Examples
| Brand Name | Chemical Name |
| Lunesta | |
| Rozerem | |
| Sonata | |
| Ambien |
Benzodiazepines may also be used to provide short-term relief from insomnia.
How It Works
These medicines are called sedative-hypnotics. They help your brain relax so that you can fall asleep.
Why It Is Used
Some people may need medicine for a while to help them fall asleep. Doctors often prescribe medicine for a short time if other treatment isn't working. These medicines work best as a short-term treatment combined with lifestyle and behavior changes.
How Well It Works
These medicines are effective at treating insomnia. They are the first-choice medicines for short-term insomnia.1 Eszopiclone also can be used for long-term insomnia.
These sleep medicines may not have as many withdrawal and tolerance effects as another class of drugs called benzodiazepines that are used to treat sleep problems . They are also safer for people with breathing problems.2 But medicine doesn't work as well over time as lifestyle and behavior changes do.3 Except for ramelteon, sleep medicine can also become habit-forming.
Side Effects
Side effects of sleep medicines may vary depending on which one you take, but some may include:
- Daytime drowsiness and dizziness.
- Headaches.
- Dry mouth.
- Muscle or joint pain.
- Changes in appetite or in the way food tastes.
- Problems with balance or coordination.
- Confusion and trouble remembering things.
- Physical problems, such as falling, especially in older people.
- An allergic reaction.
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Sleep problems may get worse when you stop taking the medicine.
In rare cases, people taking these medicines have done activities, such as driving and eating, while still asleep.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
While these medicines may help with sleep problems, they may not work any better than less expensive nonprescription sleep medicines, such as Sominex or Nytol.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
Estivill E, et al. (2003). Consensus on drug treatment, definition, and diagnosis for insomnia. Clinical Drug Investigations, 23(6): 351–385.
Wagner J, Wagner ML (2000). Non-benzodiazepines for the treatment of insomnia. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 4(6): 551–581.
Smith MT, et al. (2002). Comparative meta-analysis of pharmacotherapy and behavior therapy for persistent insomnia. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159(1): 5–11.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Katy E. Magee, MA |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jan Ulfberg, MD, PhD - Sleep Disorders |
| Last Updated | November 12, 2008 |
