Published on 06 March 2023

10 Best Prescription Sleeping Pills

Zopiclone (Imovane) prescription-sleeping-pills-online
Table of Contents

A sleep disorder is any condition that impairs a person's ability to function normally when awake by affecting their sleep quantity, timing, or quality. In addition to contributing to other medical concerns, some of these conditions may be signs of underlying mental health problems. Sleep disorders can also be divided into dyssomnias, parasomnias, circadian rhythm sleep disorders that affect sleep timing, and other disorders like those brought on by physical or mental health issues.

The Institute of Medicine estimates that 50 million to 70 million adults in the United States have persistently disturbed sleep, indicating the prevalence of sleep disorders in the country. The current range of adult sleep recommendations is seven to nine hours; however, only about 40% of Americans sleep six hours or fewer every night. Males had a higher prevalence of short sleep duration across all age groups than females.

Treatment for sleep disorders consists of behavior approaches and medications for the symptoms. In common parlance, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, Melatonin agonists, orexin antagonists, and other hypnotics- Zolpidem, Zaleplon, and Eszopiclone are the drugs most frequently used to treat sleep disorders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that 8.2% of American adults used a sleep aid at least four times the previous week. In general, sleeping pills and other sleep aids work best when taken sparingly for short-term situations like time zone changes or post-operative recovery. It is best to use sleeping pills sparingly and as needed to prevent dependence and tolerance.

What Are Sleeping Pills?

Sleeping pills, as their name implies, aid with sleep. Sleep aid refers to various pharmaceuticals, including prescription, over the counter sleeping pills, and dietary supplements, many of which are marketed as "natural" sleep aids. These drugs help people with sleep disorders improve sleep. Sleeping pills can also help you stay asleep if you frequently wake up at night.

How Do Sleeping Pills Work?

There are numerous varieties of sleeping pills. Each works differently. All sleeping pills influence the brain to induce sleep. They typically function by changing brain chemicals responsible for controlling wakefulness and sleep. Depending on which chemicals are impacted, the medicine will have different effects.

Can You Take Higher Sleeping Pill Doses?

The frequent use of sleeping medications is arguably one of the main concerns. Those with access to prescription or over-the-counter antihistamines might believe it is customary to use them every night.

Yet, tolerance and dependence might result in unexpected consequences. Take sleeping tablets according to a doctor's orders for this reason. Overdosing is more likely if you take more pills than recommended or at more frequent intervals than advised.

What Are Prescription Sleeping Pills?

Prescription pills are subject to stringent oversight by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which must approve each drug based on its efficacy and Safety track record in clinical trials. Only pharmacies sell prescription medications that doctors must prescribe for a specific patient.

Every drug approved has a distinct indication, which outlines the diseases it is meant to treat. While some prescription medications are off-label to improve sleep, others are FDA-approved to treat sleep disorders.

Generally speaking, these drugs slow down the nervous system by acting on receptors in the brain. Some have a longer half-life than others and are more likely to be habit-forming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your doctor may prescribe sleeping pills if you are experiencing problems with sleep that require immediate attention. Use a sleeping pill only for 7 to 8 hours of free time.
Sleeping pills are not safe during pregnancy. There aren't many sleeping medicines available that are advised for pregnant women, though your doctor might be able to recommend a relatively safe one.
Although sleeping pills are a successful short-term treatment for insomnia, many people develop a dependence on them.

Commonly Used Prescription Sleeping Pills

Many people in the world use the below-given prescription sleeping pills. Doctors prescribe such sleeping pills due to the effectiveness of the drug and its usability, which gives a person calming and influential results.

Ambien

Ambien (Zolpidem) is a well-known and commonly used sleeping pill in the United States. It is marketed under the trade name Ambien and treats both acute and chronic insomnia. It is one of the most often prescribed sleep aids in the nation and is used by tens of millions of individuals just in the United States every year.

Zolpidem works as a sleeping aid by attaching to the GABA receptors in your brain and body. The GABA receptor-targeting properties of Zolpidem may help you feel relaxed, less agitated, and more prepared for sleep.

