10 Most Effective Sleeping Pills in Nigeria including Tips to Achieve Good Sleep
If you think insomnia (poor) sleep is not a major health problem in Nigeria then you will have to think again…..
A large number of Nigerians are battling with poor sleep daily as evidenced by these recent searches from Google.
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This was the motivation I need to publish an article on over the counter drugs for treating poor sleep in Nigeria.
1. DIAZEPAM
Trade Name is Valium. Diazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.
It’s used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, fits (seizures) and insomnia. It’s also used in hospital to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating or difficulty sleeping.
It can also be taken to help you relax before an operation or other medical or dental treatments. This is known as a “pre-med”.
Diazepam is available on prescription only. THIS MEANS IT IS A CONTROLLED DRUG AND CANNOT BE BOUGHT OVER THE COUNTER.
Benzodiazepines (diazepam, bromazepam) should only be used for two to four weeks, or intermittently, and only in addition to good sleep hygiene
2. LEXOTAN
Scientific name is bromazepam which is the active ingredient. Lexotan belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines which are thought to work by their action on brain chemicals.
Just like diazepam, lexotan is used for anxiety, tension or agitation. Your doctor, however, may have prescribed Lexotan for another purpose such as insomnia.
Lexotan is a highly addictive drug and speak with your doctor before using it.
3..ZOPICLONE
Zopiclone (brand names Imovane and Imrest) and zolpidem (brand name Stilnox) are similar in their pharmacology and effects to the benzodiazepines. These prescription-only medicines also enhance the actions of GABA to depress brain activity and helps promote sleep. It is a drug if addiction just like benzodiazepines.
Bizarre behaviours and symptoms, for example hallucinations and sleep-walking that can be dangerous, are more likely than with benzodiazepines.
4. QUETIAPINE
Quetiapine, an antipsychotic drug have been increasingly used to treat difficulty in sleeping in hospitals.
Typically used at a lower dose, quetiapine can induce sleep but carries a significant burden of possible harmful effects. These include a fast heart rate, agitation, low blood pressure and unsteadiness. These make quetiapine not appropriate for treating common sleep problems.
5. ANTIHISTAMINES – DIPHENYHYDRAMINE, PROMETHAZINE
Sedating antihistamines induce drowsiness through their central nervous system-depressing properties. These are available over the counter from pharmacies. Common examples include diphenhydramine (brand name Unisom Sleep Gels), doxylamine (brand name Restavit) and promethazine (branded Phenergan).
These medicines have side effects including dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, confusion, dizziness and urinary retention in men with prostrate problems. All side-effects are worse in older people
Promethazine is NOT an over the counter drugs in Nigeria.
6. OPIOIDS
Opioids such as tramadol, morphine, pentazocine and codeine are originally prescription-only painkillers but people abuse them as sleeping pills because they are also sedative. They are also very addictive and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped. DONT USE OPIODS TO ACHIEVE SLEEP.
7.DOXEPINE (SILENOR)
This sleep drug is approved for use in people who have trouble staying asleep. Silenor may help with sleep maintenance by blocking histamine receptors. Do not take this drug unless you are able to get a full 7 or 8 hours of sleep.
8. SUVOREXANT(BELSMORA)
It works by blocking a hormone that promotes wakefulness and causes insomnia. It is approved by the FDA to treat people that have insomnia due to an inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep. The drug may cause you to feel sleepy the following day.
9. TRAZODONE
Some antidepressant drugs, such as trazodone (Desyrel), are very good at treating sleeplessness and anxiety.
10. ZALEPLON
Sold under the brand names Sonata among others, is a sedative-hypnotic, used to treat insomnia. It is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic from the pyrazolopyrimidine class. Rarely prescribed but an effective sleeping pill.
And one other thing….
Sometimes your sleeplessness may just be a problem with your environment and may not require the use of drugs. How do you achieve good sleep without taking sleeping pills?
💥Stick to a sleep schedule of the same bedtime and wake up time, even on the weekends. …
💥Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual.
💥If you have trouble sleeping, avoid naps, especially in the afternoon. …
💥Exercise daily
💥Evaluate your room.
💥Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.
💥Keep away from your phone and social media while trying to sleep
💥Avoid taking caffeine and caffeine containing drinks in the evening or at night.
💥Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and heavy meals in the evening.
💥If you can’t sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired.
💥Have a nice bathe 🛀
💥See a doctor if none of the above tips works.
CAVEAT: This article is for your education and not a license to self prescription and abuse of prescription-only drugs.
SOURCES:
NHS.UK
Medical xpress
WEBMD
WIKIPEDIA
FEATURED IMAGE: RWANDA MAGAZINE
©NIMEDHEALTH
Can I prescribe DIAZEPAM for someone detoxing from drug abuse ??
No
I find it hard to sleep deep any little noise am awake, also I can sleep for long I slept not up to 2hour at night, which drug can I buy over the counter.
See a doctor….