Silenor can cause side effects in some people. These may include:
Pregnant or nursing women should consult a doctor before using Silenor. Parents or caregivers should only give it to children or adolescents with a doctor’s prescription.
People should not take this medication within three hours of a meal.
If symptoms do not improve within 7 to 10 days, a person should consult a doctor. Other possible causes of insomnia need to be ruled out.
Temazepam, which goes by the brand name Restoril, is a benzodiazepine. This type of medication can lead to dependence and abuse if misused.
The typical prescription period is 7 to 10 days. A doctor will usually re-examine the person after this period to determine if an underlying cause is responsible for their insomnia.
Pregnant women should not take Restoril.
Restoril can cause several side effects, including one or more of the following:
Restoril comes in different doses, from 7.5 to 30 mg. People should talk to a doctor about the correct dose for them.
Doctors often prescribe triazolam (Halcion) for the short-term management of insomnia, typically for a duration of 7 to 10 days.
Like temazepam, this medication is a benzodiazepine. Because the drug has the potential for dependence and abuse, doctors do not recommend it as a long-term treatment for insomnia.
Common side effects may include:
In some people, Halcion can cause:
It is available in two doses: 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg. A person should not exceed a daily dose of 0.5 mg.
Ramelteon (Rozerem) is a melatonin antagonist and may help with sleep. Melatonin is a naturally occurring substance in the body, and by acting on melatonin receptors, ramelteon promotes sleep and positively affects circadian rhythms.
This enables a doctor to prescribe Rozerem for long-term use, unlike other medications intended for short-term use.
This medication is available in a single dose of 8 mg. A person should not take more than one dose per day.
Unlike many other sleeping pills, Rozerem is not classified as a controlled substance, which means there is a low risk of abuse or dependence. But, it can still cause side effects, such as:
It can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Other groups who should be careful when taking this medication include people who:
Suvorexant (Belsomra) can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. This medication is exclusively available as a brand-name drug.
A person taking Belsomra is at risk of abusing the drug and becoming addicted. Like other controlled substances, it can cause CNS disturbances that can lead to problems with driving and other activities.
It can also lead to:
Other possible side effects reported in clinical trials include:
A doctor may prescribe a dosage ranging from 5 to 20 milligrams. Clinical studies have shown that higher doses may result in more side effects.
Trazodone (Desyrel) is a medication that affects serotonin levels. It is commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder. However, you may also prescribe it off-label to help someone fall asleep, as drowsiness is one of the side effects.
The typical starting dose is 150 mg daily, which is divided into two doses. Doctors may raise the daily dose to a maximum of 400 mg.
However, a doctor will likely prescribe a smaller amount if you have trouble sleeping. A 25 to 100 mg dosage can assist a person in falling asleep and staying asleep with fewer side effects than traditional sleep medications.
Although they are less likely at these lower doses, this medication can still cause side effects such as:
It may also increase suicidal thoughts.
People should limit their alcohol consumption while taking Desyrel because it can increase the effects of alcohol.
Doctors may prescribe estazolam (ProSom) for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It can assist with falling and staying asleep.
Prosom is a benzodiazepine that carries a risk of abuse and dependence. Doctors typically prescribe it as a short-term solution for insomnia.
A doctor may prescribe 1 mg or 2 mg tablets to treat insomnia.
Estazolam may cause the following reactions:
Eszopiclone (Lunesta) is a medication that can help you fall asleep and maintain sleep throughout the night.
Lunesta is part of a group of medications known as Z drugs. These drugs are classified as Schedule IV controlled substances, which means they carry a risk of abuse and dependence. Additionally, over time, a person may experience a decrease in the medication’s effectiveness or an increase in tolerance.
Although generally safe, reported side effects include:
In addition, Lunesta may cause a person to exhibit complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or driving while asleep. If these behaviors occur, people should discontinue use and tell their doctor.
