Sleeping Medication For Insomnia
Sleeping medication is a type of drug that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. It may be prescribed by your doctor, or available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription.
Before taking any medication to treat insomnia, it’s essential to be aware of its potential risks and side effects. These could include drowsiness, confusion, or dizziness.
Benzodiazepines and other sedative-hypnotic drugs are often the first treatments of choice when it comes to insomnia. These drugs work by altering receptors in the brain that control sleep.
These drugs are generally safe, but some individuals may experience dependence or abuse from taking them. Furthermore, these drugs have serious side effects like memory issues and even death in rare instances.
Non-benzodiazepines and other hypnotics have similar effects to benzodiazepines, though they don’t target the same brain receptors. While less dangerous than their more potent cousins, non-benzodiazepines still possess addictive potential.
These drugs stay active longer in the body and are commonly prescribed to treat insomnia in those who struggle to fall asleep and wake up during the night. Examples include zolpidem ER (Ambien CR) and eszopiclone (Lunesta).
Sublingual medications such as Ambien SL and lunesta (Sonata) offer short-term use for short periods of time and have similar side effects to shorter-acting drugs, but may be more efficient at preventing nighttime awakenings.
