Medications That Cause Insomnia

By Debdatta Mazumbder

Those, who suffer from insomnia, have certain idea about the trouble. But those who are not aware of it but get surprised and irritated at staying awake at night, be aware! You may have the problem of insomnia. Generally, insomniac people don’t get enough sleep and also find it difficult to sleep. Now, when you don’t get enough sleep at night, eventually you won’t start a day afresh. Feelings of sleepiness and lethargy will prevail on you.

Side Effects Of Insomnia

Why does insomnia happen to anyone? It can be of physical or psychological disorder. Whenever you get sick (physically or mentally), you go through a medicinal course. Now you already are in pain for your disease, moreover you are going through the sleeplessness. Have you ever thought why you are in this trouble? May be it is the medications that cause insomnia. Yes, it is true that some chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, depression etc. cause insomnia. But insomnia for certain medication is also a common problem.

Do you have any ideas about the list of medications that cause insomnia? Many people are not aware about the medications that cause insomnia. So before taking any medicines ask your physician if those have any such components that will keep you awake. Here is a list of medications that cause insomnia-

10 Medications That Cause Insomnia

1. Alpha-Blockers- this will get the top place in the list of medications that cause insomnia. This is prescribed for high blood pressure. But this reduces the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Not only that, but it also bring sleepiness at daytime.

10 Tips To Cure Insomnia

2. Statins- do you have a problem of high cholesterol? Then ask your doctor whether he has prescribed you statins. This medicine causes restlessness due to a muscle pain which leads to insomnia. Be careful about having this one.

3. Beta-Blockers- medications that cause insomnia also include this one. It is prescribed to cure hypertension. This medicine inhibits the secretion of melatonin and thus hampers a sound sleep by awakening in night with nightmares.

4. SSRI Antidepressants- to resolve severe depression, this medicine is prescribed. Though it is not clear yet how it works, it is proved that SSRIs cause insomnia. But this medicine has received a mixed feedback. Many people say that they are privileged by this medicine, while others say it creates insomnia and agitation.

10 Medications That Cause Insomnia

5. H1 Antagonists- one of those medications that cause insomnia. It is prescribed to control histamine which, if increases can cause allergic infections including itchiness, redness, watery eyes, runny nose etc. by blocking the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, it hampers sleep at night.

6. Corticosteroids- diseases like gout, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation for allergic reactions etc. are treated with this medicine. But corticosteroids work on your adrenaline hormone to flow excessively. Thus it keeps you awake or prevents sound sleep with disturbing nightmares.

7. ARBs- this is one of the medications that cause insomnia. How? Actually, these are given to the patients of coronary diseases or have type 2 diabetes. This medicine increases the level of potassium in your body and leads to diarrhea or leg cramps. Eventually, you won’t have a normal sleep.

10 Medications That Cause Insomnia

8. Glucosamine and Chondroitin- these medicines are dietary supplements. These also treat joint pains and decrease inflammation. Though the function of these medicines in creating insomnia is yet to known, these are responsible for diarrhea and nausea which can keep patients awake at night.

9. ACE Inhibitors- medicines for high BP and heart diseases. These increase level of a peptide, bradykinin. Therefore a dry and round-the-clock cough can keep the patients awake. Also these work on the potassium level of the body and create diarrhea and leg cramps which don’t let anyone have a good sleep.

10. Cholinesterase Inhibitors- a medicine to treat Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Human body has acetylcholine which is necessary for thought, memory, judgment and alertness. These medicines break this neurotransmitter in brain which causes insomnia and nightmares.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Story first published: Wednesday, July 8, 2015, 17:01 [IST]
Read more about: wellness insomnia medications