Chronic Insomnia

Chronic insomnia may not be a life threatening complaint but it can seriously affect an individual’s standard of living. It can cause irritation, stress, absence from work and school, and even automobile accidents. If you are one of the many people that suffer with this problem then it may be useful to try the various chronic insomnia medications. These can help you retain a good sleep pattern and improve your overall life. As with any drugs or treatment it is best to seek advice from your local GP, they may offer any one of a number of solutions.

One of the most commonly prescribed insomnia medications is what are termed hypnotic drugs. These are mostly given to people who cannot sleep sufficiently due to emotional disturbances. Hypnotic medications are mostly given for short term use as tolerance and addiction are a concern. Such drugs include benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and anti-depressants. If a patient is depressed then it is important that if they are given any one of these prescriptions they are monitored regularly to check on their mental well being. If the individual cannot maintain sleep due to pain then they should take analgesics before going to bed.

Benzodiazepines were developed nearly forty years ago. They are still one of the most common chronic insomnia medications for sleep disorders. They target the areas of the brain that are known to be involved in the promotion of sleep. There are various brands available, the most well known being Valium, Tranxene, and Mogadon. These will shorten the time needed to fall asleep and also limit the amount that a person wakes during the night. The actual insomnia can vary so much that some people may drift off easily but cannot maintain sleep or vice versa, for this reason some medications are absorbed slowly while others act quickly.

GPs will also prescribe the class of drugs known as non-benzodiazepines for certain patients. These generally have a quicker action time and a short duration. This is important when an individual does not want to feel drowsy once that have awoke. An example is Zolpidem. As with many anti-insomnia medications there is the possibility for sleep problems reoccurring when it is withdrawn.

At one time barbiturates were commonly prescribed. These work by depressing the central nervous system and alter respiration, heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. Now they are not so often given as they have been found to be more difficult to withdraw and may have a greater risk of suicide.

Certain tricyclic antidepressants that have sedative effects are often given to people that have insomnia linked to mood disorders. They are a preferred option to benzodiazepines if the doctor believes the patient is seriously depressed. They will give a prolonged sleep continuity pattern.

It is now the case that some people will seek out over the counter medications rather than prescription based options. These are generally anti-histamines. Although they will produce a drowsy feeling they will not give a rewarding sleep in which the body and mind can fully rest.

Whatever kind of anti-insomnia medications are taken it is of great importance not to combine them with other drugs or alcohol.