|
Prescription medications
The drugs most often prescribed for insomnia are benzodiazepines and related drugs (such as Halcion and Ambien) and antidepressants such as trazodone (Desyrel, Sideril, and Trazonil).
While most drugs sedate the brain as a whole, the new drug ramelteon (Rozerem) works by targeting the part of the brain responsible for keeping you awake. This drug is thought to be more helpful for people who have trouble falling asleep than for those who wake up often at night or wake up too early in the morning.
Barbiturates (Nembutol, Seconal) were often prescribed for insomnia before benzodiazepines were introduced but they now are rarely prescribed because they are addictive and it is relatively easy to overdose on them.
In addition to the drugs listed above, some doctors may prescribe other medications with sedating effects, such as some antipsychotics.
This section has more on:
|
