It is easy to take sleep for granted, especially if it comes easily. But on nights when sleep is nowhere to be found, its importance becomes unmistakable. To get much-needed relief, it is tempting to turn to chemical agents. Indeed, they can do the trick for a night or two. But depend on them for too long, and their limitations begin to show. Sleep aids come in several forms.
Over the Counter
Over-the-counter sleeping pills tend to contain antihistamines, which are taken to treat allergies. The sleepiness effect of antihistamines is a sense of drowsiness. Two common antihistamines are diphenhydramine, which is sold under the trade names of Sominex, Compoz, Nytol and Sleepinal, and doxylamine, which is marketed under Unisom and other brand names. These agents are marginally effective. In the short term, they may help you fall asleep. But they have many side effects, including drowsiness the next day or a "hangover" effect, constipation, dizziness and dry mouth.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepine medications are most commonly used to treat anxiety-related conditions. Some benzodiazepines that are approved in the United States to treat insomnia are Triazolam, sold under the brand name Halcion; Quazepam, sold as Doral; Estazolam, sold as ProSom; and Temazepam, sold as Restoril. All are controlled substances and are considered to have addictive potential. Compared to other prescription sleeping medications on the market, these drugs are older and are less commonly prescribed.
Non-benzodiazepines
Examples of non-benzodiazepine medications that treat insomnia are zolpidem, sold under the brand name Ambien; eszopiclone, sold as Lunesta; and zalepon, marketed as Sonata. Like benzodiazepines, these drugs are classified by the government as controlled substances. The take action in the same general area of the brain as a benzodiazepine does but target a more specific area within that space. Physicians prescribe them more often for anxiety than benzodiazepines because they have fewer side effects and a lower risk of addiction.
Melatonin-related Therapy
A melatonin receptor agonist hypnotic acts in a similar way to the natural hormone melatonin, which is involved in regulating sleep. In its generic form, this drug is known as ramelteon, but it is sold under the brand name Rozerem. Rozerem is effective for helping you get to sleep, but if your problem is in staying asleep once you've drifted off, then it is unlikely to be of help. Doctors do not believe it has addictive potential, but it does carry the risk of side effects. Among them are headache, dizziness, nausea and infection of the upper-respiratory tract.
Trazodone
Trazodone is an antidepressant sold under the brand name Desyrel. It is an antidepressant medication that is also sometimes used for treatment of anxiety disorders. And though it is not officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of insomnia, doctors commonly prescribe it for that purpose. The therapeutic effects of trazodone can take 2 to 3 weeks to kick in.
