In some cases, doctors will prescribe drugs for the treatment of insomnia. All insomnia medications
should be taken shortly before bed. Do not attempt to drive or perform
other activities that require concentration after taking an insomnia
drug because it will make you sleepy. Medications should be used in
combination with good sleep practices.
Listed below are some drugs that can be used to treat insomnia.
- Ambien (zolpidem): The original version of Ambien works well at helping you get to sleep, but some people tended to wake up in the middle of the night. Ambien CR is an extended release version. It helps you get to sleep within 15 to 30 minutes, and the new extended release portion helps you stay asleep. You should not take Ambien or Ambien CR unless you are able to get a full night's sleep -- at least 7 to 8 hours. The FDA has approved a prescription oral spray called Zolpimist, which contains Ambien's active ingredient, for the short-term treatment of insomnia brought on by difficulty falling asleep. The FDA requires that these drugs are offered in lower doses for women. Women clear the drugs from their systems more slowly than men and the agency says blood levels of the drugs could still be high enough the following morning to affect activities that require alertness, such as driving. The FDA says doctors should consider the lower dose for men too.
- Lunesta (eszopiclone): Lunesta also helps you fall asleep quickly, and studies show people sleep an average of seven to eight hours. Don't take Lunesta unless you are able to get a full night's sleep as it could cause grogginess.
- Rozerem (ramelteon): This is a sleep medication that works differently than the others. It works by targeting the sleep-wake cycle, not by depressing the central nervous system. It is prescribed for people who have difficulty falling asleep. Rozerem can be prescribed for long-term use and the drug has shown no evidence of abuse and dependence.
- Sonata (zaleplon): Of all the new sleeping pills, Sonata stays active in the body for the shortest amount of time. That means you can try to fall asleep on your own. Then, if you're still staring at the clock at 2 a.m., you can take it without feeling drowsy in the morning. However, if you tend to wake during the night, this might not be the best choice for you.
- Silenor (doxepine): In 2010, this sleep drug was approved for use in people who have trouble staying asleep. Silenor may help with sleep maintenance by blocking histamine receptors. Do not take this drug unless you are able to get a full seven or eight hours of sleep. Dosage is based on your health, age, and response to therapy.
- Benzodiazepines: These older sleeping pills (Halcion, Restoril, Xanax, and others) are useful when you want an insomnia medication that stays in the system longer. For instance, they have been effectively used to treat sleep problems such as sleepwalking and night terrors. However, these drugs may cause you to feel sleepy during the day and can also cause dependence, meaning you may always need to be on the drug to be able to sleep.
- Antidepressants : Some antidepressant drugs, such as Desyrel ( trazodone ) and Remeron (mirtazapine) are particularly effective in treating sleeplessness and anxiety.
- Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids: Most of these sleeping pills are antihistamines. They generally work well but can cause some drowsiness the next day. They're safe enough to be sold without a prescription. However, if you're taking other drugs that also contain antihistamines -- like cold or allergy medications -- you could inadvertently take too much.
