Sleeping pills in drops: rating, TOP-11

• Editor's Choice
• The best over-the-counter sleeping pills
• Rating of the best over-the-counter sleeping pills
• conclusions

Prolonged falling asleep, intermittent short sleep do not have the best effect on mood and performance, and can cause serious health problems. Sleeping pills help normalize sleep and get rid of insomnia. Our review will help you choose a good sleeping pill. We found out which sleep pills you can buy without prescriptions and compiled a rating of the drugs based on reviews from doctors and patients.

Potent sleeping pills are prescribed exclusively by a doctor for certain indications and are dispensed from the pharmacy strictly according to a prescription. Such drugs have a strong suppressive effect on the nervous system and have a lot of side effects and contraindications. But there is a large group of over-the-counter, mildly acting medications that help cope with simple sleep disorders, and at the same time do not cause such pronounced and severe adverse reactions. In our rating, over-the-counter sleeping pills are presented in descending order of therapeutic effect.

General principles for treating insomnia

Strong sleeping pills are not always required. Sometimes it is enough to adjust your sleep and rest patterns and eliminate the irritating factor. However, with long-term chronic insomnia, it is impossible to do without medications. When prescribing medications, take into account:

• symptoms;
• concomitant pathologies;
• drug interactions;
• side effects of medications;
• patient's age;
• physiological conditions (pregnancy, lactation).

Important! Sleeping pills from the group of benzodiazepines should not be taken if breathing during sleep is disrupted (night apnea). Prolonged hypnotics are contraindicated in patients who the next morning are forced to drive or engage in work that requires concentration.

Rapid-acting sleeping pills are indicated in the following cases:

• the duration of insomnia is 1–4 weeks with minor consequences for the general condition of a person;
• insomnia for more than 4 weeks, which is accompanied by negative health consequences.

If in the first case sedatives with a hypnotic effect will help, then in case of severe insomnia, potent sleeping pills are prescribed.

Editor's Choice

Herbal sleeping pill Now Foods The American company Now Foods has been producing dietary supplements since 1968, and today produces 1,500 types of drugs for health and sports. Now Sleep contains valerian root extract and hop cone extract, ascorbic acid.

The active components of these two plants contribute to the production of the neurotransmitter GABA, which relieves nervous tension and helps to relax. Thus, it helps you fall asleep faster.

Helps with insomnia and neurasthenia.

To learn more

Rest and sleep from the manufacturer Mason Natural Dietary supplement produced by the American company Mason Natural, which has been producing vitamins since 1967. All products are certified according to the ASI food safety system.

The drug contains valerian officinalis, valerian root extract, hop powder, passionflower incarnate herb, celery seed powder, lupine flowers, orange peel powder. All ingredients are in bioavailable form, enhance and complement each other.

The active components of the drug have a mild sedative effect and improve sleep structure. With long-term daily use for 3-4 weeks, the hypnotic effect increases.

Helps with insomnia.

To learn more

EuroHerbs Valerian extract Valerian root extract is produced by the German representative office of the American company California Gold Nutrition. The production uses medicinal herbs that have undergone three-stage testing of raw materials for the presence of active ingredients.

The drug does not contain soy, gluten, or GMOs. The extract contains 0.8% valeric and isovaleric acids, borneol, borneol ester, organic acids, tannins, alkaloids.

The active ingredients complement and enhance each other. Refers to mild sedatives.

Valerian improves sleep structure and enhances the effect of other sleeping pills. The main effect in the treatment of insomnia with valerian extract is cumulative.

A pronounced hypnotic effect appears after 3–4 weeks of daily use. Helps with insomnia and neurasthenia.

To learn more

Alcohol compatible list

There is almost always incompatibility between the strongest sleeping pills and ethyl alcohol. Combining alcohol with sleep medications can be dangerous to human health and life.

Alcohol+barbiturates

Ethyl alcohol increases the toxicity of barbiturates, enhances their effect, reduces the adequate response and leads to increased depression of the central nervous system.

In people with respiratory failure, the combined use of ethyl alcohol and barbiturates can lead to depression of the respiratory center.

In people with alcohol dependence, treatment with barbiturates leads to rapid drug dependence.

Alcohol+benzodiazepines

Only under the supervision of a physician are benzodiazepine drugs prescribed for alcohol withdrawal as a sedative. Medications make the detoxification process easier.

The combination of benzodiazepines and alcoholic beverages leads to severe intoxication. In humans, the functions of the central nervous system are disrupted, the respiratory center is depressed.

If you do not wake up the victim and provide first aid, he may die from respiratory arrest.

