Everything You Need To Know About The Drug Hypnotics, Or Sleeping Pills

Due to the lifestyle that people lead in developed countries today, many people struggle with difficulty falling asleep and have to use the drug hypnotics, or sleeping pills.

They are also known as hypnotic drugs and they are in high demand these days. However, you need to be careful not to abuse them, as they can have negative consequences for your health. Through this article, we will look at the various sleep problems that exist, as well as the selection of sleeping pills you can find on the market.

What is insomnia?

This very common disease in developed countries is a sleep disorder characterized by the patient ‘s inability to fall asleep or sleep through the night to get enough quality sleep to restore energy and achieve a normal awake state.

The results of several studies suggest that the cause is another underlying disorder rather than insomnia itself. This is important as it focuses the treatment on the disease that triggers this sleep problem.

In addition, insomnia can be classified by duration and species:

• Volatile. If it lasts less than seven days. This variant may affect some women during the premenstrual period.
• Acute. This type lasts from one to three weeks.
• Chronic. People who have suffered from insomnia for more than three weeks.

Insomnia, with a focus on its nature, is classified as:

• The patient has difficulty falling asleep.
• Insomnia with persistent sleep problems – if the patient has difficulty sleeping.

• Early awakening in the morning
• General

The drug hypnotics or sleeping pills

These drugs are psychoactive psychotropic drugs that promote sleep and cause drowsiness. There are six treatment lines for insomnia. The doctor will start with the first and move on to the next if it is not effective.

1st line. Natural substances

People use natural drugs to combat this problem. The most popular options are St. John’s wort root, linden, passion flower and opioids. Other patients resort to other therapies, such as homeopathy and ” natural” products.

2nd line. Non-benzodiazepine sleeping pills

These types of hypnotic drugs are selective GABA receptor agonists. GABA is the inhibitory neurotransmitter for the central nervous system. For example, zolpidem, zopiclone or esopiclone.

These medicines prove to give good results due to their effectiveness and tolerance. They are therefore the first choice when it comes to sleeping pills, especially in the treatment of acute insomnia. However, they are not as effective for chronic insomnia.

3rd line. The drug hypnotics or sleeping pills: Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are other widely used sleeping pills to treat insomnia. In contrast to those we mentioned above, they are not selective of the GABA complex.

They have replaced other drugs (barbiturates) as first-choice hypnotics. Although very effective, they alter the natural sleep structure, alter REM sleep and cause significant side effects.

Furthermore, these substances also cause tolerance and dependence. Thus, the use must be controlled, and the patients must be well informed.

Line 4. Antidepressants with sleep-promoting effects

For some time, people have been using antidepressants, such as those we will mention below, as sleeping pills.

• Mirtazapine
• Trazodone
• Amitriptyline

As with benzodiazepines, these medicines also interfere with REM sleep. However, they do so with a different mechanism of action. These drugs have a sleep-inducing effect due to the anticholinergic effect, in addition to improving aminergic neurotransmission.

When a patient suffers from chronic insomnia, benzodiazepines are often not enough. They must therefore take these medicines as additional treatment.

5th line. Antipsychotics to treat insomnia

When all the above medicines do not have the desired effect, the use of antipsychotics or neuroleptics can be effective.

Some of the most commonly used for this condition are:

• Haloperidol
• Kvetiapin
• Klozapine

They are often used in elderly patients, those with delirium, patients with mannerisms, patients suffering from insomnia or those who are psychotic.

Finally, we should mention that the last line of treatment, the 6th line, consists of other medications such as antihistamines, melatonin or gabapentin, which are usually used for mild insomnia, such as the type produced by jet lag when traveling to another country. time zone.

Conclusion: The drug hypnotics or sleeping pills

Today, there is a wide range of drug hypnotics, or sleeping pills, that help fight insomnia. Consult your doctor about the most appropriate medication for your case, and always follow their recommendations.