What are the best medications for treating insomnia?
There is no such thing as the single best medication for treating insomnia. Medications used to treat insomnia include non-benzodiazepines, benzodiazepines, and sedating antidepressants, with specific details as follows:
1. Non-benzodiazepine medications
Non-benzodiazepine medications act on the central nervous system by influencing neurotransmitter activity to induce sleep. Examples include zopiclone tablets and zaleplon capsules.
2. Benzodiazepine medications
Benzodiazepines act on the central nervous system by enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA-A receptors, thereby producing sedative, hypnotic, and anti-anxiety effects. Examples include lorazepam tablets and diazepam tablets.
3. Sedating antidepressant medications
Sedating antidepressants regulate the activity of multiple neurotransmitters, resulting in sedative, sleep-promoting, and anti-anxiety effects. Medications include paroxetine hydrochloride tablets and trazodone hydrochloride tablets.
In addition to the above medications, melatonin receptor agonists may also be used. These medications should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified physician; self-medication should be avoided to prevent adverse reactions. If insomnia symptoms are severe, it is important to seek medical care at a hospital, undergo appropriate evaluations, and receive treatment based on the underlying cause.