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This post is basically a list of medications for insomnia. The different categories of medication are usually used depending upon the underlying reason for your insomnia. However, the goal with each medication is the same. Your doctor can prescribe you any insomnia medication type from this list to help end your insomnia.

Benzodiazepine Hypnotics

The most popular benzodiazepine hypnotic drugs prescribed are under the brand names ProSom, Dalmane, Restoril and Halcion. These medications influence the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, which help you sleep.

Benzodiazepine insomnia medications can affect a person’s ability to stay alert and can also cause restless sleep, but they can be very effective for some people.

Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics

Non-benzodiazepine Hypnotics include the brand name insomnia medications Lunesta, Sonata and Ambien. Like benzodiazepine drugs, these drugs work on the receptors in the brain but they don’t work chemically.

This part of the insomnia medication list can provide a much more restful sleep by sedating you, which allow you to fall asleep more naturally than the chemical method.

Typical side effects are drowsiness and dizziness, impaired coordination and decrease in alertness. These drugs work quickly so they must be taken right before bed. Also, allow for a full night’s sleep or the effects of the drug may still be present the next day.

Anti-Depressants

Next on the list is anti-depressants, including Elavil, Pamelor and Serzone. These prescriptions usually produce a side effect of drowsiness, which is why they are used as insomnia medications. However, they are usually only used for someone whose insomnia prevents them from staying asleep, not someone who has problems falling asleep. Be sure to describe your insomnia in full to your doctor, and if you mention frequent waking, it is likely they will prescribe an anti-depressant.

The most common side effects of anti-depressants are dry mouth, constipation and blurred vision. Some people may also experience an increased heart rate.

Pineal Gland Hormones

Last but not least on our list of insomnia medications it lineal gland hormones. These are naturally produced by the body in the pineal gland, and help to regulate the bodies sleep cycle. Some people’s bodies do not produce enough of these hormones, resulting in insomnia. So, there are insomnia medications containing these hormones, like melatonin and ramelteon.

Since these hormones are already naturally produced by the body, the biggest side effect is drowsiness. However, excess hormones can cause headache, depression and nightmares.

All of the insomnia medications on this list work to help you get a good nights sleep. Your doctor should be able to prescribe you the one that will work best in your situation. It is very important to listen and follow all doctor’s orders regarding insomnia medications since they can severely impair your ability to stay awake. It also helps to record what happened at night for a week or two to give the doctor some notes. This will help him pick the best insomnia medication for you from the list above.