Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping pills are prescription medications containing tranquilizers to treat insomnia, restless sleep, or difficulty falling asleep. There are many different types of sleeping pills available, and they can come in various generic names and forms. Some require a prescription, while others are available over the counter. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones and are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction. This article will discuss the different types of prescription sleeping pills and their appearances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Oval, capsule, circular, rounded |
| Colors | Pink, white, light blue, dark blue, orange, light tan, dark orange |
| Imprints | AMB 5 5401, AMB 10 5421, SP, RD 617, 93 E9, S 193, S 191, LEM 5, LEM 10 |
| Dosage | 2-20 mg, 3-6 mg, 5-10 mg, 7.5-30 mg, 0.25-0.5 mg, 1-2 mg, 8 mg, 25-100 mg |
| Drug Name | Zolpidem, Eszopiclone, Doxepin, Lemborexant, Silenor, Ambien, Lunesta, Dayvigo, Restoril, Triazolam, Ramelteon, Rozerem, Suvorexant, Estazolam, Prosom, Desyrel |
| Drug Class | Z-drugs, Benzodiazepines, Antidepressants, Non-benzodiazepines |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pills are available over the counter and by prescription
Sleeping pills are medications that can help treat insomnia, restless sleep, or difficulty falling asleep. They are available both over the counter and by prescription, with prescription pills generally being stronger and more effective. Over-the-counter sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can make you drowsy, while prescription sleeping pills typically contain tranquilizers or sedatives.
Over-the-counter sleeping pills are easily accessible and do not require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Common over-the-counter options include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom), which are antihistamines, as well as natural remedies like valerian root, melatonin, ashwagandha, and magnesium glycinate. These natural remedies promote sleep by influencing the body's hormones and nervous system. While over-the-counter options can be effective for some, they may not match the potency of prescription drugs and can still cause side effects or interact with other medications.
Prescription sleeping pills, on the other hand, are regulated by healthcare providers and are typically recommended for short-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction. Benzodiazepines are a powerful class of prescription sleeping pills that help with sleep, anxiety, muscle relaxation, and learning and memory improvement. Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam. Non-benzodiazepine or Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), are also fast-acting and effective prescription options. Prescription sleeping pills come in various forms, including tablets and liquids, and in different dosages to suit individual needs.
It is important to note that sleeping pills, whether over-the-counter or prescription, can have side effects and should be used with caution. They should not be used continuously over an extended period to avoid long-term adverse effects on health. Additionally, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleeping medication to ensure safe and effective use.
Sleeping pills come in various forms, colours, and shapes, depending on the brand and dosage. For example, the popular brand Ambien has a distinctive oval shape with pink and white colours, while the branded name Silenor is a light blue or white oval tablet with the etched mark "SP". Lemborexant, with the branded name Dayvigo, is an orange or light tan round tablet with an imprint indicating its dosage. These visual identifiers can help individuals distinguish between different sleeping pills.
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Pills come in various colours, shapes, and sizes
Sleeping pills come in various colours, shapes, and sizes. They can be identified by their labels, colours, and shapes. For example, the popular brand Ambien is an oval-shaped pill in pink and white. The 5 mg dose is pink with the imprint AMB 5 5401, while the 10 mg dose is white with the imprint AMB 10 5421. Silenor, another branded sleeping pill, comes in a light blue or white oval-shaped tablet with the etched mark "SP". The 3 mg dose is light blue, while the 6 mg dose is white.
Eszopiclone, a generic sleeping pill, is circular and comes in blue, white, and orange colours. It typically has labels such as RD 617 and 93 E9 on a blue pill. Lunesta, the branded version, is a dark blue or white rounded pill with the label S 193 for the 3 mg dose and S 191 for the 2 mg dose. Dayvigo, the branded version of lemborexant, is an orange or light tan round tablet with the imprint LEM 5 or LEM 10, indicating the milligram strength.
Doxepin, a common prescription sleeping pill, comes in a typical capsule shape with the label "Dox" and is available in various milligram strengths, such as 10, 25, and 50. Sleeping pills can also come in various forms, including tablets and liquids, and in different dosages, typically ranging from 10 to 25 or 50 milligrams.
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They are often addictive and cause side effects
Sleeping pills are medications that can help you get some sleep. However, they are not without their risks. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones, and they come with a risk of dependence and addiction. Healthcare providers do not recommend using prescription sleeping pills long-term as they are not a cure for insomnia. Instead, they are prescribed for short-term relief.
Benzodiazepines, a type of prescription sleeping pill, can be addictive and lead to substance use disorder. They work by stimulating a chemical in the brain called GABA, which leads to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. To lower the risk of addiction, healthcare providers prescribe these sleeping pills for short-term use. You are more likely to be prescribed Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), which work by slowing down brain activity.