Zolpidem is a "Z-drug," -a class of non-benzodiazepine medication with fewer side effects than benzodiazepines. Due to its potential for abuse or dependence, Zolpidem is a controlled substance (C-IV). You cannot buy Zolpidem without a prescription from a licensed doctor. The severe side effects of AMBIEN might include complex sleep behaviors.

It can impair your cognitive and motor skills and induce sleepiness or dizziness. The most typical AMBIEN side effects are drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, grogginess, or a feeling of being drugged.

Zolpidem may also interact negatively with benzodiazepines, alcohol, and opioids. They may induce respiratory difficulties, increased drowsiness, and dizziness. Several antidepressants may also interact with Zolpidem.

Lunesta

Eszopiclone, or Lunesta, is used to treat insomnia. It might make it easier for you to go to sleep, stay asleep for longer, and wake up less frequently at night for a better night's sleep. Eszopiclone is a sedative-hypnotic drug. It has a calming impact by working on your brain. This medicine is often only used for brief (12 weeks) therapy durations. Lunesta may make you feel groggy, so avoid taking it unless you can get a night's rest.

Eszopiclone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or motor skills. After taking the drug, you can still feel tired the next day. When using this medication, avoid drinking alcohol. It may intensify some side effects, such as drowsiness.

Lunesta is a Schedule IV controlled substance that has the potential for abuse. Misuse of Eszopiclone can result in overdose, addiction, or death. If you suddenly stop using this drug after taking it continuously, it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Using Lunesta with medications that produce drowsiness or impede breathing can lead to fatal side effects.

Rozerem

Ramelteon, a Melatonin receptor agonist, is a brand-new class of sleeping pills. One of the latest insomnia medications on the market, it has been readily available to the general population since the FDA initially approved it in 2005.

Ramelteon is marketed as Rozerem in the United States. Ramelteon works by attaching to the body's MT1 and MT2 Melatonin receptors. This allows it to imitate the actions of Melatonin, which controls the sleep phase of your sleep-wake cycle.

Although there is little chance of physical dependence, there are side effects. It helps with sleep onset issues but is ineffective for problems with sleep maintenance. The most frequent side effect of Ramelteon is dizziness. Those with severe liver damage shouldn't use it because it may make their symptoms of depression worse.

Silenor

Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant that the FDA licensed for treating a major depressive disorder in 1969. The FDA authorized low-dose doxepin in 2010 to treat insomnia and other sleep issues. Doxepin is sold as Silenor in the United States and is used to treat insomnia. Doxepin works by preventing histamine's effects on the body's H1 receptors.

Doxepin can help you fall asleep more quickly by lessening your sense of arousal and preventing the effects of histamine. Generally, doxepin is a highly safe drug in modest doses to treat insomnia. Doxepin is not a controlled substance and is not associated with abuse potential.

However, a small proportion of doxepin users can encounter adverse effects. Doxepin's typical side effects include drowsiness, nausea, and nasopharyngitis (common cold). Doxepin often does not result in drowsiness or sedation the next day, unlike many other prescribed sleeping medications.

Sonata (Zaleplon)

Sonata is a hypnotic sedative. It finds use in treating insomnia. It affects brain chemicals that may be out of balance in those who struggle with sleep. Sonata induces relaxation, which facilitates sleep initiation and maintenance.

Sonata may have adverse effects that affect how you think or behave. After taking the drug, you can still feel tired the next day. As long as you are on this medicine, avoid drinking alcohol. It may intensify the drowsiness and other zaleplon side effects. Common side effects of Sonata include daytime sleepiness, dizziness, and difficulties coordinating, or your skin may feel prickly, itchy, numb, or tingly.

Zaleplon is a Schedule IV controlled substance with a low potential for abuse. Misuse of Sonata can lead to addiction or overdose. Antihistamines, opiates, alcohol, and other CNS depressants may interact with Sonata. As they may exacerbate side effects, avoid taking these drugs with them.

