Which medications can help with insomnia?
March 2, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Jan Voigt
Dear doctor,
My name is Mia Schwarz and I have been suffering from insomnia for some time. I have great difficulty falling asleep and often wake up in the middle of the night, unable to fall back asleep. This results in me feeling very tired and exhausted during the day, negatively affecting my work and general well-being.
I have already tried some home remedies, such as relaxation techniques, herbal teas, and a regular bedtime routine. Unfortunately, these measures have not had the desired effect so far and I am feeling increasingly desperate. That is why I have decided to seek professional help and reached out to you.
I would like to know which medications can help with insomnia and if they are suitable for long-term use. I am worried that I could become dependent on the medications or that they could have negative side effects. Are there also natural alternatives to prescription medications that I could try?
I would greatly appreciate your expert opinion and recommendations to finally get a restful sleep again. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Mia Schwarz
Dear Mrs. Schwarz,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from insomnia and that the measures taken so far have not brought the desired success. Sleep problems can indeed be very distressing and have a negative impact on various areas of life. I understand your concerns about the possible side effects and dependency on medication, and I will do my best to help you find a suitable solution.
There are different types of medications that can be used to treat insomnia. The most well-known are benzodiazepines and Z-drugs. Benzodiazepines such as diazepam and lorazepam are often used for short-term treatment of sleep disorders as they act quickly and promote sleep. However, they can be addictive with prolonged use and there is a risk of tolerance development. Z-drugs such as zolpidem and zopiclone have similar mechanisms of action but are often considered somewhat safer.
For long-term use, antidepressants such as mirtazapine or trazodone are often recommended. These medications can help improve sleep without the risk of dependency that comes with benzodiazepines. It is important to discuss the correct dosage and timing with a doctor to achieve the best possible results.
Of course, there are also natural alternatives that you can try. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and can be taken as a dietary supplement. Valerian, lavender oil, and passionflower are also often used to support sleep. However, it is important to note that these natural remedies may not be equally effective for everyone and may not have the same effect as prescription medications.
I recommend that you schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist or a general practitioner to receive an accurate diagnosis and together find the best treatment option for your insomnia. It is important that you openly discuss your symptoms, concerns, and expectations so that the doctor can recommend a tailored treatment for you.
I hope that my information is helpful to you and that you can soon find restful sleep again. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need support.
Best regards,
Jan Voigt
