Medications for Insomnia
by
Editorial Staff And Contributors 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 insomnia, medication may be prescribed to help you sleep. Medication should be used only in combination with good sleep practices and/or behavioral changes. In general, sleep-promoting medications should be reserved for short term or occasional use. Studies have shown that the best therapies for lasting improvement in sleep involve the use of behavioral changes and techniques learned from cognitive behavioral therapy. 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. Prescription Medications
Prescription MedicationsBenzodiazepine HypnoticsCommon names include:
Hypnotics, also called 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 benzodiazepine hypnotic, tell your doctor about any and all drugs, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking. Do not take any medications unless your doctor approves them. Before using these drugs, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
These medications will make you sleepy and perhaps lightheaded. When taking one of these drugs, use the following guidelines:
Possible side effects include:
Nonbenzodiazepine HypnoticsCommon names include:
Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics are structurally different than benzodiazepines hypnotics. They are most useful for inducing sleep. Before starting a nonbenzodiazepine 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, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
These medications will make you sleepy and perhaps lightheaded. When taking one of these drugs, use the following guidelines:
Possible side effects include:
Melatonin Receptor AgonistCommon name: Ramelteon Ramelteon binds to specific melatonin receptors to induce sleep. Unlike other hypnotics, Ramelteon has not shown any potential for dependence or abuse. Because of this, Ramelteon can be used as long-term therapy for insomnia. Before starting a melatonin receptor 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, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
When taking one of these drugs, use the following guidelines:
Possible side effects include:
Sedating AntidepressantsCommon names include:
Sedating antidepressants are often given in low doses for a sedative effect. They may be helpful if you have underlying depression or if other treatments have not worked. If you have both insomnia and depression, you may need higher doses or additional medications. 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, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
Take these medications with a full glass of water. Some of these medications may take 4 weeks or more before you feel its full therapeutic effect. Possible side effects include:
Over-the-Counter MedicationsAntihistamineCommon medications include:
An antihistamine is a medication that blocks an allergic reaction in the body. Because one of the side effects of these antihistamines is drowsiness, they are sometimes used to induce sleep. This and any other over-the-counter sleep aid should be taken only with the approval of your doctor. An antihistamine 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 taking an antihistamine, tell your doctor about any drugs you are taking. Before using these drugs, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
Possible side effects include:
Special ConsiderationsIf you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:
When to Contact Your DoctorHypnotics 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:
Insomnia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114839/Insomnia-in-adults
. Updated June 5, 2017. Accessed March 7, 2018.
Melatonin. EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated October 16, 2017. Accessed March 7, 2018. Morin AK, Jarvis CI, Lynch AM. Therapeutic options for sleep-maintenance and sleep-onset insomnia.
Pharmacotherapy.
2007;27(1):89-110. Morin C, Vallieres A, Guay B, et al. Cognitive behavioral therapy, singly and combined with medication, for persistent insomnia: a randomized, controlled trial.
JAMA. 2009;301(19):2005-2015.
Ramelteon. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T232998/Ramelteon
. Updated March 6, 2018. Accessed March 7, 2018.
Safe use of sleep aids. National Sleep Foundation website. Available at:
https://sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/content/safe-use-sleep-aids. Accessed March 2, 2016.
Zolpidem. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T233439/Zolpidem
. Updated March 6, 2018. Accessed March 7, 2018.
2/18/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed...
: Serretti A, Mandelli L.
Antidepressants and body weight: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis.
J Clin Psychiatry.
2010;71(10):1259-1272.
Last reviewed March 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Monica Zangwill, MD, MPH Last Updated: 3/7/2018 | |
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |
Home |Terms and Conditions |Concerned About Privacy? |Accessibility |Careers |For Employers and Medical Plan Providers
Copyright © 2011 Caremark, L.L.C.
You may also be looking for: CVS/pharmacy | MinuteClinic | Specialty Pharmacy | SilverScript | Accordant