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Is a sleep aid right for you?

It is possible that you and your doctor may decide that a sleep aid could be right for you. Sleep aids can be very effective in treating sleep problems, but because our bodies may react differently to different medications, no one sleep aid works perfectly for everyone.

Here is a quick overview of three types of sleep aids:

Prescription (Rx) sleep aids
There are several classes of prescription sleep aids. Your doctor will decide which is best for you based on your symptoms, medical history, and any other medications you are taking. Here are some of the classes of prescription sleep aids:

  • Melatonin Receptor Agonists
    This newer class of sleep medication affects the same area of the brain as melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep). It works with receptors in your brain that are believed to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm.
  • Non-benzodiazepines
    This is among the newest classes of sleep medicines. Because they are eliminated from the body quickly, they are less likely to cause daytime sleepiness. Unlike the older class of prescription sleep aids, they are "selective," which means they target specific receptors in the brain that are thought to be associated with sleep. AMBIEN CR is in this class of medicines.
  • Benzodiazepines
    A class of medications often prescribed for sleep problems and anxiety. This class includes both long-acting medicines (which can linger in the body and potentially cause daytime drowsiness) and short-acting medicines (which do not stay in the bloodstream as long).
  • Antidepressants
    Antidepressants are not FDA approved to treat insomnia. However, doctors will sometimes prescribe them to help with sleep problems.

All prescription medicines pose a risk of side effects, so doctors generally don't recommend taking them for long periods. Instead, they recommend using a sleep aid with other sleep therapy to teach your body to fall asleep on its own.

Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids
Over-the-counter sleep aids are medications you can generally get at a grocery or drug store, and do not require a prescription. Most are effective because they contain antihistamines, for example diphenhydramine and doxylamine, which are often found in cold medicines. While these medicines may help you fall asleep, the antihistamines in them may leave you feeling drowsy the next day. It is recommended that you talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using these medicines.

Natural sleep aids
Natural sleep aids are often associated with herbal supplements. You can get these sleep aids without a prescription just like over-the-counter treatments. However, many of these dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA and they may not have been tested for safety and effectiveness.

The two most popular herbal supplements marketed to treat insomnia are Melatonin and Valerian. Melatonin is something our bodies create naturally so there's some debate whether adding more to our systems is useful as a sleep aid. Valerian may reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, but recent government studies of the efficacy of this natural sleep aid were inconclusive

It is important that you talk with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement.

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Maximum benefit is $20 off, on up to 5 prescriptions, depending on your out-of-pocket costs. Not valid for patients participating in Medicare, Medicaid, government (public insurance) programs, or any private payor in the state of Massachusetts and where prohibited by law.

AMBIEN CR is indicated to help you fall asleep and/or stay asleep.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

AMBIEN CR is a treatment option you and your healthcare provider can consider along with lifestyle changes and can be taken for as long as your provider recommends. Until you know how AMBIEN CR will affect you, you shouldn't drive or operate machinery. Be sure you're able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake, with amnesia for the event, have been reported. If you experience any of these behaviors contact your provider immediately. In rare cases, sleep medicines may cause allergic reactions such as swelling of your tongue or throat, shortness of breath or more severe results. If you have an allergic reaction while using AMBIEN CR, contact your doctor immediately. Side effects may include next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. It's non-narcotic; however, like most sleep medicines, it has some risk of dependency. Don't take it with alcohol.

Please refer to the full prescribing information and medication guide.

AMBIEN is indicated for short-term treatment, to help you fall asleep.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

When you first start taking AMBIEN, use caution in the morning when engaging in activities requiring complete alertness until you know how you will react to this medication. In most instances, memory problems can be avoided if you take AMBIEN only when you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again. As with any sleep medication, do not use alcohol while you are taking AMBIEN.

Sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake, with amnesia for the event, have been reported. If you experience any of these behaviors contact your provider immediately. In rare cases, sleep medicines may cause allergic reactions such as swelling of your tongue or throat, shortness of breath or more severe results. If you have an allergic reaction while using AMBIEN, contact your doctor immediately.

Prescription sleep aids are often taken for 7 to 10 days – or longer as advised by your provider. Like most sleep medicines, it has some risk of dependency.

There is a low occurrence of side effects associated with the short-term use of AMBIEN. The most commonly observed side effects in controlled clinical trials were drowsiness (2%), dizziness (1%), and diarrhea (1%).

Please refer to the full prescribing information and medication guide.