Prescription Medication for Insomnia

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If your sleep problems warrant it, your doctor may prescribe medication for your insomnia. Because dependency on these drugs can occur, and all drugs have some risk of side effects, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Four weeks is the recommended time limit for using most sleep medications.

Here are the most common prescription medications given to help people sleep:

• Benzodiazepines: Using these hypnotics for a prolonged time can lead to tolerance, and stopping them abruptly can cause problems such as insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and seizures. These drugs include lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), flurazepam (Dalmane), quazepam (Doral), triazolam (Halcion), estazolam (ProSom), and temazepam (Restoril).
• Non-benzodiazepines: These newer generation hypnotics carry less risk of dependence and, generally, fewer side effects. They include zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), and zopiclone and eszopiclone (Lunesta). Ramelteon (Rozerem), the newest sleep aid, is prescribed to people who have difficulty falling asleep, and unlike the other medications, it is approved for long-term use because it appears to have no risk of dependency.
• Antidepressants: Although not a sleep aid, drugs to treat mood disorders such as depression and anxiety -- common causes of insomnia -- often improve sleep as well. They include escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), and bupropion (Wellbutrin).

Before using a prescription sleep drug, be sure to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.