Sleep Disorder Solutions: Understanding Your Prescription Medication Options

Understanding Prescription Sleep Medications

If you suffer from insomnia, you may find relief with one of several prescription drugs. Since these drugs have varied modes of action, your medical history will determine which medication is ideal for you.

Common Prescription Sleep Medications

Here are a few examples of the most popular sleep aids prescribed by doctors:

Benzodiazepine Sleep Medications

Medications of the family known as benzodiazepines have the effect of reducing activity in the brain and spinal cord. While they do a good job of putting individuals to sleep, they come with the risk of side effects such sleepiness, lightheadedness, and impaired judgment.

Non-Benzodiazepine Options

A more recent family of medicines, non-benzodiazepines are functionally equivalent to benzodiazepines but come with less negative side effects.

Orexin Receptor Antagonists

A relatively recent family of drugs called orexin receptor antagonists function by preventing the action of the wakefulness-inducing neuropeptide orexin.

Effects and Side Effects

While they are great at getting individuals to sleep and staying asleep, they do come with the risk of side effects including nightmares and very real dreams.

Melatonin Agonist Medications

Medication known as melatonin agonists helps regulate sleep by acting similarly to the hormone melatonin. Side effects such as drowsiness in the morning are possible, however they are usually well-tolerated.

Popular Melatonin Agonist Options

Here are a few of the most popular melatonin agonists used to treat insomnia:

Ramelteon (Rozerem)

An FDA-approved melatonin receptor agonist, Ramelteon (Rozerem) helps people sleep better at night. Orally ingesting it aids in maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle.

Tasimelteon (Melatonin XR)

One melatonin receptor agonist that has received FDA approval for the treatment of delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) is Tasimelteon, also known as Melatonin XR. It aids in resetting the body’s internal clock to a more regular sleep-wake cycle when taken orally.

Agometone (Valdoxan)

For the treatment of major depressive disorder, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of a melatonin receptor agonist called agometone (Valdoxan). The treatment of sleeplessness is another area of unapproved usage.

Medical Consultation Requirements

Get your doctor’s OK before taking melatonin agonists if you suffer from sleeplessness. In addition to monitoring you for side effects, they may assist you in deciding which drug is best for your specific condition.

Physician Oversight

You should see your physician before using any medicine for sleeplessness. In addition to monitoring you for side effects, they may assist you in deciding which drug is best for you.

Usage Duration Warning

Never take a prescription sleep aid for more than a few nights at a time. Dependence and other issues might arise from using these drugs for an extended period of time.

Safety Guidelines for Sleep Medication

Some guidelines for the safe administration of pharmaceutical sleep aids are as follows:

Important Medication Guidelines

Do not alter the dosage from what your doctor has given.

Take the drug exactly as directed.

Make sure your doctor knows about all the prescriptions you are taking, including any you buy without a prescription and any herbal supplements you use.

Keep in mind that this medicine may cause certain unwanted side effects, and tell your doctor if you experience any of them.

Consult your physician if you encounter unpleasant withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation of the medicine.

Final Medical Advice

It is crucial to consult a medical expert if you are having trouble sleeping. Insomnia can have many causes, but seeing a doctor can help you figure out what is causing it and how to cure it.