Zopiclone

The drug zopiclone aids in treating insomnia. Zopiclone is a member of a class of medications known as non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Zopiclone induces a reduction in sleep latency, an increase in sleep duration, and a reduction in the number of nighttime awakenings (nocturnal awakenings).

The 1980s saw the introduction of Zopiclone, which is now legal to use in many countries. As a schedule IV controlled substance, it is mainly used in the United Kingdom. A person always needs a prescription to buy Zopiclone. Physicians do not advise long-term (more than four weeks) usage of Zopiclone because it may result in tolerance and dependency, which could cause withdrawal and rebound insomnia if suddenly stopped.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zopiclone. Alcohol can intensify this medication's effects and cause you to sleep so deeply that you have trouble breathing or find it difficult to wake up. Zopiclone's usual side effects include a mildly metallic or bitter taste in your mouth, dry mouth, dizziness, and feeling sleepy.

Zopiclone use with opioids may cause drowsiness, respiratory problems, a coma, and even death. Zopiclone may result in sleepwalking or other strange behaviors (such as operating a motor vehicle, eating, placing a phone call, making out with someone, etc.) while not fully awake.

Restoril

Temazepam, also known by the brand name Restoril, belongs to the benzodiazepine drug family. Temazepam is a short-term medication used to treat insomnia. It works by reducing brain activity to promote sleep. It might make it easier for you to go to sleep, stay asleep for longer, and wake up less frequently at night to get a more restful sleep. Usually, doctors prescribe this medicine only for a brief period of 12 weeks.

The most common Restoril side effects include fatigue, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, and nervousness. Temazepam usage and addiction are a risk that can result in overdose and death. It may result in fatal adverse effects if you take it with alcohol or other substances that impair breathing or cause drowsiness, especially opioid painkillers like codeine and hydrocodone.

Triazolam

Triazolam is a benzodiazepine with sedative-hypnotic properties. It aids in treating insomnia for a short period-7 to 10 days (trouble falling or staying asleep). Triazolam might cause breathing problems if you've recently used alcohol or an opioid drug. It frequently causes sleepiness, loss of coordination, dizziness, and lightheadedness as side effects.

Triazolam misuse can result in addiction, overdose, or death. The potential for abuse exists with triazolam, which the Controlled Substance Act classifies as a controlled substance. Symptoms of triazolam withdrawal are comparable to those of other benzodiazepines (and alcohol) after abruptly discontinuing the drug.

Should You Use Prescription Sleeping Pills?

Although 75% of the patients recover without any lingering sleep problems or the requirement for continuous care, 21% continue to have trouble falling asleep. In addition to adjusting your sleeping patterns, reducing your caffeine intake or undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy may be beneficial.

According to research, the best strategy to treat sleep disorders is to alter your lifestyle and sleeping patterns. Even if you choose sleeping aids or other prescriptions in the short term, doctors advise changing your lifestyle and nighttime routine as a long-term solution to sleep issues.

Improved sleep hygiene, including the sleep environment and daily habits, can help improve sleep quality and consistency. Talk to your doctor about using sleeping pills to cure your sleeplessness if these measures don't help.

Can You Overdose On Sleeping Pills?

A sleeping pill overdose is conceivable. All sleeping pills are CNS depressants and reduce brain activity to improve sleep. People overdose on sleeping pills when they take more than the recommended dose. Some people who use too many sleeping pills experience moderate side effects, such as nausea or dizziness. An overdose, however, can be fatal in some circumstances.

Overdoses on sleeping pills may happen from any of the following:

  • taking excessive amounts of tablets at once
  • combining alcohol or other drugs with sleeping pills
  • not adhering to the dose recommendations on the label

How Long Would Sleeping Pills Take To Work?

The majority of prescription sleeping pills begin to work within 30 minutes. These drugs have undergone extensive research and have FDA approval for sleep. Prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines sometimes aid in sleep and have a quick onset of action. Melatonin begins to work within 30 minutes and lasts 4 to 8 hours.

