Sleep medication
Temazepam and oxazepam are well-known sleep aids, but can be addictive. Sleep problems often arise from psychological or physical complaints, stress, or wrong habits, such as going to bed too early or too late, and disruptions to the day-night rhythm caused by work or jet lag. Stimulants such as coffee and energy drinks, late screen time, high exercise or heavy meals before sleep can also have a negative impact. Worrying about sleep can exacerbate the problem.
Sleep Disorder
Is there a sleep disorder here, then? No. Sleep disorders include apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs or delayed sleep phase syndrome. Find out more at hersenstichting.nl or at www.thuisarts.nl.
Sleep medications
Sleep medications are best used only occasionally and not for long periods in a row. This is because with prolonged use of sleep medications, habituation and dependence can develop. So the urgent advice is to use them for short periods.
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Short-acting benzodiazepines
Short-acting benzodiazepines, also called short-acting sleep aids, have a muscle relaxing, calming and sedating effect. They work briefly and are therefore used mainly when you have trouble falling asleep. Examples include flunitrazepam, loprazolam, midazolam, temazepam, zolpidem and zopiclon.
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Long-acting benzodiazepines
Long-acting benzodiazepines, also called sleep aids, work to relax muscles, soothe and make you drowsy. They work for a fairly long time and are mainly used to help you sleep through the night. These drugs can also make you drowsy during the day. Examples include diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, lormetazepam, nitrazepam and oxazepam.
Alternatives
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Valerian
Valerian is an herbal remedy. It has a mild calming effect. This can help you fall asleep better.
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Note: valerian has interactions with some other medications. Always consult your pharmacy when you want to use this remedy. -
Mardberry leaf with vine leaf
Mardberry leaf with vine leaf is an herbal remedy. It can be used for insomnia. Exactly how it works is not known. There is no evidence that this herbal remedy works for insomnia.
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Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone made in the brain. It is thought that melatonin has something to do with human biorhythms. Its release occurs in the evening. Under the influence of light, melatonin release decreases again. Melatonin is used in sleeping disorders.
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Note: melatonin has interactions with some other medications. Always consult your pharmacy when you want to start using this drug. -
Levomepromazine
Ernestically ill people or those who are dying may be very anxious, restless, confused or in a great deal of pain. Artificial sleep can ease this period. Levomepromazine provides artificial sleep. It is used to enhance the effect of the sleep aid midazolam if it does not work sufficiently.
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Chloral hydrate
Chloral hydrate is sometimes used in people with mental illness.
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Amitriptyline
Those who are seriously ill or dying may suffer from insomnia. Amitriptyline can then be used if benzodiazepines do not work adequately.
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Trazodone
Trazodone can be used for sleep problems in critically ill people, people who are dying or people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine can be used for sleep problems in seriously ill people, people who are dying or people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be used to treat severe sleep problems in depressed adolescents when other measures do not help.
Stopping sleep aids
If you are having trouble stopping sleep aids contact your pharmacist. We can advise you. In consultation with your doctor, we may decide to temporarily prescribe other medications that will help you taper off.
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