Prescription Sleep Medications - Introduction

Prescription sleep medications are often used for those who have chronic sleep issues, insomnia, and also for those who have temporary sleep issues as well. Most people at some point in their life will have some sleep disturbances but regular disturbances, if prolonged, can affect personal relationships as well as productivity at work. There are many measure you can take to assist you in achieving a good nights sleep and prescription sleep medications are one of many. Of course, discussing options and consulting with your doctor before taking any medications or starting any complementary treatment plans. Along with taking prescription sleep medications, some alternative therapies include hypnosis, meditation, acupuncture, and some herbal combinations can assist you with your sleeplessness. Developing a routine before bed, medications, and alternative remedies can help assist you with insomnia and temporary sleeplessness.

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If you have spoken with your doctor and decided on prescription sleep medications as a means to help you sleep better, it is important to educate yourself about your symptoms and the various medications available. Currently there are many different kinds of medications to treat the symptoms of insomnia depending on what the initial cause is. A few decades ago, there were only a few options for a good night's sleep which were benzodiazepine hypnotics like Xanax or Halicon. Although these medications are still prescribed, there are more choices available today. Similar medications called nonbenzodiazepines and newer drugs that have their own classifications are currently available. When you are tired and have suffered from sleeplessness for one or many nights, having so many options can be confusing and complicated. There are some simple descriptions online that can help you sort through the main differences and similarities between the multiple medications available.

Benzodiazepines include older drugs that are commonly prescribed such as Valium, Klonopin, Xanax and Halicon that induce sleep by slowing down the central nervous system. These medications are often used to treat anxiety and panic disorders as well as insomnia. Although many doctors prescribe them for longer, they are generally approved for short term use of a few weeks of less by adults. The older medications generally cost less as well because they are available in generic form. Benzodiazepines have a low risk of causing dependence or abuse although the risk is slighter higher than other sleep medications. Some side effects of benzodiazepines are residual daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment, memory loss, failing and motor impairment (especially among older people) and the a possible return or rebound of insomnia if the drug is stopped abruptly.

Nonbenzodiazepine prescription sleep medications include Ambien, Lunest and Sonata. These drugs target the same brain receptors as benzodiazepines, but in a more specific manner. They are recommended for short term insomnia but generally cost more because most of them are not available in generic for except Ambien, which goes by zolpinem generically. The nonbenzodiazepine medications are safer for those people who have breathing problems and have a lower risk for abuse or dependence than benzodiazepines. Some of the side effects of nonbenzodiazepine medications can cause the taker to eat, walk, sleep or even drive while sleeping with no memory of the incident.

The last category of prescription sleep medications stands alone and is called Rozerem. Rozeram, was approved by the FDA in 2005 for insomniacs who have trouble falling asleep. Rozeram mimics the actions of the brain's melatonin hormone, shutting down alert signals and heling the body transition into sleep. So far, it is approved for long-term use in adults and has not shown any evidence of abuse or tolerance in its clinical studies. It is not available in generic form and has the highest cost amongst prescription sleep medications. Some of the side effects include headaches, daytime sleepiness and dizziness and has been associated with altered hormone levels, which may cause rare sexual side effects. Rozerem caused patients to fall asleep seven to sixteen minutes faster then the placebo and increased the total sleep time eleven to nineteen minutes.

Only you and your doctor can decide what is right for you, therefore, whether it is complementary medicines and therapies or prescription sleep medications, educate yourself and get a good nights sleep!