Many medications are used to treat insomnia, including nonprescription over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription medications. The 2005 NIH conference on the management of insomnia (PDF) concluded that the only medications shown to be effective and safe are the benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BzRAs). The NIH conference also concluded that there was insufficient evidence that other medications (such as antidepressants, OTC drugs, and melatonin) are safe and effective when used to treat insomnia. BzRAs have been well-researched and are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of insomnia. Medications with FDA approval for insomnia are called hypnotics. Below we will describe the BzRA hypnotics and another hypnotic medication that has received FDA approval after the NIH conference was held.

Precautions About Taking Hypnotics?

* Individuals who abuse alcohol or other drugs may misuse hypnotics.

* Anyone who is "on call" during the night (e.g., for work or care-taking activities including care of young children) may have difficulty because of the sedating action of the medication, especially if they need to drive or make important decisions.

* People who have sleep apnea and are not treated with a breathing device might be made worse. Sleep apnea episodes (pauses in breathing) end when the person becomes aroused from sleep; hypnotics make it more difficult to arouse.

* Most pregnant women should not use hypnotics. If you are pregnant and on medication for sleep, talk to your doctor about alternate options.

Learn about:

* BzRA Hypnotics
* Other Hypnotics