Mental health medications
Sleep Medications
Learn about prescription sleep medications for insomnia — including z-drugs, orexin receptor antagonists and others — how they work, side effects, warnings and alternatives such as CBT-I.
At a glance
- Medication class
- Sleep medications (hypnotics and related medications)
- Examples (generic name, brand name)
- zolpidem (Ambien)
- eszopiclone (Lunesta)
- suvorexant (Belsomra)
- lemborexant (Dayvigo)
- ramelteon (Rozerem)
- low-dose doxepin (Silenor)
Examples are for education only and are not a complete list or a recommendation.
Boxed warning: Zolpidem, eszopiclone and zaleplon carry an FDA boxed warning about complex sleep behaviors — such as sleepwalking and sleep-driving — that have caused serious injuries and death. People who have experienced a complex sleep behavior should not take these medications.
What are sleep medications?
Sleep medications (hypnotics) are prescription drugs used to help people fall asleep or stay asleep. They are generally considered alongside, or after, non-medication approaches for insomnia.
What they’re used for
Short-term or, for some medications, longer-term treatment of insomnia, as determined by a prescriber.
How they work
- “Z-drugs” (zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon) enhance GABA, a calming brain chemical.
- Orexin receptor antagonists (suvorexant, lemborexant, daridorexant) block orexin, a chemical that promotes wakefulness.
- Melatonin receptor agonists (ramelteon) act on the body’s sleep-wake signaling.
- Low-dose doxepin blocks histamine to promote sleep maintenance.
- Some other medications, such as certain antidepressants, are sometimes used off-label.
How they’re taken
Usually taken shortly before bed, only when you can stay in bed for a full night. Your prescriber and pharmacist will provide specific instructions — this page does not provide dosing guidance.
Common side effects
- Next-day drowsiness or grogginess
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Unpleasant taste (eszopiclone)
Serious side effects
Complex sleep behaviors (sleepwalking, sleep-driving), memory problems, falls, worsening depression or thoughts of suicide, and severe allergic reactions require prompt medical attention.
Warnings
- Don’t drive or do activities requiring alertness until you know how the medication affects you the next day.
- Avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
- Older adults are more sensitive to side effects such as falls and confusion.
Interactions
Opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, antihistamines and other sedating drugs can dangerously increase sedation. Some medications affect how sleep medications are broken down in the body.
Questions to ask your healthcare professional
- Have we ruled out other causes, such as sleep apnea or depression?
- Would CBT-I be a good option for me first?
- How long should I take this medication?
- What should I do if I feel drowsy the next day?
Related medication classes
Find care
Find the right support
Compare types of care — from online therapy to psychiatry — and learn what to consider before choosing a provider.
Explore care optionsWhen to seek professional help
Consider talking with a doctor or licensed mental health professional if symptomslast for more than two weeks, keep coming back, or make it harder to manage work, school, relationships or daily tasks. You don’t need to wait until things feel severe — getting support early often makes things easier.
If you’re thinking about harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).Crisis resources in other countries.
Explore care optionsFrequently asked questions
Is melatonin a good alternative to prescription sleep medication?
Can I take sleep medication every night?
References
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About this article
Written by
ExploreMentalHealth Editorial Team
Our editors research and write every article using government health agencies, professional medical organizations and peer-reviewed research, following our published editorial standards.
- First published
- September 12, 2026
- Last updated
- September 22, 2026
- Last medically reviewed
- Review pending