Medication treatments for insomnia are indicated for improving sleep onset, sleep maintenance, or both. Examples of medications with evidence of benefit for insomnia include orexin receptor antagonists (suvorexant), nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (eszopiclone Lunesta, zolpidem Ambien, zaleplon Sonata), certain benzodiazepines (triazolam, temazepam), melatonin agonists (ramelteon Rozerem), and certain antidepressants (doxepin Silenor). Although medications such as trazodone, tiagabine, and diphenhydramine are commonly used, experts do not recommend them for chronic insomnia due to potential harms and inadequate evidence of benefit.[1]
References
- ^Michael J Sateia, Daniel J Buysse, Andrew D Krystal, David N Neubauer, Jonathan L HealdClinical Practice Guideline for the Pharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Insomnia in Adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice GuidelineJ Clin Sleep Med.(2017 Feb 15)