When a person is considering taking any type of sleep medication for menopause-related insomnia, they should do so only if other ways of dealing with insomnia have failed. In fact, it's important to consult with your doctor first, as some forms of sleep medication can lead to addiction and cause serious side effects. Read on to learn more about the different medications available when suffering from insomnia. Remember to always consult with your doctor before introducing any new medications.
Key Points
- There are two types of insomnia medications include over-the-counter and prescribed, each with varying risks.
- It's important to consult with your doctor due to side affects and potential addiction risks and for the best course of medication for you.
- Potential side affects of prescription medication could occur and include respiratory issues, daytime drowsiness, memory loss, nausea, dizziness, headaches, agitation, and nightmares.
- For over-the-counter sleep medications, some individuals may experience drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and dizziness.
Over-the-Counter vs. Prescribed
When it comes to getting enough sleep, sometimes natural remedies aren't enough. Once you've exhausted your attempts at going the natural route, certain medications might be the way to go. There are two types of insomnia relief medications available: over-the-counter and prescribed medications. Both of these options are aimed at promoting a restful night's sleep. While each of these options is vastly different, it's important to understand the risks associated with each.
1. Over-the-counter
These are the least expensive of the two types of medications a person can use to help treat a menopausal sleep problem. However, because they can leave a person feeling drowsy, these types of medications should only be used when a person is occasionally having problems sleeping.
Often a person who takes this type of medication will find themselves left feeling drowsy the next day after taking them, but unlike prescribed medications, they do not become addictive. The other side effects that a person may suffer from when taking this form of sleep medication is blurred vision, a dry mouth, and dizziness. Also, individuals with certain conditions including angina, heart arrhythmias, glaucoma, or prostrate/urinary problems should consult with their doctor before taking over-the-counter sleep products.
2. Prescription Medications
When using prescription sleep medication for menopause-related insomnia, it's important to take the lowest dose possible. They should also follow the doctor's instructions to the letter and not divert from any course of treatment that they have prescribed. There are different types of sleep medications that a doctor can prescribe, including Benzodiazepines, Non-Benzodiazepines, and Antidepressants. Although the first two types of prescription medications mentioned carry higher risks, all of these if taken for any length of time can become addictive.
There are some potential side effects associated with prescription sleep medications that include problems to the person's respiratory system, drowsiness throughout the day, memory loss, as well as nausea, dizziness, headaches, agitation, and even for some people, nightmares. If at any time you begin to suffer any sort of out-of-the-ordinary side effects while taking prescription sleep medications you must contact your doctor immediately.
Today over-the-counter sleep medications are now being brought more than any other form of medication or drug that is available. The most commonly used of all over-the-counter medications readily available from your drug store are Nytol, Sominex, and Sleep-Eez. What is important is that if anyone decides to start using any kind of medication to help treat menopause insomnia, whether mild or severe, they really should discuss the issue with their doctor first. It is they who will be able to advise a person what is the best course of medication for them to be taking and how they should take it.
Menopause Information Center
The content of this article should not be considered professional medical advice. Exercise due diligence when seeking relevant health information. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.