If you find yourself with difficulty sleeping, drugs may help.
Everyone struggles with sleep at some time. From having a hard time falling asleep to difficulty staying asleep or other sleep issues like Restless Leg Syndrome, there is a medication designed to help.
Over-the-Counter Medications
There are many sleep aids that are available without a prescription and include natural supplements and medicines like Unisom. Natural sleep treatments include supplements and teas like melatonin, chamomile and valerian root, which may work through mild sedating action. Medicines that can be purchased over the counter at most drug stores usually use an antihistamine as an active ingredient. Over-the-counter medicines are safe to use without a prescription, but always read the drug's label, be aware of possible drug interactions and consult with your doctor if you find yourself relying on them for more than a few days.
Rozerum
Rozerum works on the body by mimicking the action of melatonin, the hormone responsible for maintaining the circadian rhythm. It is most commonly used to treat sleep-onset-insomnia, a type of sleeping disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep. Rozerum is only available by prescription, was approved by the FDA in 2005 and has not been found to be addictive. Do not take Rozerum with other sleeping medicines or tranquilizers, and be aware of possible side effects like daytime drowsiness, depression and sleep walking. If you experience any of these side effects, or any other listed in Rozerum's prescribing information, contact your doctor right away.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a group of drugs that work to depress the central nervous system in order to relax the body and encourage sleep. Benzodiazepines include drugs like Halcion, Xanax and Klonopin. Benzodiazepines have been prescribed to treat insomnia and other sleeping disorders for many years as they are long-acting and effective at treating insomnia but are not always the first choice because they are addictive and can cause dependence. Possible side effects of benzodiazepines include drowsiness, depression and suicidal thoughts, and nighttime activities like sleepwalking. Contact your doctor if you notice these or any other side effects as listed in the prescribing information.
Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics
Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics include drugs like Lunesta, Ambien and Sonata. They work similarly to benzodiazepine drugs in that they depress the body's central nervous system, but unlike benzodiazepines, they are short acting. Drugs in this class can be addictive and may have side effects including increased daytime sleepiness, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and short term memory loss. These symptoms usually cease with continued treatment. As with other sleeping drugs, the side effects of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics include daytime sleepiness, increased depression or sleepwalking.
Opiates
Opiates, like oxycodone, are sometimes used to treat sleep disorders like sleepwalking or restless leg syndrome. These drugs aren't designed to specifically treat sleep issues and are usually used as a last resort because they are addictive. Always take opiates exactly as prescribed to avoid dependence.
Other Medications
Anti-narcolepsy medications, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and anti-Parkensonian drugs are all used to treat different sleep disorders including restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy and difficulty sleeping caused by depression or other mental illness. If you have a sleep disorder beyond simple insomina, your doctor may prescribe one of these medications.
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