Sleep
Medications and Their Side Effects
In a 2002 poll, 15% of Americans
surveyed reported that they used a sleep medication. If you are
considering using sleep medications, it is important to work closely
with your doctor, to understand your options, to be aware of potential
side effects, and to know what questions to ask.
Prescription sleep medications
Prescription sleep medications fall into one of several classes,
listed below. In determining which sleep medicines may be right
for you, your doctor will take into account such factors as your
medical history, your insomnia symptoms, other medications you are
taking and the way the medicine works in the body.
Non-Benzodiazepines. This is the newest class of
sleep medications. The currently available products have a short
half-life, which means they are eliminated from the body quickly.
Because of this, they are not likely to cause daytime sleepiness.
They are also "selective," which means they target specific
receptors that are thought to be associated with sleep.
Benzodiazepines.
This class of sleep medications includes both long-acting medicines
(which can linger in the body and potentially cause daytime drowsiness)
and short-acting medicines (which do not stay in the bloodstream
as long). Many benzodiazepines were originally formulated to treat
anxiety.
Barbiturates. These sedatives are rarely prescribed
anymore for insomnia, due to the risk of addiction, abuse and overdose.
Antidepressants. At times, doctors will prescribe
antidepressants to promote sleep, although none of these medicines
are specifically approved as sleep medications.
Nonprescription sleep medications
Nonprescription sleep medications usually contain antihistamines,
which may induce drowsiness that lasts into the next day. (Many
cold and allergy medicines contain antihistamines, which is why
they can make you feel sleepy.) It is important to check the ingredients
label of any over-the-counter (OTC) treatment - including those
sleep aids designated as "nighttime" or "P.M."
formulas - to see if it contains antihistamines. A common OTC antihistamine
is diphenhydramine hydrochloride.
Side effects of sleep medications
In general, the most common side effects of sleep medications include
dizziness, lightheadedness, daytime drowsiness, diarrhea, and difficulty
with coordination. With some prescription medicines, however, the
risk of these side effects is very small. Here are some ways to
ensure your treatment is as safe and successful as possible:
Sleep medications are often used for the short-term treatment of
insomnia and, on occasion, for more chronic insomnia. Sleep medications
that currently are available by prescription are known to improve
sleep by reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, increasing
sleep duration and/or reducing the number of awakenings during sleep.
While modern hypnotics are considered safe, individuals should be
aware that, like all medications, side effects may occur in a minority
of patients. These side effects can include sleep walking, sleep
eating and difficulty with memory.
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