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Suggest An Alternative Medicine To Ambien
Question: If Ambien does not work as a sleep aid and has severe side effects, can you suggest some other sleep aid. My husband has severe insomnia and I waiting to be fitted with a mask but in the meantime he is becoming a human wreck. Lost a lot of weight, stomach problems and has a hard time breathing. Any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Several options
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
There are several options for insomnia treatment. Usually Ambien is among the ones with fewer side effects, but of course that differs between individuals.
Of course regular sleeping hours, quiet environment, avoiding naps during the day or stimulants before sleep, physical activity are very important lifestyle measures.
Also identifying factors like anxiety and depression which might be causing insomnia is also important.
Among medical options the one with fewer side effects is the use of melatonin or melatonin agonist such as ramelteon, if enough is the most harmless alternative.
Another option are antihistamines like diphenhydramine.
Sedating antidepressants like doxepin are also used in low dose for insomnia.
Recently there has been the introduction of a new drug called Suvorexant which blocks the action of a wakening neuropeptide called orexin, but it's a new class and while promising and approved I do not have personal experiences with my patients.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Several options
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
There are several options for insomnia treatment. Usually Ambien is among the ones with fewer side effects, but of course that differs between individuals.
Of course regular sleeping hours, quiet environment, avoiding naps during the day or stimulants before sleep, physical activity are very important lifestyle measures.
Also identifying factors like anxiety and depression which might be causing insomnia is also important.
Among medical options the one with fewer side effects is the use of melatonin or melatonin agonist such as ramelteon, if enough is the most harmless alternative.
Another option are antihistamines like diphenhydramine.
Sedating antidepressants like doxepin are also used in low dose for insomnia.
Recently there has been the introduction of a new drug called Suvorexant which blocks the action of a wakening neuropeptide called orexin, but it's a new class and while promising and approved I do not have personal experiences with my patients.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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