Some people may need medicine for a while to help them fall
asleep. Doctors often prescribe medicine for a short time if
other treatment isn't working. But medicine doesn't work as well
over time as lifestyle and behavior changes do. Sleep medicine
can also become habit-forming. Medicine works best as a short-
term treatment combined with lifestyle and behavior changes.
provide short-term relief from insomnia. These medicines help
you fall asleep and stay asleep. Examples are diazepam (such as
Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Doral). Side effects
of benzodiazepines can include: Benzodiazepines make it hard to
recall memories. They also seem to affect how much of the
hormone melatonin your body makes at night. Melatonin helps you
sleep and wake up on a regular schedule. December 1, 2011 Anne
C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Lisa S. Weinstock, MD -
Psychiatry How this information was developed to help you make
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