How Dangerous Are the Side Effects of Insomnia Medications?

Although doctors in Farmingdale often recommend improved sleep hygiene, such as adhering to a regular sleep schedule, as a first line treatment of insomnia, more severe or chronic sleeplessness is often treated with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Sleeping pills are known for having unwanted side effects, but usually these effects are fairly benign, although they may be inconvenient or uncomfortable. However, there are occasional risks associated with insomnia medication side effects.

Over-the-Counter Insomnia Treatment Medications

Most over-the-counter sleeping pills, such as Tylenol PM, include diphenhydramine as the active ingredient. Diphenhydramine is perhaps better known under the brand name Benadryl, and is primarily marketed as an antihistamine for allergy treatment. However, diphenhydramine also causes drowsiness and somnolence, so it is marketed as a sleep aid as well. Diphendydramine is known for having side effects including dry mouth, dizziness, cognitive “fogginess,” and urinary retention. The side effects are generally tolerable at low doses; however, tolerance to diphenhydramine develops very quickly. After only a few days of continuous use, it becomes no more effective as an insomnia treatment than a placebo. This can cause insomniacs in Farmingdale to increase their dose, which increases the drug’s side effects. At higher doses, side effects are more likely to occur, including hallucinations, delirium, confusion, dizziness, irritability, and increased body temperature in the extremities. Although unpleasant, these higher-dose side effects are not truly dangerous; however, a diphenhydramine overdose can be fatal.

Prescription Eszopiclone (Lunesta) for Insomnia Treatment

Eszopiclone, better known by the brand name Lunesta, is a type of drug in the sedative-hypnotic class used for treating insomnia in Farmingdale. Most side effects of eszpiclone are fairly benign; they often include dry mouth, daytime drowsiness, mildly upset stomach, and reduced sex drive. However, Lunesta can also cause confusion, agitation, or aggressive behavior in some patients. Eszopiclone also carries a risk of dependency or abuse.

Prescription Zolpidem (Ambien) for Insomnia Treatment

Zolpidem (Ambien) is a drug related to Eszopiclone that is also used for insomnia treatment in Farmingdale. It has a similar side effect profile, including:

·         Headaches

·         Nausea

·         Dizziness

·         Vomiting

·         Increased appetite

·         Changes in sexual libido

However, other side effects, which are more rare or are more likely to occur at higher doses, can be problematic. Zolpidem can cause psychological side effects, including:

·         Hallucinations

·         Delusions

·         Anterograde amnesia

·         Altered thought patterns

·         Impaired judgment and reasoning

·         Decreased social inhibition

·         Increased impulsivity

Although the side effects listed so far are not particularly dangerous, there is one reported side effect that is. There are numerous case reports of patients on Zolpidem sleepwalking, without a prior history of this. Some of these patients have been injured or killed while attempting activities like driving their car as they are sleepwalking. When Zolpidem is discontinued, it can cause rebound insomnia and even a withdrawal syndrome similar to benzodiazepine withdrawal.

Conclusion

Both over-the-counter and prescription drugs for insomnia in Farmingdale produce side effects. Most sleep medication side effects are benign, although they may produce mild to moderate discomfort; however, occasionally they can be more serious.

INSOMNIA TREATMENT IN NEW YORK