There are several types of drugs that are available to help treat insomnia, or make it easier to fall asleep. Some of these medicines are available with a prescription only. Others can be purchased over the counter at your drugstore.

The nonprescription sleep aids usually contain antihistamines that act on the central nervous system to increase feelings of sleepiness and to help maintain sleep. Examples of these products include Sominex, Unisom, and Nytol.

A commonly prescribed class of medications that is available for insomnia is the benzodiazepines. These medicines require a prescription from a physician. This group includes medicines such as Restoril, Dalmane and Halcion. Other prescription medicines used to induce sleep, such as Ambien and Chloral Hydrate and Nembutal are barbiturates.

Generally, sleep aids are intended to be used for only a short period of time, usually no longer than 1 to 2 weeks. If you think you need to take an insomnia medicine for longer than 2 weeks, be sure to talk to your doctor. Insomnia that lasts longer that this period of time may be a sign of a medical problem.

All medicines for sleep have similar side effects. They may occasionally cause more headaches or nightmares. They may make you feel more tired in the morning and make it difficult to concentrate. If you get a full night's sleep, it helps to reduce this side effect.

These medicines also add to the effects of alcohol and other types of drugs such as antihistamines, other allergy medicines, some cold preparations, sedatives or tranquilizers, and muscle relaxants. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any of these medicines with a sleep aid.

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