Sleep medicines may be used when someone has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. These problems can be caused by insomnia, nightmares, nocturnal anxiety, teeth grinding and other sleep disorders. Sleep medications should only be used under the supervision of a medical professional and only when absolutely necessary so as to prevent dependence.
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants, which are often used to treat seizure disorders, can also be used to treat sleep disorders that make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Drugs in this category can be used to treat insomnia that results from bipolar disorder, restless leg syndrome, nocturnal eating syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. Possible side effects of these drugs include drowsiness, gastrointestinal changes, tremors and cognitive impairments. Examples of sleep medicines used to treat these conditions include Tegretol, Depakene, Neurontin, Depakote and Carbatrol.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a subset of a class of drugs known as hypnotics. These drugs are most often used to treat teeth grinding (bruxism), short-term bouts of insomnia and parasomnias. Parasomnias are sleep disorders that can disrupt REM sleep. These disorders include sleepwalking, nightmares and night terrors. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, possible side effects of this drug class include sedation, memory impairment and an increased risk of depression. Examples of benzodiazepines used to treat sleep disorders include Valium, Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin and Restoril.
Dopamine Agonists
Dopamine agonists, which are often used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, can also be used to treat sleep disorders that result in nocturnal movements that disrupt sleep. These disorders include periodic limb movement disorder and restless leg syndrome. Possible side effects of dopamine agonists include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, abnormal dreams, anxiety, hallucinations, confusion and a drop in blood pressure upon standing. Examples of dopamine agonists used to treat these conditions include Permax, Requip, Larodopa, Parlodel, Sinemet and Mirapex.
Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics
Some hypnotics are not classified as benzodiazepines. These medications, known as non-benzodiazapine hypnotics, are used to treat short-term insomnia. Examples of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics used to treat insomnia include Sonata, Ambien and Lunesta. Side effects of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics can be severe. These side effects include severe allergic reactions, behavior changes, abnormal thinking, loss of coordination, confusion, hallucinations, memory loss, mood changes, suicidal thoughts or actions, and changes in vision.
Opiates
Opiates, which are commonly used to relieve moderate to severe pain, can be used to treat restless leg syndrome when other drugs cannot be used or when other treatments are not successful. Opiates are addictive and should not be used by people with a history of drug and alcohol abuse. These drugs should not be used before driving or operating mechanical equipment, as they can also cause drowsiness. Drink plenty of water while taking opiates, as long-term use can cause dry mouth and severe bouts of constipation. Examples of opiates used to treat restless leg syndrome include oxycodone, propoxyphene, codeine, dihydromorphone and methadone.
Over-the-Counter Sleep Medicines
Some sleep medications can be purchased without a prescription. These sleep aids should only be used occasionally, because it is possible to become dependent on them with long-term use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the sale of sleep medicines that contain doxylamine succinate, diphenhydramine hydrochloride and diphenhydramine citrate. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, these drugs can cause dizziness, fatigue, reduced alertness, daytime sleepiness, headaches and vomiting.
