Insomnia is a medical problem in which people have a difficult time falling asleep or staying asleep. MedlinePlus says that difficulty with sleep must occur for at least one month before the condition is considered insomnia. Signs of insomnia include feeling tired during the day, waking several times during the night and not feeling refreshed. Fortunately, generic insomnia medications exist.
Flurazepam
Flurazepam, commonly sold as Dalmane, treats such insomnia symptoms as trouble falling or staying asleep. Drugs.com indicates that flurazepam acts as a benzodiazepine medication to balance the neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain).
Flurazepam's less worrisome side effects include unsteadiness, a lack of coordination, dry mouth and increased thirst. This medication can also lead to amnesia, forgetfulness, daytime drowsiness and irritability. Inform a physician when flurazepam's side effects stay for greater than five days.
Flurazepam's serious side effects include shallow breathing, suicidal thoughts, easy bleeding or bruising, body aches, chills, and difficulty urinating. Additional side effects include confusion, slurred speech and aggression. Call a doctor at once when this drug leads to these effects.
Suffering from such medical conditions as myasthenia gravis, kidney or liver disease, drug or alcohol addiction, and bronchitis may require a decrease in flurazepam's dosage.
Flurazepam is a tablet taken each night for seven to 10 nights.
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is commonly sold as Benadryl, Sominex, Triaminic or Unisom. Drugs.com says that it acts as an antihistamine medication; specifically, it induces sleep.
Diphenhydramine's less serious effects include headache, fatigue, dizziness and sleepiness. This medication can also lead to trouble urinating and a dry mouth. Call a physician when diphenhydramine's less serious side effects last for greater than one week.
Diphenhydramine's serious side effects involve an allergic reaction. Trouble breathing, hives, and swelling of the tongue, lips and face are just some signs of this reaction. Call 911 immediately if you experience these side effects.
Suffering from such diseases as stomach ulcers, glaucoma, an overactive thyroid gland, high blood pressure and asthma may require a change in diphenhydramine's dose.
Diphenhydramine is a tablet taken 30 minutes prior to sleeping daily or as a physician prescribes.
Triazolam
Triazolam, commonly sold as Halcion, acts as a benzodiazepine medication to induce sleep. Specifically, it alters the brain chemicals.
MedlinePlus indicates that triazolam's less serious side effects include a headache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness and drowsiness. This drug can also lead to nervousness, tingling of the skin and problems with coordination. Notify a doctor when triazolam's less serious side effects last for greater than seven days.
Triazolam's serious side effects include trouble breathing or swallowing, itching, a rash, hives, and swelling of the tongue, throat, face or eyes. Notify a physician when triazolam's serious effects develop.
Taking such medications as ergotamine, isoniazid, diltiazem or erythromycin may require a change in triazolam's dose.
Triazolam is a tablet taken at bedtime.
