Sleep medications, including those listed here, have side effects, some serious. They may also have warnings, be contraindicated for some people (meaning those people shouldn’t take them), and may interact with other medications.
Listed here are some of the most common side effects of sleep medications. Before taking any medication or considering using a medication talk with your provider and read the medication guide.
Common side effects of z-drugs, like Ambien and Lunesta, include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, confusion, memory problems, headache, nausea, and dry mouth. Some z-drugs also cause complex sleep behaviors, like sleepwalking, eating, or driving, that may result in injury or death. And more serious, but less common, side effects like allergic reactions can happen.
Benzodiazepines, like temazepam (Restoril), can cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired, confusion, memory problems, and daytime fatigue. Some users experience paradoxical reactions like increased anxiety or agitation. Other potential effects include changes in appetite, blurred vision, and gastrointestinal issues. Rarely, more severe reactions occur.
Common side effects of sedating antidepressants. like doxepin (Silenor). include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, weight gain, daytime fatigue, headaches, or nausea. Cognitive effects like confusion or memory issues and sexual side effects have happened. Rarely, more serious effects like changes in heart rhythm or allergic reactions have occurred.
The extended use of sleep medications that are controlled substances may lead to dependence, abuse, and/or withdrawal symptoms.