List of Sleeping Pills

If you have insomnia, you're not alone. According to Johns Hopkins medicine, about one-third of Americans have trouble sleeping. A doctor will often prescribe sleeping pills to a patient who is under stress, travels frequently, or cannot remain asleep throughout the night. Although sleeping pills don't treat the underlying cause of insomnia, they may help you get some much needed rest.

Information About Sleeping Pills

While many prescription sleeping pills don't carry severe risks, it's important to inform your doctor of any other medical conditions before starting a new prescription. Below are some partial lists of some of the more popular sleep aid medications.

Drugs That Help You Fall Asleep

Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
Ramelteon (Rozerem)
Triazolam (Halcion)
Zaleplon (Sonata)
Zolpidem (Ambien)

Drugs That Help You Stay Asleep

Estazolam
Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
Temazepam (Restoril)
Zolpidem (Ambien CR)

Drugs For When You Can't Sleep and You're Depressed

Amitriptyline
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Eszopiclone (Oral Route)
Ramelteon (Oral Route)
Zaleplon (Oral Route)
Zolpidem (Oral Route, Oromucosal Route)
Trazodone (Oral Route)

Non-Prescription Sleep Aids

There are many over-the-counter sleep aids that could be a good choice for someone who just needs a little help getting to sleep now and then. Some of these are melatonin, Unisom and valerian root. Some over-the-counter sleep aids also contain a pain reliever, like Tylenol PM.

References

• Mayo Clinic
• Johns Hopkins