Two common medications used as sleep aids are diphenhydramine and zolpidem. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that causes sleepiness and fatigue; it is the active ingredient in the over-the-counter allergy medicine, Benadryl. Zolpidem is the main ingredient in Ambien, a common prescription sleep aid. Ambien is in the class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are also commonly used to treat anxiety.
Depressed mood
One of the most common side effects of sleep aides, especially Ambien, is depressed mood. The depressed mood can be severe enough to lead to thoughts of suicide.
Confusion
A common side effect of all sleep aids is confusion. The confusion can occur when the person is going to sleep or when they awaken. According to the journal "Annals of Pharmacotherapy," the sedative effects of the medications are likely responsible for that. The confusion can be severe enough to lead to agitation, restlessness or even aggression.
Vivid Dreams
Sleep aid medications can lead to vivid or abnormal dreams. The sedative effects of the medications change the person's usual sleep patterns and can disrupt the normal REM sleep, which is the phase in which people dream.
Hangover Effect
A common side effect of sleep aids is a feeling of drunkenness upon awakening. According to the journal "Archives of Internal Medicine," that side effect is more often experienced after taking antihistamines to help with sleep. The effect is temporary, but can cause confusion and agitation shortly after waking up.
References
- Drugs.com: Compoz Nighttime Sleep Aid
- Drugs.com: Ambien
- The Annals of Pharmacotherapy; Delirium Associated with Zolpidem; Michael Brodeur; December 2001
- Archives of Internal Medicine; Cognitive and Other Adverse Effects of Diphenhydramine Use in Hospitalized Older Patients; Joseph Agostini; March 2001
