Generic name

Brand name

Dosage

Side-effects

Comments

triazolam

Halcion

.125 mg up to .5 mg at bedtime

Dizziness and light-headedness, drowsiness, trouble with coordination and balance, loss of memory

Patients need to be warned about the amnesia that may occur with this.  Also patients may become dependent on this medication

estazolam

ProSom

1 to 2 mg at bedtime

Sedation, dizziness, weakness

As with other sleep medication, caution needs to be used if driving a motor vehicle or operating any dangerous machinery

zolpidem tartrate

Ambien

5 to 10 mg at bedtime

Sedation with dizziness, dryness of the mouth, diarrhea, trouble with coordination

Patients should avoid taking this with alcohol.  Patients may have memory loss with amnesia.  Patients can develop dependence on this medication as well as withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped suddenly

acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine hydrochloride 25 mg

Tylenol PM

Two Caplets or Geltabs or Gelcaps at bedtime

Sedation and drowsiness

This over the counter sleep medication works because of the diphenhydramine (Benadryl) which is combined with the acetaminophen.  Some patients may find it sedating in the morning when they try to get up

acetaminophen 500 mg plus diphenhydramine citrate 38 mg

Excedrin PM

Two Caplets or Geltabs at bedtime

Sedation

It helps patients with insomnia due to the diphenhydramine (Benadryl) present in this medicine

zaleplon

Sonata

5 to 20 mg at bedtime

Sedation, dizziness, light-headedness, back pain, constipation, dry mouth, migraine headaches, depression, nervousness, trouble concentrating, rash

This medicine as with all sleep medication should be used with more caution with patients over age 65.  The dose of Sonata may need to be cut down in patients with any underlying liver dysfunction.  Alcohol should be avoided with Sonata.  Patients may experience memory loss.  Patients may develop dependence on this medicine with long-term usage

diphenhydramine hydrochloride 50 mg

Unisom

One Softgel at bedtime as needed for sleep

There may be some sedation from the effects of the Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride)

This is a milder sleep medication and particularly useful in the elderly patient

temazepam

Restoril

7.5, 15 and 30 mg with usual dosage 15 to 30 mg at bedtime

Sedation, dizziness

trazodone hydrochloride

(Used to be Desyrel)

25 mg to 150 mg

Dizziness, sedation, light-headedness

This is useful for sleep.  It is best to start with lower doses to avoid any side-effects on patient arising in the morning

flurazepam hydrochloride

(Used to be Dalmane)

15 to 30 mg at bedtime

Sedation, light-headedness, dizziness