Types of Prescription Sleep Aids
Prescription sleep aids, also known as sleeping pills, are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration, and can be legally prescribed by properly licensed doctors for people who have an inability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep. But there are some risks of taking sleeping pills, including dependence or loss of effectiveness, and people should never drink alcohol with these drugs, according to the FDA.
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Warnings
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Any sleeping pill can lead to addiction or overdose. It is also important not to use other narcotic medications such as tranquilizers or painkillers without a doctor's supervision. In addition, some sleeping pills such as Halcion or Ambien have caused people to drive, eat or have sex after taking the drug and not be able to remember the incident. This is a form of sleep aid-related amnesia and can lead to serious consequences such as traffic accidents.
Ambien and Ambien CR
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Ambien and Ambien CR, chemically comprised of the narcotic drug zolpidem, are FDA-approved for treatment of insomnia. Ambien helps people fall asleep, while Ambien CR continually releases zolpidem so patients can better stay asleep. Possible side effects include daytime drowsiness, headaches and dizziness, according to the manufacturer's website.
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Halcion
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Halcion is chemically comprised of the narcotic drug triazolam and is also government-approved as a sleep aid. There are a number of possible side effects associated with Halcion use, according to the government website MedLine Plus. Slurred or slowed speech, daytime drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, coordination problems, slow movements, dizziness and headache can occur with triazolam use.
Restoril
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Restoril is chemically comprised of the narcotic drug temazepam and is approved as a sleeping pill by the FDA. Possible side effects are daytime drowsiness, coordination problems, lightheadedness and dizziness, according to the manufacturer's website. Restoril is available in 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 22.5 mg and 30 mg dosages.
Lunesta
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Lunesta is chemically comprised of the narcotic drug eszoplicone and is a sleeping aid approved by the government. No generic form of Lunesta was available in the United States as of 2009. Possible side effects when using Lunesta include dry mouth, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, morning drowsiness, headache, dizziness and cold symptoms, according to the manufacturer's website.
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