Prescription Sleeping Pills

If you have trouble sleeping, prescription sleeping pills may help. These drugs can help you fall asleep easier, stay asleep longer, or both. There are many different types of sleeping pills that may help in the short term.^1,2

But prescription sleeping pills are not always the best option in the long term. If you have ongoing insomnia, other treatments may be better for you. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is typically the first thing doctors recommend to treat insomnia.^1,2

How do prescription sleeping pills work?

There are different types of prescription drugs to help you sleep, including:^1-3

• Benzodiazepines
• Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (also called non-benzodiazepine hypnotics)
• Orexin receptor antagonists
• Drugs that act on melatonin receptors

The exact way the sleeping pill works depends on the drug. In general, these drugs work by increasing certain chemicals in the brain. They typically target certain receptors in the brain that impact sleeping habits. For example, benzodiazepines target receptors for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This increases the ability of GABA to bind to its receptor, which has a sedating effect.^1-3

Some people also use certain antidepressants as sleeping pills. These drugs are not approved to treat insomnia by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Using them to treat insomnia is called off-label use. These drugs can have a sedating effect and reduce depression and anxiety, which impact sleep. Antipsychotic drugs may also be used off-label for insomnia.^1-3

Examples

There are many different types of benzodiazepines. Some are more effective than others for insomnia. Benzodiazepines commonly used for insomnia include:^1-4

• Triazolam (Halcion®)
• Temazepam (Restoril™)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin®)

Benzodiazepine receptor agonists include:^1-3

• Eszopiclone (Lunesta®)
• Zolpidem (Ambien®)
• Zaleplon (Sonata®)

Orexin receptor agonists include:^2,3,5

• Suvorexant (Belsomra®)
• Daridorexant (Quviviq®)
• Lemborexant (Dayvigo®)

Drugs that work on melatonin receptors include:^1-3

• Ramelteon (Rozerem®)

Antidepressants used for insomnia include:^3,5

• Doxepin (Sinequan®)
• Amitriptyline (Elavil®)
• Trazodone (Desyrel®)
• Mirtazapine (Remeron®)

What are the possible side effects?

Side effects can vary depending on the specific sleeping pill you are taking. Possible side effects can include:^1-4

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Headaches
• Diarrhea or nausea
• Feeling sleepy during the day
• Allergic reactions
• Difficulty remembering things
• Changes in thought, like hallucinations, anger, and strange behavior

Sleeping pills also may be habit-forming or addictive.¹

These are not all the possible side effects of sleeping pills. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking sleeping pills. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking sleeping pills.

Other things to know

Only take sleeping pills before you go to bed. You should have time to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep when taking them. Sleeping pills can make you less aware of your actions. This may lead to dangerous scenarios if you are not asleep.^1,2

Never share sleeping pills with another person. Many of the sleeping pills listed above are controlled substances regulated by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Federal law prohibits the sharing of prescription drugs that are controlled substances.²

Never drink alcohol while taking sleeping pills. These pills may interact with other medicines you take. They also may not be safe for people who:^1,2

• Are pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Have kidney disease
• Have low blood pressure
• Have heart problems
• Have seizures

Before beginning treatment for insomnia, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs.