Medications That May Contribute To Insomnia
Some common medicines can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you are taking and the possibility that they might be causing your sleep problems. Your doctor might prescribe a different drug that doesn't cause insomnia or discuss changing the time of day you take your medication. Do not stop any medicines if you have not consulted your doctor.
Alcohol, caffeine, and smoking also can make it harder to fall asleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, don't have caffeinated drinks after lunch, and don't drink alcohol or smoke close to bedtime.
Medicines that May Cause Sleep Problems
NOTE: This is not a comprehensive list. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out if the medicines you take may be causing sleep problems.
- Alcohol
- Anticonvulsants
- Dilantin® (phenytoin)
- Lamictal® (lamotrigine)
- Antidepressants
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Prozac® and Zoloft®
- Appetite suppressants
- Asthma and lung disease medicines
- Beta agonists
- Bronchodilators
- Theophylline
- Blood pressure and heart medicines
- Alpha agonist
- Beta blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Caffeine
- Cold medicines
- Decongestants (ephedrine and pseudoephedrine)
- Corticosteroids
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Gastrointestinal medicines
- Lipid and cholesterol-lowering agents
- Statins, such as Lipitor®
- Niacin
- Nicotine
- Parkinson's disease medicines
- Dopamine agonists
- Levodopa
- Quinolone antibiotics
- Stimulants and amphetamines
- Thyroid