Pros And Cons Of Sleeping Pills

Every medication in the pharmaceutical world has its pros and cons. These medication pros and cons would decide that the medicine would benefit the person suffering from conditions. In terms of sleeping pills, here are the pros and cons.

Pros

The potential advantages of sleeping pills include

  • increased sleep quality,
  • higher nighttime sleep efficiency, and
  • a more regular sleep schedule.
  • A better night's sleep helps lessen daytime tiredness.
  • Sleep aids may assist in resetting sleep patterns to promote better habits.

Cons

  • Habit formation: Even though medication is not for long-term usage, a person may still become dependent on it. After frequent use, abrupt cessation of the drug may increase sleep issues or withdrawal symptoms.
  • Reducing effectiveness: By increasing the dose of certain drugs, such as hypnotics, it may be possible for a person to become resistant to them, resulting in less benefit and a worsening of side effects.
  • Extreme drowsiness: Several sleep aids can cause drowsiness in people to the point where it impairs their ability to think and balance. Some sleeping drugs have long-lasting effects, which a person can feel when he wakes up the next day.
  • Complex sleep behaviors: Some sleep medications, such as Ambien, can make people drive, eat, and engage in other activities while not fully awake.
  • Research has linked hypnotic and sedative use to an increased risk of automobile accidents. These medications may have a comparable overall impact on driving while intoxicated, impairing one's attention, reaction time, and judgment.
  • Poor sleep quality: Several drugs impact a person's ability to sleep, as well as the quality of their sleep, by changing the chemicals involved in sleep. Medications may affect how well one sleeps and how smoothly one moves through the stages of sleep.

Precautions Of Sleepings Pills

A few steps should be taken under consideration before taking sleep medication, regardless of the type you use.

  • Contact your doctor regarding your sleep issues and choose the pill with the fewest drawbacks and the most potential for success.
  • Keep in mind that these medications are often not meant for prolonged use. The intention is to facilitate short-term sleep improvement while enabling you to establish sound sleeping habits that will benefit you in the long run.
  • Ensure your doctor or pharmacist prescribes the correct dosage.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, elderly, or on certain antidepressants, prescription sleeping medicines (and even some over-the-counter sleeping aids) may be unsafe.
  • Sleeping pills may raise the risk of overnight falls and injuries in older people.
  • Pay close attention to all the directions for taking your sleep aid. Take the recommended dosage as directed, and doing so at the proper time can maximize the benefits of your sleep and minimize the possibility of feeling groggy the following morning.
  • As you take the sleeping pill, watch out for potential side effects and tell your doctor if you see anything.

Where Can You Buy Prescription Sleeping Pills Online?

Hundreds of controlled drugs cannot be prescribed online, including sedatives, drugs for erectile dysfunction, and insomnia. There are various websites available wherein you can order your sleeping pills.

As sleeping pills only mask the symptoms without addressing the underlying cause, doctors are typically hesitant to prescribe them long-term. For any purchase online, you should first know its genuinity.

Is It Legal To Buy Sleeping Pills Online?

The sale of prescription pills online is prohibited because you cannot purchase them without a prescription from a doctor. The sale of sleeping aids online is prohibited. An online pharmacy cannot dispense prescription medications without a legally valid prescription.

You will therefore require a prescription from a general practitioner or other healthcare providers, either on paper or electronically through the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS).

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

Sleeping Pills helps to treat sleep issues. Prescription sleeping pills require a valid prescription from a doctor. These pills affect the brain by altering the chemicals that regulate sleep. Almost all prescription sleeping pills have side effects, which vary based on the drug, dosage, and duration of use.

Compared to medications, behavioral and environmental adjustments can improve sleep more effectively and without the danger of reliance or side effects. Your doctor can determine what's causing your sleeplessness and recommend the best course of action to make it easier for you to fall asleep.

It is also crucial to have access to sleeping aids that are both reliable and safe. One cannot be productive throughout the day if they don't get enough sleep at night.