Sleeping pills can cause a range of side effects, including constipation, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and worsened snoring and sleep apnea. Approximately 8 out of 10 people experience a hangover effect the day after taking sleep medicine, feeling drowsy, dizzy, and muddled in their thinking. These daytime effects can negatively impact your ability to drive, work, and complete daily tasks.
Sleeping pills can also cause disruptive sleep disorders called parasomnias, where people may sleepwalk, eat, take medications, talk, or even drive while mostly asleep. This can be dangerous, and most people do not remember doing these things after they wake up. Older adults are more vulnerable to the side effects of sleeping pills, which can cause confusion, memory issues, and balance problems, increasing the risk of falls and hip fractures.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleeping pills, especially if you have been using sleep aids for a long time, as it may take months to stop taking them safely. Mixing sleep aids with other sedatives or alcohol can lead to a potentially deadly overdose.
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Doctors prescribe them for short-term use only
Sleeping pills are prescription medications that contain tranquilizers to treat insomnia, restless sleep, or difficulty falling asleep. They are available in various forms, including tablets and liquids, and in different doses. While they can be effective in aiding sleep, they are typically prescribed for short-term use only due to the risk of adverse side effects and the potential for dependency and addiction.
Healthcare providers generally advise against the long-term use of prescription sleeping pills as they are not a cure for insomnia and can lead to dependence and addiction. Additionally, the body can develop a tolerance to these medications over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. This can result in a cycle of increasing dosage and dependency, making it challenging to stop taking the medication.
The short-term use of sleeping pills can help manage sleep disturbances and provide temporary relief from insomnia. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects, which may include constipation, difficulty urinating, dry mouth or throat, decreased sexual drive, and possible weight gain. These side effects can impact an individual's overall health and well-being.
Furthermore, sleeping pills may have more severe consequences for certain populations, such as older adults and individuals with liver or kidney disease. In older adults, the drugs can remain in the body for longer, leading to side effects like confusion, memory issues, and balance problems, increasing the risk of falls and hip fractures. For individuals with liver or kidney disease, there is an increased risk of long-term side effects such as depression.
Additionally, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleeping pills, including over-the-counter options, as these medications can interact with other substances and medications. Healthcare providers can help assess an individual's specific needs and recommend the most suitable treatment options, which may include cognitive-behavioral therapies in conjunction with medication.
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Natural remedies are available as alternatives
While prescription sleeping pills are available to treat insomnia, they are not a cure and can be addictive. Natural remedies are available as alternatives. These include:
Melatonin
Melatonin is a natural hormone that promotes sleep by influencing when you fall asleep and wake up. It is triggered by the body's response to reduced light exposure. However, exposure to unnatural light from phones, laptops, or TVs can prevent its release. Melatonin is available as an over-the-counter supplement, but it is unregulated, and dosages may differ between manufacturers. Some people find that melatonin causes grogginess and depression, and it is not recommended for long-term use.
Valerian
Valerian is an herbal supplement that has a calming effect on the nervous system and promotes sleep. It is one of the leading natural supplements for managing anxiety and insomnia. However, there is limited evidence of its effectiveness in treating insomnia.
Warm Milk
Warm milk has long been associated with chemicals that simulate the effects of tryptophan, a chemical building block for serotonin, which is involved in the sleep-wake transition. However, tryptophan as a supplement is not recommended due to potentially fatal side effects.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is believed to have flavonoids that interact with benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, which are involved in the sleep-wake transition. It is a popular herbal sleep remedy with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. However, there is insufficient evidence to support its use in treating insomnia.
Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherry juice may support melatonin production and promote a healthy sleep cycle.
Exercise
Moderate aerobic exercise boosts the amount of nourishing slow-wave (deep) sleep, although it should be timed right as it also releases endorphins, which can keep people awake.
Other natural remedies for sleep include passionflower, hops, lavender oil, and magnesium. Additionally, mindfulness meditation can help promote sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
Silenor comes in a tablet form shaped like an oval. It has the etched mark SP on the tablet, which is coloured light blue or white. The 3mg dose is light blue and the 6mg dose is white.
Lunesta comes in a dark blue or white rounded pill. It has the label S 193 for the typical 3mg dose, and a white pill with the imprint S 191 for the 2mg dose.
Dayvigo looks like an orange or light tan round tablet with an imprint of LEM 5 or LEM 10. The LEM 5, which is 5 milligrams, will have a light tan colour, and the LEM 10, which is 10 milligrams, will be a dark orange colour.