Parents and caregivers should talk to a doctor before giving this medication to children or adolescents. Pregnant women should speak with a doctor before taking this medication.
The recommended dose of Lunesta is 1 mg. If necessary, a doctor may increase it to 2 or 3 mg.
Other precautions a person should take before taking Lunesta include the following:
Zaleplon, commonly referred to as Sonata is effective for the short-term treatment of insomnia. While it may assist some individuals in falling asleep, it does not always help others stay asleep. Like eszopiclone, this medication is classified as a Z-drug.
Consumption of Sonata carries a risk of addiction and potential abuse.
A typical adult dose is 10 mg, although some people find 5 mg sufficient.
Sonata may cause a range of side effects, which include:
Less common side effects include hallucinations, mood swings, and memory loss.
Zolpidem, branded as Ambien, Intermezzo, and Zolpimist, is a medication that aids in falling asleep and maintaining sleep. It is classified as a Z-drug.
Doctors may prescribe it for short-term relief from insomnia. Like some other sleep medications, it can create complex sleep patterns.
Zolpidem comes in a once-daily extended-release dose of 12.5 mg. When prescribing immediate-release zolpidem medications, the dose is often started at the lowest possible dose and increased to a maximum of 10 mg per day as needed.
Doctors do not recommend anyone take this medication during pregnancy. It can also cause anaphylactic reactions, CNS depression, worsening depression, and withdrawal symptoms in some people.
Common side effects may include:
When taking medications containing zolpidem, persistently high levels of the drug in the blood can cause drowsiness and lack of alertness in the morning.
Therefore, activities that require concentration and attention, such as B. Driving, may not be recommended for people taking high doses. Zolpidem-containing medications, like other Z-drugs, carry a risk of addiction.
The best herbal sleep aids, such as Kalms and Nytol Herbal, use similar ingredients to help you get a good night’s sleep.
This means that many herbal remedies work in similar ways. So, let’s look at some of their most common ingredients and how they are traditionally used to help you sleep.
Valerian root extract is one of the most common ingredients in herbal sleeping pills and is traditionally used as a sleep aid.
It comes from the root of the valerian plant and is said to act as a natural sedative that can help improve sleep quality.
It is also traditionally used to relieve anxiety and stress, two of the most common ailments that keep people awake at night while counting sheep.
Hops, also called hop strobils, are another common ingredient in herbal sleep aids.
You may know hops as an ingredient in beer, but they are also traditionally used to promote calm or counteract anxiety and nervousness.
This sense of calm can help you fall asleep more efficiently, so hops are an ingredient in many herbal remedies for insomnia.
Passionflower is a traditional herbal remedy commonly used to help with sleepless nights. It works similarly to hops. It is said to relieve anxiety and help you fall asleep.
The best over-the-counter sleep aids, such as Phenergan, Nytol, and Sominex, can be divided into two types because they usually contain one of two active ingredients.
We’ll look at these two ingredients and how they make each sleep aid effective, but before we do, there’s something you need to keep in mind.
While you can buy these over-the-counter sleep aids at a drugstore, you should only do so if your doctor or pharmacist has permitted you to use them as a short-term remedy for insomnia.
Remember, the risks may outweigh the benefits, so be careful! Now, let’s discuss the ingredients!
The first of our top over-the-counter sleep aids is diphenhydramine hydrochloride, found in products like Nytol Original.
It’s an antihistamine, which some of you may be wondering – aren’t antihistamines used to treat allergies?
Yes, antihistamines can help relieve hay fever symptoms and other allergies, but some can also help you sleep, which is why some hay fever medications can make you sleepy.
Diphenhydramine is one of these antihistamines and can make you sleepy and ready to sleep for up to eight hours.
You shouldn’t take this type of medication for more than a few weeks, and again, you should talk to your doctor before taking it.
Promethazine is the second type of our top over-the-counter sleep aids, available in brands like Phenergan and Sominex, and belongs to a group of drugs called phenothiazines.
