Insomnia Drug
Many people grapple with the problem of insomnia. This is a condition where the body has trouble falling and staying asleep. People who suffer from insomnia tend to take a long time to fall asleep and may be restless while sleeping. Insomnia may be caused by underlying health conditions, medications, stress or emotional problems. People with insomnia may have difficulty functioning during the day because they feel tired, sleepy and worn out. It may also cause memory problems and affect overall health and well being.
There are many insomnia remedies which range from developing good sleeping habits to taking a dose of drugs. There are several drugs which are used as a remedy for insomnia. Drugs for insomnia are of two kinds – Prescription drugs which are controlled and can be taken only under the supervision of a medical practitioner and non–prescription over-the-counter drugs.
Effects of drug based insomnia remedies:
It is always recommended to start treatment of insomnia by developing good sleeping habits and by creating an ambience conductive to sleep in the bedroom. The idea of popping a pill and going to sleep may sound great to insomniacs but there are several factors to be considered. Firstly, many insomnia medications can cause several undesirable side effects like drowsiness, confusion, forgetfulness, dry mouth etc. Then there is the problem of tolerance and dependency on the drug. This means that as the body gets used to this insomnia drug, higher doses will be required for the medication to take effect. Moreover, the body tends to become dependent on the drug to fall asleep. Sometimes, stopping the medication can cause withdrawal symptoms and make the insomnia worse than before. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution while deciding on a remedy for insomnia.
Types of insomnia drug
Antihistamines- Medications like diphenhydramine and doxylamine are commonly used to treat insomnia. You can get them from a chemist without a prescription. However, they may cause side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary problems etc. Long term use can render these medications ineffective as the body develops tolerance to them.
Melatonin- This is a hormone which sends sleep and relaxation signals to the brain. It is essential for inducing and maintaining sleep. Melatonin supplements can help induce sleep and combat seep disturbances. These are available as dietary supplements. It is best to take them after consulting your doctor.
Benzodiazepines – These include substances like flurazepam, estazolam etc. They slow down the central nervous system causing the body to relax, thus promoting good sleep.
Non-Benzodiazepines – They also work like benzodiazepines but their effect is more specific. These include substances like eszopiclone and zaleplon. The body is less likely to become dependent on them but they must be used with caution.
Melatonin receptor agonists- They work in much the same way as melatonin. They induce a state of drowsiness and are effective in initiating sleep. These medications are not very effective in maintaining sleep though.
Antidepressants- sometimes antidepressants are used for the treatment of insomnia. However, these ought to be prescribed only in cases of short term insomnia which is associated with depression.