Insomnia can be so debilitating that the United Nations lists forced sleep deprivation as a type of torture. Having difficulty falling or staying asleep, or waking up too early can lead to the following complications:
- Accidents
- Not feeling well rested
- Difficulty focusing, paying attention, or remembering
- Anxiety about sleep
Sleep problems can be chronic, so controlled substances, addictive as they are, are usually not a good idea. What is preferred are antidepressants with sleep-causing properties, which can be both effective as well as safe:
- Trazodone (desyrel) is a member of the serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) family of drugs. Similar to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, this drug helps to balance serotonin in the brain, making it an antidepressant. Trazodone tablets are prescribed in a dose of 25 to 100 mg tablets per night as a sleep aid.
- Remeron (mirtazapine) causes an increased release of serotonin and norepinephrine from nerve cells in the brain. It is taken orally in a dose of 30 mg per night for sleep.
- Seroquel (quetiapine) is an antidepressant as well as anti schizophrenic and ani bipolar disorder. It works by blocking serotonin receptors, but is also used for insomina. For insomnia it is prescribed in pill form in a dose of 25 mg per night.
Did you know? QuickMD can treat insomnia in the comfort and convenience of your own home and provide you with a prescription for trazodone online—or any other non-controlled sleep medication when it is safe to do so.