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