Alcohol and H1-histamine receptor antagonists

Ethyl alcohol reduces the sedative effect of antihistamines and increases the risk of side effects. In this case, a person cannot fall asleep due to increased heart rate, anxiety, and dry mouth.

In order for sleep to occur, the patient has to increase the dosage. Ultimately, this leads to drug addiction.

Alcohol + drugs based on Melaxen

Ethyl alcohol can neutralize the effect of melatonin preparations. Preparations based on this hormone are adaptogens and help you fall asleep quickly.

Alcoholic drinks do not cause poisoning when combined with melatonin. Sometimes nausea and dizziness may occur.

Alcohol+z-drugs (non-benzodiazepines)

During treatment with z-group drugs, you should not drink alcohol. The combined effect increases the risk of side effects of the drug. A person experiences rapid intoxication, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. After a combination of these substances, retrograde amnesia develops.

Types of drugs

There are several types of drugs of different pharmacological groups for the treatment of insomnia:

• barbiturates;
• benzodiazepines;
• z-drugs;
• antihistamines;
• melatonin-based medications.

Benzodiazepines are prescribed to patients to treat insomnia and anxiety. In large doses at night, these medications are fast-acting sleeping pills. In small doses during the day they have an anti-anxiety effect.

Barbiturates inhibit the functions of the central nervous system. In a therapeutic dose, they help you fall asleep quickly. However, they have a number of negative effects:

• development of addiction;
• risk of overdose and poisoning;
• fixation amnesia.

Important! Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are contraindicated in patients with respiratory failure and sleep apnea.

Nonbenzodiazepines, or z-drugs, are a new generation of sedative medications for the treatment of insomnia. They have a number of advantages compared to barbiturates:

• do not suppress the deep sleep phase;
• provide quick fall asleep;
• lengthen the duration of sleep.

Long-term use of z-drugs is addictive. When withdrawing, daytime anxiety occurs.

Antihistamines (antiallergic) medications are not sleeping pills, but due to side effects such as sedation, they are prescribed for insomnia. However, first generation antihistamines (Diphenhydramine, Suprastin, Tavegil) have a hypnotic effect. They can cause tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, and increase airway obstruction.

Medicines based on melatonin or the sleep hormone help normalize physiological sleep, eliminate waking up at night, and help adapt to changing time zones. An overdose leads to headaches, morning drowsiness, and nausea.

Side effects

The interaction of alcoholic beverages and sleeping pills causes side effects. Staying in one position for a long time during sleep can cause positional compression of the limbs. Impaired blood flow to the limb leads to kidney failure due to the accumulation of waste products in the muscles. In severe cases, the victim's limb is amputated due to necrotic changes.

Other side effects include retrograde amnesia, disorders of the digestive system, and drug dependence. In this regard, it is necessary to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages during the treatment of insomnia.

conclusions

There are many over-the-counter remedies for insomnia. Each drug differs in composition, strength and duration of action, contraindications and possible side effects. They are effective for short-term and intermittent sleep disturbances caused by frequent flights, daily work schedules or nervous strain. However, severe disorders may be a symptom of a serious illness (hyperthyroidism, apnea, Parkinson's disease, depression, brain damage). And if an over-the-counter sleeping pill does not help restore sleep in a few days, you should not look for a more effective drug. It is imperative to consult a doctor who, after examination, will make an accurate diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment.

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Rating of sleeping pills without a prescription

Our team considered safe, mild drugs that are available from pharmacies without a prescription. We consulted with leading medical specialists in this field, studied clinical studies, and medical experience. Having identified the leaders, we compared them based on a number of characteristics:

• Composition, origin of components;
• Therapeutic properties;
• Speed ​​of onset of effect;
• Release form;
• List of indications;
• Age restrictions;
• Recommended dosage regimen;
• Duration of the course;
• Contraindications;
• Risks of developing side effects.

The result of a comprehensive analysis was a top list of 10 positions. These are 6 nominees in solid form (tablets, capsules), 4 in the form of solutions, syrups, drops. Monitoring reviews helped determine the features, advantages and disadvantages of each product.

The best nootropic drugs

The best over-the-counter sleeping pills in drops and syrup

The second category of the top rating includes non-prescription sleeping pills for sound sleep in liquid form. These are solutions of active substances with an aqueous or alcohol base. The liquid consistency is easier to take orally and acts faster. According to Vyborexperta.ru, 4 nominees became the best.

Novo-Passit

Seventh place is occupied by a complex composition in drops, based on a multi-component plant base. The manufacturer of the herbal medicine with a sedative effect is Israeli.

