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.
Benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like medication. These are the most commonly used sleeping tablets in Australia and include temazepam (Temaze, Normison), zopiclone (Imovane) and zolpidem (Stilnox).
Z-drugs and benzodiazepines
Z-drugs like zolpidem (Ambien) and zaleplon (Sonata) are commonly prescribed to help you fall asleep, especially if you don't have chronic insomnia. They can be taken as needed and usually work within an hour. Benzodiazepines are another option.
Natrol melatonin tablets are fast-dissolving, over-the-counter sleep supplements, one of the strongest sleeping aids available on the market. It can boost low melatonin levels and treat moderate to severe sleep disorders like rebound insomnia.
Melatonin: Melatonin is considered one of the safest over-the-counter sleep aids, with few side effects. A prescription drug called ramelteon is designed to mimic the effects of melatonin. Like melatonin, it is not considered habit-forming and it does not affect balance.
Ramelteon (Rozerem) is the newest type of sleep medication and works by mimicking the sleep regulation hormone melatonin. It has little risk of physical dependency but still has side effects. It is used for sleep onset problems and is not effective for problems regarding staying asleep.
BZDs are the most common hypnotic class prescribed in the hospital setting. Five BZDs are approved for insomnia (TABLE 1). Side effects include residual daytime sedation, anterograde amnesia, and respiratory depression. BZDs should not be used in patients with COPD, OSA, or a history of drug abuse.
Doctors generally don't recommend using prescription sleep medicines for long periods of time. They're not a cure for insomnia. Although they can help in some cases, they're only a temporary form of relief. Regular use may lead to rebound insomnia.
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.
Zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, Intermezzo, Zolpimist)
It is a good first choice for treatment of sleep-onset insomnia and produces no significant residual sedation in the morning.
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.
DAYVIGO is a prescription medicine for adults age 18 years and older who have trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia).
Temazepam usually starts to work after around 30 minutes. The effect lasts for around 7 to 8 hours. The most common side effects of temazepam include feeling drowsy or lightheaded, and having a dry mouth. It's not recommended to use temazepam for longer than 4 weeks.
Melatonin does tend to have less risky potential side effects than certain prescription sleep aids, Grandner says, but he adds that “melatonin is not a good alternative to prescription sleep medications. It does not work as a sedative and it is ineffective in most cases of insomnia.”
Why are doctors reluctant to prescribe sleeping tablets? are known to have more accidents (e.g. falls and car-related incidents), therefore it may not be safe to drive or operate machinery. Older people taking sleeping tablets have an increased risk of falling and sustaining bone fractures (e.g. hip injury).
Rozerem can be prescribed for long-term use, and the drug has shown no evidence of abuse or dependence. Suvorexant (Belsomra): It works by blocking a hormone that promotes wakefulness and causes insomnia. It is approved by the FDA to treat people that have insomnia due to an inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep.
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.
Sleeping pills are not meant to be taken every night. They are meant to be taken for short-term sleeping problems, such as jet lag. Long-term use is associated with risks such as diminished sleep quality, dependence, and more.
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.
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.
The sedating antidepressants most commonly used to help with sleep include Trazodone (Desyrel), Amitriptyline (Elavil), and Doxepin (Sinequan). It should be noted that when these medications are used for sleeping and pain relieving properties, it is in much lower doses than when used in the treatment of depression.