Drugs and Medicine for Treatment of Sleeplessness

Nitrazepam (Hypnote)
Nitrazepam is effective in initiating and maintaining sleep even when used for a prolonged period. It produces sleep passion natural sleep, that is, it does not inhibit REM sleep which is a constituent of natural sleep. Most people can tolerates this drug. Moreover, it is not addictive. The by oneself problem with this narcotic is that it has a sustained action, and residual sedative action 'occurs on the interval adjacent its administration. This drug is as well unsuitable for patients who mellow sudden respiration difficulty and wake up because of it. Its dose of 5 to 10 mg is emphatic in producing good sleep and is superior to diazepam which is frequently used in India for inducing sedation and sleep. The second drug is used in insomnia due to anxiety.
Non-benzadiazepine Drugs
A unit of new drugs chalk up been developed to induce sleep without disturbing the sleep cycle.
Melatonin (Eternex 3 mg)
It is a hormone of pineal gland. It maintains 'biological clock' which regulates sleep-wake cycle. When sleep sleep is disturbed due to changes in biorythms (jet-lag) melatonin can induce sleep headace, itching and confusion (some preprations like zytonin have vitamin B6) at night. It can doer fatigue, headache, itching and confusion.
Zaleplon (Zaplon, Zaso 5 mg, 10 mg tab.)
It rapidly induces sleep but total sleep hour is unchanged and therefore day hangover is less. It may antecedent headache, nausea and stomach upset.
Zolpidem (Aoldem, Zolpid 5 mg, 10 mg)
This drug induces sleep quickly and increases complete sleep time. Subordination likely is less with its use. Its usual potion is 5 to 10 mg at night.
Choosing a Right Treatment in Elderly
A usual create of sleeplessness in elderly is day related changes in the sleep cycle. Loss of family support, prostatic enlargement with frequent urination at night, dementia or depression should be looked for and treated. Restriction of exorbitant fluid intake in elderly, avoiding drugs which basis insomnia and use of short acting hypnotic in smaller doses (because drug disposition is changed in them) initially are some useful measures. Sometimes a glassful of warm milk can be a good hypnotic. Milk contains 'tryptophan' which is needed to make serotonin. Yoga exercises alongwith meditation can help those who do not have any discernible cause.
Drugs which stimulate the CNS can element sleeplessness. These consist of caffeine, nicotine, ephedrine, amphetamine, appetite suppressants, nasal-decongestants, (Phenylpropanolamine). Other drugs like chloroquine, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, levodopa, some anti-depressants (fluoxetine) and diuretics, provided used in evening/at nightfall can cause sleeplessness. Stopping their use or substituting any of them with alternative drugs can treat insomnia.

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