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Know Your Treatment Options
Don't suffer another sleepless night. And try not to get discouraged if your current sleep aid is not working for you. Not all sleep aids are the same, so if one doesn't work for you, there are other options out there including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription sleep aids. Here's an easy way to find out more about some of the most widely used sleep aids today.
Of course, your healthcare professional is your best source for information; as he or she can take into account your unique medical history and lifestyle. It’s important to know that all medicines have side effects. If you experience any, or have any questions, you should speak to your healthcare professional.
Prescription
Over-The-Counter
Are you getting the
help you need?
Things you should consider with
your healthcare professional
Some people use over-the-counter (OTC) products to treat insomnia. However, it's important to speak with your healthcare professional before taking any medication. OTC products may not be the right choice for anyone experiencing more than "occasional sleeplessness."
Some things to consider:
- OTC products are approved to treat occasional sleeplessness only
- Many OTC products contain medications that you may not need if all you’re looking for is sleep
- Like prescription medications, OTC products carry their own risks of side effects
Your healthcare professional can help you decide if a prescription sleep aid may be more helpful for you.
When evaluating whether a prescription sleep aid may be a better choice for you than an OTC medication, your healthcare professional may consider several factors, including
- The frequency of your sleeplessness and the pattern it takes. That is, do you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both?
- How often you use an OTC sleep aid
- Possible risk and benefits to treating your insomnia with a prescription sleep aid
- Why you are not satisfied with your current sleep aid
- Your unique medical history and lifestyle
- Your insurance coverage, and any coupons or offers for a sleep aid
Examples of Popular
OTC Products
- Pain relievers with
a “PM”designation
in the name - Allergy symptom
relievers - Cough and Cold
remedies
FDA-approved to help you sleep through the night?
The Food & Drug Administration has not approved over-the-counter products to treat chronic insomnia.
Many OTC products may help you fall asleep but may also contain medications you don't need if all you're looking for is sleep.
Additionally, some OTC treatments contain the same antihistamine used in cold/flu medicines or allergy relievers, which may leave you feeling sleepy the next day.
Tolerance is also an issue with some OTC treatments. Essentially, the longer you take them, the less effective they may become at the given dose.
Are you getting the help you need?
Things you should consider with your healthcare professional
Prescription sleep aids are approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the symptoms of insomnia. However, in some cases, people who have taken a prescription sleep aid have not found the good night's sleep they're looking for.
If this has happened to you, you should know that not all prescription sleep aids are the same. If one sleep aid is not working for you, another one may work better. Talk to your healthcare professional to find out what's right for you.
Some things to consider:
- Prescription sleep aids are approved to do different things. For example, some only help you fall asleep.
- Some prescription sleep aids are approved for short-term use only, so if you suffer from chronic insomnia, you may want to seek out a sleep aid that's not intended for short-term use only.
- All prescription sleep aids contain risks of side effects.
When evaluating whether a different prescription sleep aid may be a better choice for you, your healthcare professional may consider several factors, including
- Your insomnia pattern. That is, do you need help falling asleep, staying asleep, or both?
- The length of your intended treatment. You may require a sleep aid on a short-term, long-term, or as-needed basis, and this will affect the choice of medication for you.
- Possible risk and benefits to treating your insomnia with a sleep aid.
- Why you are not satisfied with your current sleep aid.
- Your unique medical history and lifestyle.
- Your insurance coverage, and any coupons or offers for a sleep aid.
| Prescription Treatment Options |
Approved by the FDA to help you fall asleep? |
Approved by the FDA to help you stay asleep? |
Approved for short-term use only† |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambien®* (zolpidem tartrate) |
yes | no | x |
| Ambien CR®* (zolpidem tartrate extended release) |
yes | yes | |
| Lunesta®* (eszopiclone) |
yes | yes | |
| Restoril®* (temazepam) |
yes | yes | x |
| Rozerem™* (ramelteon) |
yes | no | |
| Sonata®* (zaleplon) |
yes | no | x |
*Brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Limited list of all prescription treatment options.
†According to the Indications section of each treatment's Prescribing Information. It's up to you and your healthcare professional to decide the proper length of treatment for you.
