Insomnia Drugs
If after considering all options, you decide that medication would be the best way to treat your insomnia, there are a few things you should consider. Many over the counter sleep aids are antihistamines, which do work for some people, but many report feeling groggy the next day or having a difficult time waking up. For the health conscious, it’s worth noting that of all insomnia drugs the ones you can purchase without a prescription have the least severe side effects. If you don’t have insurance, this will likely be the most affordable option. Supplements like Valerian root and melatonin are another option, and this is a good place to start.
If you need something more effective, however, it can be worth talking to your doctor about getting something prescribed. It’s important to make sure this drug will not interact with any others you might be taking. There are multiple options such as the popular Ambien and Lunesta, and it may take some trial and error before you find out what you’re comfortable with. The side effects for these drugs can be markedly more intense than those of antihistamine based insomnia drugs. Many Lunesta users report a very strong metallic and bitter taste that can last for 24 hours. Not good. Ambien’s side effects don’t generally cause similar kinds of discomfort, but some users find that any effective sleep aid can be habit forming.
It’s important that you ration your usage of such substances for a few reasons. If you use these drugs frequently, or even only as often as recommended, the possibility exists that your insomnia will worsen once you stop. The risk of this is increased in tandem with increased dependence. Be mindful of this and the other points I have made, and you should feel confident in taking steps toward treatment that may be beneficial for you.