Medications And Medical Therapies: Eight Insomnia Treatments For This Category

Medications, when combined with non-pharmacologic ones, could be the best insomnia treatments. Take a look at some of the medical therapies for insomnia.

There are different treatments which you may make use of if you are bothered by a sleeping disorder such as insomnia. You must always remember to consult with your doctor first before taking these aids. Have a closer look at the medications and medical therapies as an insomnia treatment.

Insomnia treatment medications

If the first line of treatment does not help, doctors will combine pharmacologic (involving drugs) treatment with non-pharmacologic ones. The following are the available drugs in the market used in treating chronic insomnia:

1. Benzodiazepines have strong sedative effects and help in treating insomnia. However, these are used short term because it can cause tolerance and dependence. The required duration for use of benzodiazepines is only a few weeks and should not be discontinued abruptly. Titter the drug dose is of utmost importance to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Drugs on this class include flurazepam, lorazepam, temazepam and triazolam.

2. Non-benzodiazepines are new drugs that are similar to benzodiazepines. It is relatively safer compared to benzodiazepines because it has lesser tendencies to induce dependence and addiction. Examples of non-benzodiazepines are zolpidem, eszopiclone and zaleplon.

3. Antidepressants with sedative effects like trazodone, mirtazapine and doxepine are also proven to treat insomnia. These drugs are usually taken if the insomnia is caused by depression. Antidepressants lead to many side effects due to its anticholinergic, antihistaminergic and antiadrenergic properties.

4. Due to antihistamines’ sedative effects and availability it is also one of the drugs that help insomniacs. However, its sedative effects may decrease over time. It also causes dry mouth, day time sleepiness and blurred vision. In some studies, it is also proven that it reduces the quality of sleep. Diphenhydramine is the most commonly used.

5. Atypical antipsychotic drugs are also prescribed for their sedative effects. However, it makes it a poor choice in managing insomnia because of its neurological and cognitive side effects. One popular example is quetiapine (Seroquel).

6. Melatonin that is naturally secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and has benefits with individuals who suffer from insomnia. During daytime melatonin levels are low. Darkness stimulates the pineal gland to produce melatonin thereby inducing sleep. It helps the body regulate sleep-wake cycles. It treats insomnia without altering your sleep pattern and it does not impair performance-related skills unlike other drugs.

7. Valerian or Valeriana Officinalis. This is a kind of perennial flowering plant producing white flowers which are also available in supplement forms. It is believed to induce sleep and treat insomnia however some studies show that Valerian is no more than a placebo.

8. Ramelton is a prescription drug approved by FDA for treatment of insomnia. It stimulates the melatonin receptors thereby promoting sleep. It normalizes the body’s circadian rhythm in patients with insomnia.

Doctors do not generally prescribe long term use of these drugs because of its side effects. Older people are also more sensitive to these drugs that is why precautions are also taken. Prescription is always necessary when taking these drugs. The best treatment for insomnia is still the combination of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy.

Tags: insomnia, insomnia treatment, medical therapies, medications, sedatives

Click here to see Top Rated Insomnia Treatment Products Reviewed by Our Staff