Two Types of Sleep Aid Medication Options

A lot of people who suffer from insomnia resort to sleeping pills to help them fall asleep and stay asleep. If you are suffering from insomnia and you want to take a sleep aid medication, here are some things you need to consider before making the decision.

Some sleep medications have been proven to be effective in providing a restful sleep. Other sleep aid products have gained recognition without the support of scientific data to back the claims of some manufacturers. Sleep aid medications are grouped into over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aid products and prescription sleeping pills.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Sleep Aid Products

Over-the-counter sleep aid medicines are available without prescription and can be purchased at drugstores. An OTC sleep aid medication typically contains antihistamine, which is basically used to treat allergies but also have properties that can make a person feel sleepy. However, OTC sleeping pills are for short-term use only and must be taken in combination with changes to your sleeping habits.

Common side effects of an OTC sleep aid medication include:

• Sleepiness the following day
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth and throat
• Lack of coordination
• Forgetfulness
• Urinary retention
• Constipation

When you take an OTC sleep aid medication, you may develop a tolerance for it in as early as few days, making it necessary for you to take a higher dosage to accomplish the same efficacy. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor first before taking any OTC sleep aid medication.

Prescription Sleeping Pills
 
Typically, prescription sleep medicines are given to a patient only after the doctor has taken into consideration the patient's medical history, insomnia symptoms, other medications being taken, and the effect of medicines in the body.

The types of prescription sleep medicines are:

• Short-acting sedative-hypnotics (Non-benzodiazepines). This type of sleep aid medication works by increasing the normal effects of the brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These medicines are more effective and are safer when used for a long time. However, long-term use may lead to addiction.
• Melatonin receptor agonists. These sleep aids work by decreasing one's alertness by reacting with the melatonin receptors located in the brain. Though melatonin receptor agonists are used for sleep onset problems, these sleep aids are not effective for problems in staying asleep.
• Antidepressants. These sleep aid medications help promote sleep, even though none of them have been particularly approved to treat sleep problems.
• Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers). This type of sleep aid medications causes the central nervous system to slow down, thus causing sleepiness. However, the effects last for only a few weeks. Side effects of these drugs include drug dependence, memory impairment and movement, and hangover. Because of these serious side effects, they are now less prescribed.

In considering a sleep aid medication, you should consult with your health care provider. He or she will help you understand the sleep aid alternatives available to you, and make you aware of the different side effects that each may cause.

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