These medications function by altering the chemical activity in your brain. Promethazine can relieve allergy symptoms, treat nausea and vomiting, and help you sleep.
Health Care: Always ask your doctor about possible side effects before deciding which sleeping pills to consider. Depending on the type, prescription sleeping pills can cause side effects such as:
Sometimes, prescription medications used primarily to treat depression can relieve insomnia when taken in lower doses. While commonly used, these treatments are not approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for insomnia. If insomnia is related to depression or anxiety, these antidepressants may be added to the treatment.
Examples include:
Antidepressants with sedative effects can have side effects such as:
Once it takes effect, it creates a sleepy effect that helps you fall asleep, which is why it is another popular method for treating short-term insomnia (if your doctor recommends it).
Prescription sleeping pills (and even some over-the-counter sleeping pills) and some antidepressants may not be safe if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult. Taking sleeping pills can increase the risk of nighttime falls and injuries in older people. If you are an older adult, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of medication to reduce your risk of problems.
Certain health conditions, such as kidney disease, low blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, or a history of seizures, may limit your options. Prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills can also interact with other medications. Taking some prescription sleeping pills can lead to drug abuse or dependence. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations.
If your best efforts to get a good night’s sleep have failed, prescription sleeping pills may be an option. Here is some advice on how to use them safely.
Get a medical checkup.
Consult your doctor for a thorough examination before taking sleeping pills. Your doctor can often find specific causes for your insomnia. If you’re taking sleeping pills for more than a few weeks, discuss an appropriate follow-up plan with your doctor to discuss your medications.
Read the medication guide.
Please review the patient medication guide to learn how and when to take your medication and the most significant possible side effects. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Never take sleeping pills before going to bed.
Sleeping pills can make you less aware of what you’re doing, which increases your risk of dangerous situations. Wait to take your sleeping pill until you’ve completed all your evening activities before bed.
Take your sleeping pill when you can sleep through the night
Only take a sleeping pill if you can sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours. Some short-acting sleeping pills are designed to keep you from waking up in the middle of the night, so you can take them when you can stay in bed for at least four hours.
Watch for side effects.
If you feel sleepy or dizzy during the day or notice other side effects that bother you, contact your doctor. Your doctor may suggest trying a different medication, changing your dose, or going off the pill. Please don’t take another sleeping pill the night before an important meeting or activity because you don’t know how it will affect you.
Avoid alcohol
Never mix alcohol and sleeping pills. Alcohol enhances the sedative effects of the medication. Even a tiny amount of alcohol combined with sleeping pills can cause dizziness, confusion, or fainting.
Combining alcohol with some sleeping pills can cause dangerously slow breathing or unresponsiveness. And alcohol can cause insomnia.
Don’t take sleeping pills with opioids.
Opioids are a broad class of analgesics. These include prescription medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, methadone, and the synthetic opioid fentanyl. This class also includes illegal drugs such as heroin.
Combining opioids with sleeping pills can be very dangerous. The combination increases the sedative effects of the medications and can cause slow breathing or unresponsiveness. It can even lead to respiratory failure, causing you to stop breathing.
Take sleeping pills strictly as directed by your doctor.
Some prescription sleeping pills are intended for short-term use only. Consult your doctor for guidance. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage. If the first dose does not have the intended effect on sleep, do not take more pills without first talking to your doctor.
Wean off carefully
When you are ready to stop taking sleeping pills, follow your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions or the instructions on the label. Some medications need to be stopped gradually. Also, be aware that short-term rebound insomnia may occur a few days after you stop taking sleeping pills.
If you still have trouble sleeping, ask your doctor for further help.
Sleep disorders are common. An estimated 50 to 70 million people in the United Kingdom suffer from chronic sleep or wakefulness problems, which are more common in women and older people. Prescription sleeping pills can often relieve insomnia for a short time. However, many of these medications carry the risk of side effects, abuse, and
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