These are the most commonly used sleeping tablets in Australia and include temazepam (Temaze, Normison), zopiclone (Imovane) and zolpidem (Stilnox). They work by enhancing the activity of sleep pathways in the brain. They are recommended for short term use (less than 4 weeks). Melatonin (Circadin).
Natrol Melatonin Fast Tablets
Natrol melatonin tablets are fast-dissolving, over-the-counter sleep supplements, one of the strongest sleeping aids available on the market.
Nonprescription medications
Other over-the-counter sleep medications, such as Unisom SleepTabs, contain 25 mg per pill of an antihistamine called doxylamine succinate. These medications work by blocking certain brain chemicals, which can have a sedating effect. They are generally safe but come with some risks.
Benzodiazepines: Doctors prescribe benzodiazepines to treat insomnia or anxiety that is disabling, severe, and causing extreme distress. Diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and triazolam (Halcion) are examples of benzodiazepines.
Zolpidem, commonly known as Ambien, slows down activity in the brain, allowing you to sleep. The immediate release form dissolves right away, helping you fall asleep fast.
Benzodiazepines are a class of drug commonly known as minor tranquillisers and sleeping pills. In Australia, benzodiazepines are available only with a prescription and are prescribed mainly for problems relating to anxiety and sleep.
The bottom line
In January 2022, the FDA approved Quviviq (daridorexant) to treat insomnia in adults. This medication can be helpful both for falling and staying asleep. Studies suggest it's both safe and effective. Most people tolerated daridorexant well in studies.
Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and racing thoughts. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used. Antihistamines: Some over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), can have a sedating effect and may be used to help with sleep.
Melatonin can now be sold over the counter in Australia, enabling insomniacs over 55 safer access to the sleep drug without a prescription. Australians insomniacs aged over 55 will no longer need to look overseas to source a sleep-inducing drug without a prescription.
Temazepam. Temazepam 10mg is approximately equivalent to diazepam 5mg. Temazepam is used short-term for the treatment of insomnia, and as pre-medication before minor surgical and investigative procedures.
In the elderly, should prescription medication be necessary, the first-line treatment is nonbenzodiazepines (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and ramelteon) as they have been found to be safer and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines.
RESTAVIT™ helps relieve insomnia. It is intended for short term use to re-establish regular sleep patterns. Do not use it for more than a few days at a time.
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine sleeping pill. It is also known by the trade names Dialar, Diazemuls, Diazepam Desitin, Diazepam Rectubes, Stesolid and Tensium.
Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.
Mirtazapine and trazodone are two antidepressants that help patients fall asleep and improve their sleep architecture. However, mirtazapine's sedative effects are greater in the lower dose range (15 mg and below), which may not treat depression. Trazodone also has limitations.
Generally, magnesium glycinate is recognized as the best form of magnesium to help with sleep because it's easy for the body to absorb. Though the effects of magnesium on sleep are not completely known or understood, some believe that its effects on muscle contraction and nervous system regulation help improve sleep.
Melatonin is generally safe for short-term use. Unlike with many sleep medications, with melatonin you are unlikely to become dependent on it, have less response to it after repeated use or experience a hangover effect. The most common melatonin side effects include: Headache.