Sleep Disorder Medications

Like any other ailment, medications for sleep disorders should be able to treat the source of the problem. There is no one specific treatment that can cure all sleep disorders because there are as many varieties of this malady as there are medications. Proper diagnosis is imperative. Over-the-counter medications such as mild aspirin products may offer temporary relief. However, they should not be relied upon to cure sleeping disorders especially if one is suffering from the ailment for quite sometime. Chronic sleep disorders may need a combination of treatments.

Some medicines may induce sleep for some people and have no effect on others. In the quest for that elusive sleep, some may resort to taking a lot of different medicines at the same time hoping that they will be able to zero in on the proper treatment. Make no mistake of taking a cocktail of over-the-counter medications. A combination of certain medications may be lethal. You may get your wish for peaceful sleep -- forever -- six feet under the ground. It is still best to consult a medical practitioner on this matter and not resort to self medication. There are medications prescribed for short term relief while others are best taken for longer periods. Trazadone, Elavil, Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Ambian, Lunesta, Oxycodone, Codeine, Depakote and Tegretol are just some of the drugs prescribed in the treatment of sleeping disorders. Diagnosis of a medical practitioner will determine the appropriate treatment. A doctor may prescribe a combination of drugs for patients with multiple causes for their sleep disorders.

Trazadone is usually prescribed for insomnia. Elavil is needed for REM induced sleep. Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Ambian and Lunesta are good for short-term treatment. Oxycodone and Codeine are prescribed for restless leg syndrome. Seizure medications such as Depakote and Tegretol are recommended for nocturnal eating syndrome, restless leg syndrome, limb movement and insomnia.

There is a need to be cautious when taking sleep disorder medications. Some sleep disorder medications, if taken for a period longer than prescribed, may actually be addictive. Some people swear on the effectivity of certain drugs while others point out that the side effects far outweigh the benefits. Aside from the type of medication to be used, dosage and length of use should also be considered. A careful study of the cause of a particular sleep disorder will determine whether short-term or long-term medication is necessary. A medical practitioner will also determine whether a higher dosage is needed or a change in medication will be better.

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A list of some of the different sleep disorders.

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