best medications for sleep?

• Doxepin
• Temazepam
• Triazolam
• Ramelteon
• Suvorexant
• Trazodone
• Estazolam
• Eszopiclone
• Zaleplon
• Zolpidem
• Comparison table 
• Other treatments
• Summary

Various medications can help people fall asleep, stay asleep, or both, such as doxepin (Silenor) and Ramelteon (Rozerem). But, there may be some risks and side effects. Several are only for short-term use.

Sleep disturbances are common. An estimated 50 to 70 millionTrusted Source people in the United States experience chronic sleep or wakefulness conditions, which are more common in females and older individuals.

A range of medications can help people fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. Prescription sleep aids can often relieve insomnia for short periods. However, many of these medications carry risks of side effects, misuse, and dependency.

Some sleep medications interact with other substances, including other medications, alcohol, and vitamin supplements. For this reason, a person should consult a doctor before starting any new sleep medication.

This article reviews 10 medications a doctor may prescribe to help a person sleep. It also explores some nonmedical solutions for sleep issues.

1. Doxepin

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Doxepin is a sleep aid with the brand name Silenor. Doctors may suggest people with insomnia use Silenor for up to 3 months. It may help a person fall asleep and stay asleep.

It is available as an immediate-release tablet in 3 and 6 milligram (mg) doses. A person should talk with a doctor about the best dose for their needs.

Doctors do not recommend Silenor for those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a type of antidepressant, or people with glaucoma or urinary retention.

Silenor may cause side effects in some people. These can include:

• central nervous system (CNS) depression, where brain activity slows
• worsening depression or suicidal thoughts
• unusual thinking patterns and behavior changes

People who are pregnant or nursing should consult a doctor before using Silenor. Parents or caregivers should only give it to children or adolescents if directed by a medical professional.

People should also not take this medication within 3 hours of a meal.

If symptoms do not clear within 7 to 10 days, a person should contact a doctor. They may need to rule out other possible causes of insomnia.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

2. Temazepam

Temazepam, which has the brand name Restoril, is a benzodiazepine. This kind of medication may cause Trusted Sourcedependency and addiction if a person misuses it.

Restoril is available by prescription for the short-term treatment of insomnia. The typical prescription length is 7 tot 10 days. A doctor will generally reassess the person following this period to determine if an underlying cause is responsible for their insomnia.

People who are pregnant should not take Restoril.

Restoril can cause a variety of side effects, which may include one or more of the following:

• drowsiness
• fatigue
• headache
• nausea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• vertigo
• anxiety
• depression
• diarrhea
• confusion
• nightmares

Restoril comes in a variety of dosages, ranging from 7.5 to 30 mg. A person should talk with a doctor about the right dose for them.

3. Triazolam

Doctors can prescribe triazolam (Halcion) for the short-term treatment of insomnia, typically for 7 to 10 days.

Like Temazepam, this medication is a benzodiazepine. Because the medication has the potential for dependency and misuse, doctors do not recommend it as a long-term treatment for insomnia.

Common side effects may include:

• ataxia, or a lack of muscle coordination
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• lightheadedness

In some people, Halcion can cause:

• complex sleep behaviors
• dependency
• withdrawal symptoms when a person suddenly stops taking it
• worsening insomnia
• CNS issues such as changes in behavior, unusual thinking, and anxiety
• worsening depression
• issues with performing activities such as driving

It comes in two dose sizes: 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg. A person should not exceed 0.5 mg daily.