The medication interacts with the neurons in one’s brain to suppress and calm down electrical excitement.

They work by interacting with the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid). Benzodiazepines include medications that are not only used as sleep aids, but also used to treat anxiety disorders. These include benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. There are two main categories of prescription sleeping pills that are currently used in the medical field to treat sleep disorders. Most OTC sleeping aid medications contain antihistamines to produce its sedative effects. The efficacy remains controversial as few studies indicate therapeutic benefits, while other studies haven’t found the same benefits. Valerian: Supplements made from this plant are sometimes taken as sleep aids.Side effects can include headaches and daytime sleepiness. Melatonin : The hormone melatonin helps control one’s natural sleep-wake cycle.Side effects are like those of diphenhydramine. Doxylamine (e.g., Unisom SleepMelts): Doxylamine is also a sedating antihistamine.Side effects might include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention. Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl, Aleve PM, etc.): Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine.The Mayo Clinic provides the following examples of common over the counter sleep aid options as well as potential side effects: There are a wide variety of OTC sleep aids available. As is true with any substance, there are risk factors and potential unwanted side effects associated with taking sleep aids which exponentially increase when the substance is abused. Should Ambien be ineffective for any reason, there are a variety of alternatives that may prove to be more effective, including over the counter (OTC) medicines, and prescription medications. When an individual is prescribed Ambien, it is done so because it is considered the best possible option. There is no substitute for Ambien that will be best for everyone, as each person has distinct needs. Ambien (generically known as zolpidem) is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, central nervous system depressant used to treat certain sleep problems, such as insomnia.

Ambien over the counter alternatives