Tranquilizers, sedatives, hypnotics, downers, anxiolytics, sleeping pills—we call it a lot of names, but are they one and the same? They are prescribed by doctors for different reasons for different individuals. Sometimes they are given to calm the patient down, to relieve pain, or to treat a mental condition, but mostly they are given to induce sleep. That is why they are widely known as “sleeping pills.”
There are different types of sleeping pills. There are those given for patients prior to surgery for anesthesia. Some have milder effects and are usually given in small doses as an anxiolytic to patients who are anxious and need to relax. Some are given to reduce muscle spasms, convulsions, and muscle pain. Some may be contraindicated for some people because of its adverse effects. Let us go over the most common types of sleeping pills, its indications, and some of its examples.
Types of Sleeping Pills
Benzodiazepines. Of the different types of sleeping pills, this is the most common. Benzodiazepines belong to a group of drugs called minor tranquilizers. They act by increasing the binding of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyrate) to GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and the increase of which induces a sense of tranquility, sleep, and loss of pain.
The most common types of sleeping pills belonging to the benzodiazepine group are temazepam (Restoril, Tenox), which is commonly prescribed as a muscle relaxant; diazepam (Valium, T-Quil); alprazolam (Xanax); lorazepam (Ativan); and chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
Imidazopyridines. These are the newer forms of hypnotics in the market today. Their action is quite similar to that of benzodiazepines—acting on the same GABA neurotransmitter—but these are short-acting drugs and are therefore less likely to cause dependence, and it is gaining more popularity because of that. They are fast-acting but have a short half-life and that is considered safer compared to other types of sleeping pills.
Examples of imidazopyridines are zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnox) and zopiclone (Imovane, Zimovane). There is a newer one, eszopiclone (Lunesta), but it is still not yet properly determined as to what group it belongs, but it is just as good.
Barbiturates. These are CNS (central nervous system) depressants. They suppress the functioning of the brain and the CNS causing drowsiness, less pain and muscle activity inhibition. Barbs, as they are sometimes referred to, are now less commonly used because of its addicting effects. However, they are still used as a regulated drug for anesthesia and the management of seizures and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
Common barbiturates that are still prescribed today are amobarbital (Sodium Amytal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), and sodium thiopental (Sodium Pentothal), which are commonly referred to in the movies as “truth serum.”
Antihistamines. Among the types of sleeping pills mentioned above, these are the mildest. These are actually H1-receptor antagonists and are usually used for the treatment of colds and allergic reactions. However, one of its side effects is drowsiness and that made antihistamines a form of a sleeping aid. These are commonly given for short term use and may be bought over-the-counter.
Some examples of antihistamines are fexofenadine (Allegra), desloratadine (Clarinex), loratadine (Claritin), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is an over-the-counter drug.