Prescription Sleep Medications
Several categories of prescription sleep medications appear on the PTCE. Understanding their drug class and controlled substance status is important.
Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics
Often called "Z-drugs" because of their names:
- Zolpidem (Ambien) - Schedule IV controlled substance
- Zaleplon (Sonata) - Schedule IV controlled substance
- Eszopiclone (Lunesta) - Schedule IV controlled substance
These are among the most commonly prescribed sleep medications and their controlled status is a frequently tested fact.
Benzodiazepines
Some benzodiazepines like temazepam (Restoril) are used primarily for sleep. These are also Schedule IV controlled substances. All benzodiazepines carry risks of dependence with prolonged use.
Other Prescription Options
Trazodone is an antidepressant that is frequently used off-label at lower doses for sleep. It is not a controlled substance. Suvorexant (Belsomra) is a newer sleep medication classified as Schedule IV.
OTC Sleep Aids
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom) are antihistamines used as OTC sleep aids. Melatonin is a widely used dietary supplement for sleep. These do not require prescriptions.
Exam Focus
For the PTCE, know that Z-drugs and benzodiazepines used for sleep are Schedule IV controlled substances. Recognize the common brand/generic pairs and understand that trazodone for sleep is a non-controlled alternative. The controlled status of sleep medications is one of the most commonly tested facts about this drug class.