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Updated: Dec 22, 2025

Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia
Published on: February 17, 2023
Prescription Drugs Used in Insomnia
Sylvie Dujardin1, Angelique Pijpers1, Dirk Pevernagie2
1Sleep Medicine Center Kempenhaeghe, PO Box 61, Heeze 5590 AB, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The scope of this article is to review the effects on sleep of prescription drugs that are commonly prescribed for chronic insomnia in adults. The following groups are discussed: benzodiazepines and its receptor agonists, the dual orexin receptor antagonist suvorexant, melatonin and its receptor agonists, sedating antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Together with the neurobiologic and pharmacologic properties of these drugs, clinical effects are described, including subjective and objective effects on sleep duration, continuity, and architecture. Medical prescription information is given when available. Recently published American and European guidelines for the treatment of insomnia serve as reference frame.
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