Although some sleeping pills are available over-the-counter, others require a doctor's prescription. If you have problems falling asleep or staying asleep, simple lifestyle changes may be enough to restore healthy sleeping patterns. Try to keep your sleeping schedule consistent. Wind down your activity an hour before bedtime; relax and drink a cup of hot tea. Stick to a daily exercise routine and don't eat large meals right before bedtime. However, if these changes are not enough to restore your sleep, ask your doctor's advice about sleep aids.
Medications
Before taking any prescription sleep aids, tell your doctor if you are on other medications or if you have a pre-existing medical condition such as pregnancy, or a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Although you may not be able to take certain sleep aids, you will have a variety of sleep aid options so weigh the pros and cons of each with your doctor. Some options are eszopiclone (Lunesta), ramelteon (Rozerem), triazolam (Halcion), zaleplon (Sonata), zolpidem (Ambien) and temazepam (Restoril).
Side Effects
Not all medications have the same side effects and not everyone will experience the same side effects from a certain sleep aid. However, some common side effects of sleep aids include dizziness, headache, daytime drowsiness, facial swelling and allergic reactions. Other possible side effects include sleepwalking and engaging in other activities while sleeping (such as driving or eating), nausea, hallucinations, memory loss, aggression and anxiety. Some sleep aids may cause withdrawal symptoms. Some drugs may interact with alcohol and some should not be taken with a high-fat meal. Ask your doctor about any special instructions when taking sleep aid drugs.
Antidepressants
Some common antidepressants are used to treat insomnia in lower doses. Tell your doctor if you have insomnia and depression, as this may be your ideal option. Some common antidepressants for this purpose include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and trazodone. Side effects common to these medications include dizziness, headache, drowsiness, constipation, blurred vision and weight gain.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that your body naturally produces. It helps control your body's circadian rhythm (regulating your internal "clock.") Melatonin, which is available without a doctor's prescription, may help those suffering sleep disturbances due to events that disrupted their natural circadian rhythm. This can include jet lag and switching from a day shift to a night shift, or vice versa. Poor vision can also upset normal melatonin production. The usual dose for treating insomnia in adults is about 3 g taken an hour before bedtime. Some side effects may include dizziness, stomach cramps, headaches and irritability. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking prescription medications, check with your doctor. Melatonin may cause an interaction..
Non-Prescription
Two common ingredients for over-the-counter sleep aids are diphenhydramine and doxylamine. These sleep aids are not intended for long-term use. You may notice such side effects as dizziness, dry mouth and daytime drowsiness. Check with your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have glaucoma, heart problems, an enlarged prostate, asthma, bronchitis or a peptic ulcer.
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