I Can’t Sleep. What Drugs Can I (Safely) Take?

Avoid Sleeping Pills as Your First Option

If you’re struggling to sleep, you may be tempted to turn to medication. However, medicines shouldn’t be your first choice. Instead, try exercising regularly, cutting back on caffeine after midday, eating less in the evening, and limiting your screen time before bed. You can also practice meditation and create a quiet, dark bedroom dedicated to sleep.

Benzodiazepines: The Most Common Sleeping Pills

Benzodiazepines, such as Valium, are the most commonly prescribed sleeping pills. They work by enhancing the effect of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which slows down brain activity. While they can be effective in the short term, they have a range of side effects, including memory impairment, increased risk of accidents, and addiction.

Long-Term Use of Benzodiazepines: A Recipe for Disaster

Using benzodiazepines long-term can lead to dependence, addiction, and a range of withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. It’s also important to note that benzodiazepines can interact with other medications, including alcohol, sedating antihistamines, and opioid analgesics, which can increase the risk of serious side effects, including respiratory failure and coma.

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Z-Drugs (Hypnotics): An Alternative to Benzodiazepines

Zopiclone and zolpidem are similar to benzodiazepines in terms of their mechanism of action and side effects. They also have the potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms, and can interact with other medications.

The Dangers of Z-Drugs

Z-drugs have been linked to a range of side effects, including hallucinations, sleep-walking, and bizarre behavior. They can also cause memory impairment, increased risk of accidents, and addiction.

Antihistamines: An Older Option for Insomnia

Older antihistamine medicines, such as diphenhydramine and doxylamine, can induce drowsiness and are often used to treat insomnia. However, they can also have side effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.

The Risks of Antihistamines for Sleep

While antihistamines may be effective in inducing sleep, they can also cause dependence and addiction. They can also interact with other medications, including opioids, and increase the risk of serious side effects, including respiratory failure and coma.

Analgesics: Pain Relievers with Sleep-Promoting Properties

Opioid-containing medicines, such as codeine and oxycodone, can induce drowsiness and are often used to treat pain. However, they are not recommended for treating insomnia due to their potential for addiction and overdose.

The Risks of Analgesics for Sleep

Analgesics can cause dependence and addiction, and can interact with other medications, including benzodiazepines and antihistamines. They can also increase the risk of serious side effects, including respiratory failure and coma.

Melatonin: A Hormone That Regulates Sleep

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. While it can be used to treat insomnia, it is not as effective as other sedatives and can cause side effects, including dizziness, headache, and nausea.

The Benefits of Melatonin for Sleep

Melatonin can be effective in promoting sleep, particularly in people with delayed sleep phase syndrome. It can also help to improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of sleep disorders.

Antipsychotics: A New Option for Insomnia

Antipsychotic medicines, such as quetiapine, are sometimes used to treat insomnia. However, they can have significant side effects, including dizziness, headache, and confusion.

The Risks of Antipsychotics for Sleep

Antipsychotics can cause significant side effects, including sedation, dry mouth, and constipation. They can also interact with other medications, including opioids and benzodiazepines, and increase the risk of serious side effects.

Conclusion

While medication may be necessary for some people, it’s important to remember that sleeping pills should not be used long-term. Instead, focus on improving your sleep hygiene and addressing any underlying issues that may be contributing to your insomnia.

FAQs

Q: What are the safest sleeping pills?

A: While no sleeping pill is completely safe, benzodiazepines, such as Valium, are the most commonly prescribed and widely used. However, they have a range of side effects and can be addictive.

Q: Can I take sleeping pills long-term?

A: No, it’s not recommended to take sleeping pills long-term. Benzodiazepines, in particular, can cause dependence and addiction, and can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Q: What are some natural ways to promote sleep?

A: There are many natural ways to promote sleep, including exercising regularly, practicing meditation, and creating a quiet, dark bedroom. You can also try aromatherapy, yoga, and other relaxation techniques.

Q: Can I take over-the-counter sleeping pills?

A: Yes, over-the-counter sleeping pills, such as antihistamines, can be effective in inducing sleep. However, they can also cause side effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.

Q: Can I take sleeping pills if I’m already taking other medications?

A: It’s important to consult with your doctor before taking sleeping pills, especially if you’re already taking other medications. Sleeping pills can interact with other medications, including opioids, benzodiazepines, and antihistamines, and increase the risk of serious side effects.