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Sleep ManagementSleep Management

Sleep medicines have different roles and are not a substitute for assessing persistent insomnia, breathing-related sleep problems or another underlying cause.

Meloset

Melatonin

3mg

Meloset is melatonin 3mg in a prolonged-release tablet for insomnia, acting at MT1, MT2 and MT3 receptors to set the sleep-wake cycle.

From$0.47/ tabletView

Desyrel

Trazodone

25 · 50 · 100mg

Desyrel is trazodone in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets for major depressive disorder. A SARI, acting at serotonin receptors as well as on reuptake.

From$0.43/ tabletView

Sleepose

Melatonin

10mg

Melatonin 10mg prolonged-release tablets, used for insomnia. An agonist at the MT1, MT2 and MT3 receptors that govern the circadian rhythm.

From$0.13/ tabletView

Restfine

Melatonin

10mg

Melatonin 10mg film-coated tablets, used for insomnia. A chronobiotic binding receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus to set the body clock.

From$0.98/ tabletView

Hypnite

Eszopiclone

1 · 2 · 3mg

Hypnite is eszopiclone in 1mg, 2mg and 3mg film-coated tablets for insomnia, a cyclopyrrolone acting at the GABA-A receptor complex.

From$0.30/ tabletView

Hyplon

Zaleplon

10mg

Hyplon is zaleplon 10mg hard capsules for insomnia, a short-acting non-benzodiazepine hypnotic at the GABA-A benzodiazepine site.

From$0.36/ tabletView

Key points

  • Melatonin affects sleep timing, while prescription hypnotics and sedating medicines act through different pathways.
  • Some sleep medicines can cause next-day impairment, falls, unusual sleep behaviours, tolerance or dependence.
  • Persistent poor sleep, loud snoring, pauses in breathing or marked daytime sleepiness needs clinical assessment.

Listings are for comparison only; suitability, duration and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks and any prescription requirements.

How the medicine groups differ

Melatonin may be used for selected sleep-timing problems. Eszopiclone and zaleplon are prescription hypnotics. Trazodone is an antidepressant that may be prescribed for sleep in some settings; its approved indications vary by country.

What these medicines are used for

Some medicines may be used in selected cases of insomnia, usually alongside assessment of sleep routine, mental health, pain, breathing, substance use and other contributors.

Important safety checks

Discuss pregnancy, breathing disorders, liver or kidney problems, falls, mood symptoms and other sedating medicines. Do not mix a sleep medicine with alcohol, opioids or other sedatives without professional advice. Do not drive or operate machinery if drowsy or impaired.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, inability to wake normally, severe confusion, a serious allergic reaction, suicidal thoughts, or dangerous behaviour while not fully awake. Suspected overdose requires immediate emergency or poison-centre advice.

Further reading

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