Choices in Chronic Insomnia Medication

admin | May 24, 2009 | Comments 0

Chronic insomnia can become a major health problem for some. In addition to the basic sleep deprivation that results, other chronic insomnia symptoms might include irritability, an inability to focus on tasks and frequent accidents. Many people find they need a doctor’s help to overcome chronic insomnia. Treatment often involves a combination of behavioral therapy and medication to reestablish good sleep patterns and habits. This article will discuss some of the choices in chronic insomnia medication.

Over the Counter Options
For the occasional bouts of insomnia, over the counter medications might be sufficient. Some pain medications also contain a sleep aid and can be useful for nights when a stiff shoulder or sore knee is keeping you awake. Antihistamines can also be used as a chronic insomnia medication, since many can make you drowsy. However, antihistamines should not be used over the long term and may affect the quality of sleep you get. Therefore, these types of over the counter medication should only be used on occasion rather than as a regular chronic insomnia medication.

Prescription Choices
There are also choices in a chronic insomnia medication that your doctor can prescribe. Sedatives can be used to help patients with chronic insomnia get much needed rest. There are two types of sedatives used for this purpose; benzodiazepine sedatives like Restoril and Dalmane, and non-benzodiazepine sedatives like Ambien and Lunesta. While these types of chronic insomnia medication have been proven to improve both the quality and quantity of sleep, they are not designed for use over a long period of time.

Using Medication
Because most types of chronic insomnia medication are not meant to be used for more than a week or two at a time, doctors will usually combine a chronic insomnia medication with behavioral therapy for best results. This allows the patient a chance to catch up on rest at the beginning of treatment and continue with good sleep habits long after the medication has been used. Most doctors will recommend that patients go off of chronic insomnia medication gradually to prevent possible rebound insomnia from occurring.

Chronic insomnia can become a problem that affects many aspects of your life. Some patients experience other physical and mental symptoms as a result of sleep deprivation, in addition to a lower productivity and more frequent mistakes at work. Fortunately, there are solutions available. Talk to your doctor about a chronic insomnia medication that will help you get the rest you need once again.

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