What are the 10 most common sleeping tablets?
In this article we will describe what are the 10 most common sleeping tablets. We hope you find it helpful.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are used as sleeping tablets. They are only available on prescription. They are not good longterm drugs.
1. Temazepam
2. Nitrazepam
3. Lorazepam
Others – loprazolam and lormetazepam
Z drugs
Other related tablets are called Z drugs. Strictly speaking, they are not benzodiazepines. However, they act in a similar way (they have a similar effect to benzodiazepines on the brain cells).
4. Zolpidem
5. Zopiclone
Antihistamines
6. Promethazine
These medicines are commonly used to treat allergic reactions such as hay fever. However, drowsiness is a side-effect of some antihistamines – for example, promethazine. This ‘side-effect’ is useful in some people who have difficulty sleeping because of their allergy.
An antihistamine is the active ingredient of some sleeping tablets that you can buy from pharmacies, without a prescription. Antihistamines are not as powerful as benzodiazepines or Z drugs at causing sleep. Also, they may have a ‘hangover’ effect and some drowsiness in the morning.
Other drugs
7. Melatonin
Melatonin is, strictly speaking, not a ‘sleeping tablet’. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone made by the body. The level of melatonin in the body varies throughout the day. It is involved in helping to regulate the daily cycles (circadian rhythms) of various functions in the body.
A melatonin supplement is sometimes advised in older people (more than 55 years of age) with sleep disorders such as long-term insomnia. The recommended duration of treatment is for three weeks to start with. If helpful, it can be used for a maximum of ten weeks in total.
Certain antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs
These are sometimes used to help with sleep, particularly if depression or anxiety is thought to be causing the problem.
8. Quetiapine
9. Mirtazepine
Pain-modulator
10. Pregabalin – has a useful side-effect, i.e. helps sleep
Old fashioned sleeping tablets
Chlormethiazole, chloral, and barbiturates are old-fashioned sleeping tablets. They are not commonly used these days, as benzodiazepines and Z drugs are usually preferred.
Summary
We have described what are the 10 most common sleeping tablets. We hope you have found the information helpful.
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