Hypnotic medications for sleep problems
Content provided by Healthwise
Hypnotic medications for sleep problems
Hypnotic, or sleep-inducing, medications are often used to control short-term insomnia.1 For long-term (chronic) insomnia, nonmedication treatments are preferred.
Benzodiazepines, the most common class of hypnotic medications, provide short-term relief from insomnia by inducing and maintaining sleep. Examples are quazepam (Doral), diazepam (such as Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). However, side effects can include dependence and withdrawal symptoms, daytime drowsiness and dizziness, insomnia that gets worse if the drugs are stopped, and physical problems such as falling, especially among older people.2 Benzodiazepines inhibit the ability to recall memories.3 In addition, they appear to suppress your body's nighttime production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you maintain your sleep-wake rhythm.4
Non-benzodiazepine hypnotic sleep medications include zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), and eszopiclone (Lunesta). They are now recommended as the first-choice medications for short-term insomnia.2 Lunesta also can be used for long-term insomnia. These shorter-acting sedative-hypnotic medications may not have as many withdrawal and tolerance effects as benzodiazepines do. They are also safer for people with breathing problems.5
However, in rare cases, people taking there medicines have done activities, such as driving and eating, while still asleep. These medicines also can cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Therefore, you should use these medicines with caution.
Other non-benzodiazepine sleep medications include barbiturates and chloral hydrate, which were prescribed for insomnia in the past. But these medicines are no longer recommended as sleeping aids because of the potential for dependence and their adverse side effects.6
Using sedative-hypnotics may actually make sleep apnea and other breathing disorders worse.2
References
Citations
Schenck CH, et al. (2003). Assessment and management of insomnia. JAMA, 289(19): 2475–2479.
Estivill E, et al. (2003). Consensus on drug treatment, definition, and diagnosis for insomnia. Clinical Drug Investigations, 23(6): 351–385.
Bursztajn HJ (1999). Melatonin therapy: From benzodiazepine-dependent insomnia to authenticity and autonomy. Archives of Internal Medicine, 159(20): 2393–2395.
Garfinkel D, et al. (1999). Facilitation of benzodiazepine discontinuation by melatonin. Archives of Internal Medicine, 159(20): 2456–2460.
Wagner J, Wagner ML (2000). Non-benzodiazepines for the treatment of insomnia. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 4(6): 551–581.
Working Group on Insomnia, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (1999). Insomnia: Assessment and management in primary care. American Family Physician, 59(11): 3029–3038.
Credits
| Author | Colleen Cronin |
| Author | Merrill Hayden |
| Editor | Katy E. Magee, MA |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Malin K. Clark, MD, FRCPC - Psychiatry |
| Last Updated | February 2, 2006 |
| Last updated: | February 02, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Merrill Hayden |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Malin K. Clark, MD, FRCPC - Psychiatry |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Michele Cronen |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
