Commonly Used Medications that Affect Sleep
This is a list of drugs that can cause difficulty sleeping or day time drowsiness. It is important to note that a person should not stop or start taking any medication before consulting with their healthcare provider.
Anti-arrhythmics
- Use: heart rhythm problems
- Possible Effect: difficulty sleeping at night
- Examples: Procainamide, quinidine
Beta Blockers
- Use: angina, heart rhythm problem, high blood pressure
- Possible Effect: difficulty sleeping at night
- Examples: metoprolol, propranolol, atenolol
Corticosterioids
- Use: inflammation, asthma
- Possible Effect: daytime jitters, insomnia
- Example: prednisone
Diuretics
- Use: high blood pressure
- Possible Effect: increased nighttime urination
- Example: hydrochlorothiazide
Medications containing caffeine
- Use: pain
- Possible Effect: wakefulness
- Examples: Excedrin, Midol
Nicotine replacement products
- Use: Smoking cessation
- Possible Effect: difficulty sleeping at night
- Examples: nicotine patches, gum, nasal spray or inhalers, and lozenges
Sedating antihistamines
- Use: cold and allergy symptoms, motion sickness
- Possible Effect: drowsiness
- Examples: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
SSRIs
- Use: Depression, anxiety
- Possible Effect: decreased REM sleep, daytime fatigue
- Examples: fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine
Sympathomimetic stimulants
- Use: ADHD
- Possible Effect: difficulty sleeping at night
- Examples: dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate
Thyroid hormone
- Use: hypothyroidism
- Possible Effect: difficulty sleeping at night
- Example: levothyroxine
Resource: Medications that can affect sleep. Available at https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/medications-that-can-affect-sleep