I'm pretty sure I have insomnia issues. I'm thinking a doctor is just going to hand me pills anyway so are there any over the counter meds that are known for being better than others?
2006-09-26 06:24:16 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
Melatonin - 1 tab 1 hr. before bedtime, supplements your own body's production of melatonin. Or, "Calms" sleep aid by Highland brands. Both are all natural, non-addictive, and do not make you feel groggy in the a.m. Both can be purchased at Wal-mart in the vitamin/supplement area and are very inexpensive. You can also get them at a vitamin/nutrition store. I prefer the Calms, have used them for years for sleep, when needed, and also great for PMS symptoms! Good Luck!
2006-09-26 07:50:00 · answer #1 · answered by d.a.f.f.y. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Herbal remedies include valerian root (with or without hops), melatonin, and holy basil extract. You can take them separately or together if you like. Almost all over-the-counter sleep aids contain diphenhydramine hydrochloride, which is the active ingredient in Benadryl, so you're better off buying generic Benadryl -- it's a lot cheaper. The only exception I know of to that rule is Unisom (doxylamine succinate), and being a hard-core insomniac myself I can tell you that Unisom works 99% of the time as long as you're not using it every night -- you'll develop a tolerance after 2 or 3 days and it won't work anymore. Also, be warned that the over-the-counter stuff can leave you feeling groggy the next morning.
2006-09-26 06:34:48 · answer #2 · answered by sarge927 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No sleep aid is "safe" so to speak. Anything that helps you get sleep you can get addicted to. After you use any aid for an extended amount of time, when you try to get off the aid you will find yourself stuggling to sleep again. They do have mild sleeping pills. Cant think of the name of the ones the doctor gave me. I have taken ambien as well but i found that its really stong and left me slugish in the morning. Maybe you could try some valerian root? If that doesnt work move to prescription drugs and try to get the mild sleep aids they offer.
As ELG said, Melatonin, is also another sleep aid that helps many... Didnt really help me though
2006-09-26 06:30:33 · answer #3 · answered by Bryan 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have taken quite a few sleep aids in the last 2 years... In my experience what has worked for me is Melotonin and Trazadone together. The Melatonin helps get you to sleep, the Trazadone will keep you asleep. Neither have ever left me feeling hungover at all.
The worst for me were Ativan (it made me very depressed and forgetful) and Lunesta (it just didn't work well at all). Valerian always seemed to give me acid reflux as well.
2006-09-26 06:35:53 · answer #4 · answered by Killer Nandin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Melatonin - it's a natural remedy sold over the counter in at your local CVS or pharmacy in the Vitamins.
2006-09-26 06:27:46 · answer #5 · answered by ELG 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Before taking any medicine, check out Dr Weil website. http://www.drweil.com. He suggest taking what is readily available such as herbs, spice, etc.
If you decide to go the route taking pills, you will be taking it rest of your life. My mom (76) needs to take everyday. Side effects are another hassle to overcome.
Good luck.
2006-09-26 06:43:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you need to be very careful on this because people have allergies to meds and you should really talk to a doc. my brother lost his life @ 30yrs old due to medication. this is a matter where you should really talk to a doctor
2006-09-26 06:57:18 · answer #7 · answered by SH 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i tried different ones because some upset my stomach, as may yours be upset at the ones i've taken. you've got to experiment on your own for this one.
2006-09-26 06:28:06 · answer #8 · answered by sweet_shy_blondie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They /can/ be safe if used carefully.
Anything can kill you if you use it too much or in the wrong way.
2006-09-26 06:35:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
all natural one's,from a health food store
2006-09-26 06:31:47 · answer #10 · answered by michael m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