The Great Drug Debate - Drugs for Insomnia Treatment

Though there are many ways to possibly treat insomnia - hypnosis, therapy, self-treatment, herbal remedies - one of the most common ways is medication. Having your doctor prescribe drugs for insomnia is considered the most effective way to cure the medical condition. Though it used to be that there were only a few options as far as which drugs for insomnia you could take, there is now a wide selection of insomnia medications available.

Safety First

Whenever you are taking any kind of drug, including drugs for insomnia, it is important that you use the drug only as directed. With insomnia medications, this usually means that the drug should only be taken right before bed. Also, it is suggested that you do not attempt to drive or complete other activities that require concentration after taking insomnia medications, because most drugs for insomnia will make you feel sleepy soon after taking them.

The Different Types of Drugs for Insomnia

There are many different kinds of drugs that can be taken for insomnia. Many times, doctors will prescribe sleeping pills to help the patient sleep through the night. These pills are usually prescribed in the smallest dosage necessary, and for the shortest amount of time needed. Common sleeping pills are Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta, and Rozerum.

Another type of drug for insomnia is antidepressants. Depression is often an underlying cause of insomnia; thus, many doctors prescribe antidepressants in the hopes that the insomnia will be treated as a result of addressing the depression. Antidepressants are also effective at treating the anxiety that is often associated with insomnia.

Finally, there are some over-the-counter sleep aids that can be sold without a prescription. These are usually antihistamines, and they generally work well but may cause drowsiness the next day. Also, these insomnia drugs should not be taken with other medications, like cold medicine.

What s the Controversy?

Many doctors are hesitant to prescribe drugs for insomnia due to the many side effects of the drugs, and due to the potential of the patient becoming dependent upon the drug. It s not just the doctors - patients, too, are reluctant to take drugs for insomnia when there are other treatment options available to them.

Doctor s Orders

In the end, any drugs you take for insomnia must be under the supervision of your doctor. He or she will be able to recommend the best treatment for your insomnia, whether it is medical or otherwise.