Insomnia Medication
People who suffer from sleeping insomnia may have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Consequently they feel tired and worn out next morning. This disorder can affect all aspects of life. It affects memory, performance at work and social relationships. Therefore, it is essential to treat the problem of sleeping insomnia as early as possible.
Treatments for insomnia may be either non drug or drug based. Non drug treatments involve introducing good sleep habits and a daily sleep routine so that the patient is able to sleep well at night. This alone may not work for some people. Such people may require medication.
There are several kinds of medications available to treat insomnia. Some are available over the counter while others require a prescription. It is best to take all insomnia medications under medical supervision because overuse can lead to dependency on the drug. However, there are a few over the counter medications for insomnia. They include:
Antihistamines
Diphenhydramine, doxylamine are anti-histamines which are commonly used for treating insomnia. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical mediator which promotes wakefulness. These medications are not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
Side effects- Dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, urinary problems etc
Melatonin
This is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland of the brain. Melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle of the body. The production of this hormone increases during the night and decreases at day time therefore, it is believed to have some role on promoting good sleep. Melatonin is available as a dietary supplement. This insomnia medication must be used with care since it can cause undesirable side effects and may interact with other drugs. It is best to check with a doctor before taking such medication.
Side effects- drowsiness, headaches, abnormal heartbeats, itching etc
Prescription insomnia medication
Benzodiazepines: These are tranquilizers like flurazepam, estazolam etc which are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. They also help the body to relax and sleep well. They work on receptors in the brain and signal the nervous system to slow down, thereby inducing and maintaining sleep. They can be habit forming and are not frequently prescribed.
Non-Benzodiazepines: Substances like eszopiclone, zaleplon belong to a class of medications called short term sedative hypnotics. They work in much the same way as benzodiazepines but their action is more specific and localized. Non- Benzodiazepines pose lesser risk of dependency and cause fewer side effects. Research is being carried out to develop non-benzodiazepines for long term use.
Melatonin receptor agonists: Substances like ramelteon act as melatonin receptor agonists. They work in the same way as melatonin and help induce sleep. These medications are not very effective in helping one stay asleep.
Points to remember while taking any insomnia medication
- Always take medications in consultation with a doctor. This applies to over the counter medications also.
- Remember to tell your doctor about any existing conditions or any medications you are currently taking.
- Take only the exact dose prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not drive after taking insomnia medications.