Sleep is a highly prized commodity, especially after working long hours or staying up to study for a test the next day. Sometimes, people have trouble falling asleep; in some instances, some people have trouble staying asleep. For either scenario, common sleep aid drugs are available to help people get their much needed rest.
Eszopiclone
Eszopiclone, commonly sold as Lunesta, belongs to a class of medications called sedative hypnotics. It is specifically used to manage insomnia. Specifically, this medication allows people to fall asleep and remain asleep. It works to balance the chemicals in the brain such as serotonin to help induce sleep.
Eszopiclone's common side effects include a skin rash, a dry mouth, depression, anxiety and nervousness. Other symptoms of eszopiclone include stomach pain, constipation and a poor appetite. Dizziness, daytime drowsiness and memory problems are additional side effects of eszopiclone. Notify a physician when eszopiclone's effects last for more than a week.
Eszopiclone's more serious effects include aggression, behavioral changes, hallucinations and thoughts of suicide. Call a doctor when eszopiclone causes any of these effects.
A change in this medication's dose may be necessary when suffering from such diseases as liver disease, sleep apnea, depression, asthma, bronchitis or drug or alcohol addiction.
Eszopiclone is available as a tablet that is taken at least eight hours prior to sleeping as needed.
Zaleplon
Zaleplon, commonly known as Sonata, is another sedative hypnotic that is used to manage insomnia. It also works to balance such chemicals as serotonin in the brain to help induce sleep so that people fall asleep and stay asleep.
Drugs.com says that zaleplon's common side effects include dizziness, daytime drowsiness, a headache, nausea and back pain. Other common effects include muscle or joint pain, visual problems, difficulty concentrating, depression, anxiousness, a poor appetite and severe menstrual cramps. Talk to a physician when zaleplon's common effects last for more than a week.
Zaleplon's serious effects include hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and agitation. It can also lead to aggression and changes in behavior. Contact a physician when zaleplon causes these effects.
A change in zaleplon's dose may be necessary when suffering from such diseases as sleep apnea, liver disease, depression, mental illness and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This medication should not be taken during pregnancy, as it can lead to birth defects.
Zaleplon is a medication that should be taken daily for seven to ten nights as prescribed.
Zolpidem
Zolpidem, commonly sold as Ambien, is also a sedative-hypnotic drug used to manage insomnia. Here, insomnia refers to having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Zolpidem works to slow the brain's activity so that sleep results.
MedlinePlus says that zolpidem's common effects include weakness, drowsiness, a headache, unusual dreams, muscle cramps or aches, dry mouth or a dry throat. Other common effects include changes in appetite, stomach pain, tenderness, constipation, diarrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding. Notify a doctor when zolpidem's common effects remain for more than six to seven days.
Zolpidem's serious effects include itching, hives, rash, shortness of breath and a pounding heartbeat. Other serious side effects include swelling of the throat, lips or tongue, trouble breathing or swallowing, chest pain and hoarseness. Call a physician when zolpidem's serious effects emerge.
An alteration in zolpidem's dose may be necessary when taking such medications as imipramine, itraconazole, rifampin or sertraline.
Zolpidem is given as a tablet or an extended-release tablet. It is typically taken at bedtime as needed.
