A client who is complaining of anxiety and difficulty sleeping has asked what prescription medications would assist in getting to sleep. What would be appropriate responses?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
2. Valerian root
3. Ramelteon (Rozerem)
4. Flurazepam (Dalmane)
5. Zolpidem (Ambien)

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3,4,5
Rationale 1: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can be obtained over the counter and does not need a prescription to obtain. It does promote getting to sleep.
Rationale 2: Valerian is an herbal product that does not need a prescription to obtain. It does promote getting to sleep.
Rationale 3: Rozerem is a newer, nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic approved to treat chronic insomnia in people who have problems falling asleep.
Rationale 4: Benzodiazepines are drugs of choice for generalized anxiety disorder and the short-term therapy of insomnia. Flurazepam (Dalmane) should be taken at bedtime because it quickly produces significant drowsiness.
Rationale 5: Ambien is a sedative–hypnotic approved for short-term treatment of insomnia.
Global Rationale: Rozerem is a newer, nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic approved to treat chronic insomnia in people who have problems falling asleep. Benzodiazepines are drugs of choice for generalized anxiety disorder and the short-term therapy of insomnia. Flurazepam (Dalmane) should be taken at bedtime because it quickly produces significant drowsiness. Ambien is a sedative–hypnotic approved for short-term treatment of insomnia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can be obtained over the counter and does not need a prescription to obtain. It does promote getting to sleep. Valerian is an herbal product that does not need a prescription to obtain. It does promote getting to sleep.