Kinds of sleeping pills

All of these pills have risks, especially for older 

adults:

Barbiturates 

•   Secobarbital (Seconal and generic)

•   Phenobarbital (Luminal and generic)

Benzodiazepines 

For anxiety:

•   Alprazolam (Xanax and generic) 

•   Diazepam (Valium and generic)

•   Lorazepam (Ativan and generic)

For insomnia:

•   Estazolam (generic only)

•   Flurazepam (Dalmane and generic)

•   Quazepam (Doral)

•   Temazepman (Restoril and generic)

•   Triazolam (Halcion and generic)

”Z” drugs

•   Zolpidem (Ambien and generic)

•   Eszopicione (Lunesta)

•   Zaleplon (Sonata and generic)

Over-the-counter drugs may not be a good 

choice.
Side efects of some drugs can be especially
bothersome for seniors: next-day drowsiness,
confusion, constipation, dry mouth, and difculty
urinating. Avoid these over-the-counter sleep drugs:
•   Diphenhydramine (Benadry Allergyl, Nytol,  
  Sominex, and generic)

•   Doxylamine (Unisom and generic). 

•   Advil PM

•   Tylenol PM

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