The main ingredient in the composition is guaifenesin, which has muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant properties; it eliminates spasms and promotes relaxation. Herbs have been added to it: St. John's wort with antidepressant action, calming valerian, relaxing medicinal lemon balm, black elderberry flowers, passionflower incarnate, hawthorn.

Such a large selection of plants guarantees comprehensive healing of the body. Age indication: 12 years and older. The recommended treatment regimen is a teaspoon three times a day. Gradually the dose is doubled (no more than 30 ml per day).

Packaging – high-quality glass bottle of 200 ml. The consistency is liquid, dark in color, medium transparent, with an indistinct odor. An important fact is that after opening the bottle the solution is good for 28 days.

Advantages:

• Effective fight against nervous tension;
• Elimination of insomnia;
• Complex of herbs;
• Performance;
• Economical consumption;
• Large list of useful properties.

Flaws:

• Short shelf life;
• Bitter taste.

The syrup can be mixed with drinks. The list of indications is extensive, ranging from mild neurasthenia to psychosomatic dermatoses. Restrictions are due to the presence of sugar and alcohol.

Valocordin

Eighth place is occupied by another popular domestically produced drug with sedative and hypnotic effects. The combined drug has been tested by time, the experience of millions of patients.

The active formula includes phenobarbital, which calms the nervous system, eliminates convulsions and anxiety. It is also ethyl bromizovalerate, it relieves states of panic, fear, and also relieves emotional lability. In combination with mint, two substances relieve spasms and pain.

The base is alcoholic, so Valocordin is only permitted for persons over 18 years of age. It is well tolerated, extremely rarely causing side effects, dizziness, drowsiness. The optimal regimen is 20-30 drops three times a day (maximum 50 drops).

The packaging is a 50 ml glass bottle. The consistency is liquid water of a dark brown color. Essential oils provide a pleasant cooling aroma. Results are observed within 10-20 minutes after administration.

Advantages:

• Falling asleep quickly, calming down;
• Help with panic attacks;
• Stabilization of heartbeat;
• Beneficial effect on the heart;
• Convenient reception;
• Price.

Flaws:

• Alcohol taste;
• Not for long term use.

This is more of an emergency aid for anxiety, restlessness, which disrupts sleep. Long-term use of alcohol tincture can cause toxic poisoning. Contraindications: pregnancy, lactation.

Sonilyuks

The ninth position represents one of the few sleeping pills that is acceptable for long-term use without addiction. The nominee belongs to the latest generation drugs. Manufacturer: Russian.

The multicomponent formula is based on a complex of plant extracts. This is a natural antibiotic lofant with an immuno-strengthening effect, beaver stream that normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system, alishan gaba to support the nervous system. In addition, there are 32 more herbs for relaxation of the body.

The manufacturer offers several forms of release, drops without alcohol are effective against asomnia, they restore sleep phases, facilitate the processes of falling asleep and waking up. Age restriction – allowed for children over 2 years old, adult patients.

The dosage and duration of administration are determined individually, often this is a 2.5 ml measuring spoon three times a day for 10 to 30 days. The glass bottle contains 50 ml of a brown solution.

Advantages:

• Tincture without alcohol;
• Last generation;
• Large list of medicinal herbs;
• Wide spectrum of action;
• Children allowed;
• Normalization of sleep phases.

Flaws:

• Price;
• Specific taste.

There are not many contraindications - hypersensitivity, pregnancy, breastfeeding. Clinical trials have confirmed the effectiveness of Sonilyuks when taken as a course due to the cumulative effect.

Motherwort tincture

The review concludes with the most popular, affordable, time-tested tincture that normalizes sleep and psycho-emotional background. There are many manufacturers, almost every pharmaceutical company in Russia.

The composition is simple, the base is 70% alcohol. Motherwort extract is a herb with sedative properties that can reduce the excitability of the central nervous system. It saturates the body with bioflavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins and stachydrine. Additionally, these substances lower blood pressure.

Due to the inclusion of motherwort alcohol in the formula, tincture is allowed only after the age of 12. The optimal dosage regimen is 30-50 drops in three doses, but everything is individual.

The packaging is a 25/50 ml dark glass bottle with a pipette dispenser. The color of the liquid solution is dark brown. The taste is pronounced, alcoholic, bitter, so it is better to dilute it with water.

Advantages:

• Naturalness;
• Pronounced sedative effect;
• Long-term use is acceptable;
• Reduced blood pressure;
• Compatibility with other sleeping pills;
• Cheap.

Flaws:

• Taste;
• Alcohol.

Contraindications include hypotension, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. The tincture is compatible with analogs and similar drugs, in addition, it enhances their effect.