Sleep Medication

Using Medication to Manage Pain and Reduce Sleep Problems

Ben Parr — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:37:10 -0800

If behavior changes and environment have not proven to be sufficient sleep aids, patients should discuss with their physician whether over-the-counter or prescription drugs should be used to treat their pain, improve their sleep or both.

Over the Counter (OTC) Medications as Short-Term Sleep Aids

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:29:31 -0800

Over-the-counter medications for the treatment of a sleep problem are those that can be purchased without a prescription. Examples of over-the-counter sleep aids include:

Sleep-Eze
Sominex
Nytol, and others.

OTC sleep medications should only be used on a short term basis, since extended use of these medications can actually exacerbate insomnia. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, antihistamine is the most common ingredient in OTC sleep aids.

Herbal Remedies as Non-FDA Approved Sleep Aids

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:29:27 -0800

There are many natural and herbal remedies available over-the-counter for sleeping disorders. These include such things as Melatonin, which is a hormone that is known to be involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. In addition, herbal products include such things as valerian, chamomile, Kava Kava, and others. It is important to note a few things about these herbal remedy products:

Non-Benzodiazepine Sleep Aids

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:51:34 -0800

In recent years, a newer class of medications has been developed often termed the “non-benzodiazepine, benzodiazepine receptor agonists”. These newer medications appear to have better safety profiles and less adverse effects. These medications are associated with a lower risk of abuse and dependence than the benzodiazepines. Examples of medications in this class include:

Melatonin Receptor Agonists (Rozerem) for Falling Asleep

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:51:30 -0800

Rozerem (ramelteon) is a prescription insomnia medication that was approved by the FDA in July 2005 and began to be marketed to consumers in 2006. Rozerem has a unique mechanism of action – melatonin receptor agonist -- that selectively targets specific receptors in the brain that are responsible for controlling the body’s sleep-wake cycle. It works by mimicking melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that is produced during the sleep period.

Sleep Aids for People with Chronic Pain

spine-health — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:42:13 -0800

Whether it is the inability to fall asleep, to stay asleep for the recommended seven to eight hours, or waking too early (for example, 4 a.m. versus 6 a.m.), chronic pain can cause sleep problems in a number of ways. Lack of sleep can worsen pain, and of course more intense pain then continues to interfere with sleep, so the two symptoms can become a vicious cycle.

Sleep Medications by Prescription

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:10:15 -0800

In the past, the most commonly prescribed medications for sleeping problems included two classes of sedative-hypnotic drugs: the benzodiazepines and the “non-benzodiazepine, benzodiazepine receptor agonists”.

In addition to these categories, a new medication (Ramelteon, under the brand name Rozerem) became more widely available in 2006 that aids sleep with a unique mechanism of action.

This article covers the following prescription sleep medications:

Insomnia Medications - Non-Prescription

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:10:14 -0800

Medications are among the most commonly used treatments for insomnia and can be quite effective. However, medications should always be used judiciously and in conjunction with the non-pharmacological approaches as discussed previously.

There are several classes of medications used for sleep, including:

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
“Natural” or herbal remedies
Sedative-hypnotic medications
Sedating antidepressants
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