Sleep Disorder Drugs (cont.)
Annette (Gbemudu) Ogbru, PharmD, MBA
Dr. Gbemudu received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Nova Southeastern University, her PharmD degree from University of Maryland, and MBA degree from University of Baltimore. She completed a one year post-doctoral fellowship with Rutgers University and Bristol Myers Squibb.
Jay W. Marks, MD
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
In this Article
- Sleep disorder drugs (hypnotic and sedative drugs) overview
- For what conditions are hypnotics used?
- Are there differences among hypnotics?
- What are the side effects of hypnotics?
- What are the drug interactions of hypnotics?
- What are some examples of hypnotic medications?
- Nonbarbiturates
- Barbiturates
- Nonprescription sleep-aids
- Anti-Parkinson drugs
- Opiates
- Anticonvulsants
- Antinarcoleptics
3. Nonprescription sleep aids
It is advisable to talk to the local pharmacist for advice on any of the various medication options purchased in a pharmacy.
Examples of non-prescription sleep aids:
- Unisom Nighttime Sleep-Aid
- Dormin
- Nytol
- Simply Sleep
- Sominex
- Extra Strength Tylenol PM
- Diphenhydramine hydrochloride
- Excedrin P.M.
4. Anti-Parkinson drugs (dopamine agonists)
These drugs may be used to treat conditions that contribute to sleep disruption such as restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder (nocturnal myoclonus syndrome).
Examples of anti-Parkinson's drugs:
- Sinemet, Sinemet CR, Lodosyn (carbidopa-levodopa)
- Parlodel (bromocriptine mesylate)
- Requip, Requip XL (ropinirole Hcl)
- Permax (pergolide mesylate)
- Mirapex (pramipexole)
Next: Opiates
REFERENCE: FDA Prescribing Information.
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