Sleep Disorders Health Center
Drug Treatments for Sleep Problems
In some cases, doctors will prescribe drugs such as sleeping pills for the treatment of sleep problems. Medications should be used in combination with good sleep practices and/or behavioral treatments.
Medications are often prescribed for short-term use.
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Types of Drugs Used to Treat Sleep Disorders
Listed below are some of the types of drugs used to treat sleep disorders. Your doctor can prescribe the appropriate medication for your particular sleep problems.
- Anti-Parkinsonian drugs (dopamine agonists) including Sinemet, Parlodel, Requip, Permax, and Mirapex. These drugs may be used to treat restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder (also called nocturnal myoclonus syndrome).
- Benzodiazepines, which are included in a class of drugs called hypnotics. Some types of benzodiazepines include Klonopin, Valium, Restoril, Prosom, Xanax, and Ativan. These drugs may be used to treat parasomnias. Occasionally, they are also used to treat bruxism (teeth grinding) and short-term insomnia.
- Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, including Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta. These drugs are used to treat short-term insomnia.
- Melatonin receptor stimulator, Rozerem was approved in July 2005 and -- to date -- is in a class all by itself. It is used to treat insomnia.
- Opiates, such as codeine, oxycodone, methadone, and dihydromorphone. These drugs may be used to treat restless legs syndrome that won't respond to treatment or present in pregnancy.
- Anticonvulsants, such as Tegretol, Carbatrol; Depakene, Depakote; Horizant, and Neurontin. These drugs may be used to treat nocturnal eating syndrome, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and insomnia related to bipolar disorder.
- Antinarcoleptics, such as Provigil can be used to improve daytime wakefulness in those who are shift workers or suffer from narcolepsy or sleep apnea. Xyrem is another drug that can control excessive daytime sleepiness and loss of muscle control in people with narcolepsy.
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