Side Effects of Prescription Sleep Aids

You check the clock. It's 1 o'clock am. You roll over. It's 2 o'clock am. You fight the covers. It's 3 o'clock am. It's another night and you can't sleep! You need sleep! Instead of watching the clock, you can opt for a prescription to help you get to sleep; however, what you don't know about prescription sleep aids may hurt you. So, here's a guide to prescription sleep aids and their side effects.

TYPES OF PRESCRIPTION SLEEP AIDS
There are three different types of prescription medications or sedative hypnotics. While each helps you sleep, each has a different effect on the chemicals in your body that help you fall asleep. Of these drugs, There are Benzodiazepines, non-Benzodiazepines, and Melatonin Receptor Agonists.

Benzodiazepines, sometimes called benzos, are an older class of prescription sleep aid and act by working on receptors in the brain to slow down the nervous system. They induce and maintain sleep . Think of benzos as chemicals that help quiet the brains sensors. Common sleep medications in this category are ProSom (Estazolam), Dalmane (Flurazepam), Doral (Quazepam), Restoril (Temazepam), and Halcion (Triazolam). In general, these drugs have various risks including dependency.

Non-Benzodiazepines are part of a newer class of sleep medication. They act similarly to benzodiazepines, but do not have the same chemical make-up. Common aids in this class include Lunestra (Eszopiclone), Sonata (Zalepon) and Ambien (Zolpidem).

Melatonin Receptor Agonists (MRA) mimick the bodies natural sleep regulator- the hormone melatonin. Rozerem (Ramelteon), a newer prescription sleep aid, is a medication in this class.

SIDE EFFECTS
Prescription sleeping pills have side effects dependent on dosage, length of use, and type of medication. Side effects of course also vary relative to the sleep aid users other medical issues or additional medications used.

Dependency
Drug dependency is a known risk of taking sleep aids, other the counter or prescription. Chronic use of sleep aids, such as benzodiazepines can be addicting. These sleep drugs have been known to abused in conjunction with street drugs. Health professionals should monitor a patients use and patients must speak with their doctors if they feel they may have dependent or addiction disorders.

Depression
Many sleep aids have uses for other conditions, such as anxiety. As a result, sleep medications may have a depressive effect. In some cases, suicidal ideation, and other depressive symptoms may result. If this is a concern, sleep aid users need to consult their physicians and possibly reduce dosages or discontinue using their particular sleep medication.

Drowsiness and Grogginess
One major concern about prescription sleep aids is the drowsiness and/or grogginess. The use of these aids can cause daytime sleepiness. Carefully following prescription instructions should alleviate this problem. However, it is advisable for sleep aid users should not drive or use heavy equipment while using these types of medications.

Other side effects
Some other common side effects can be gastrointestinal or reactive in nature. These possible side effects can include constipation, memory lapses, muscle aches, daytime sleepiness, withdrawal symptoms (sweats and nausea), dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, and allergic reactions. Specifically for the melatonin agonists sleep aids, the increase melatonin has been known to effect male and female hormone levels.

All sleep aids can have side effects; however, through following prescription instructions, consulting your doctor with concerns, and eliminating possible life stressors, you can reduce your risk for side effects.

For more information, consult prescription drug guides, such as the Physicians' Desk Reference, and these websites:

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2007/ucm108868.htm

http://www.helpguide.org/life/ sleep_aids_medication_insomnia _treatment.htm

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/product/sleep-aids-everything-you-wanted-know-50-pack