"Which Medications Are Prone to Causing Insomnia?"

Common medications for insomnia include:

1. Antihypertensive Drugs

Patients taking antihypertensive drugs who frequently experience insomnia should consider checking their medication as a potential cause. Inappropriate choice or dosage of antihypertensive drugs can lead to nocturnal hypotension and insomnia. Patients should proactively inform their doctors of their insomnia, and doctors should decide whether to adjust the dosage or switch medications.

2. Glucocorticoids

Long-term, high-dose use of glucocorticoids can increase the body's excitability, leading to insomnia.

3. Diuretics

Diuretics increase the frequency of urination. Taking them before bedtime often disrupts sleep due to increased urine output. Therefore, diuretics should be taken during the day. Additionally, diuretics can cause electrolyte disturbances, such as potassium-wasting diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide) which can lead to potassium deficiency, cardiovascular rhythm disorders, and insomnia.

4. Antiasthmatic Drugs

Ephedrine and theophylline, among others, have central excitatory effects, stimulating the cerebral cortex and subcortical centers. Some patients may experience excitement and insomnia after taking these drugs. Excessive doses can also cause hallucinations and convulsions. When taking these medications at night, patients should consider taking some sedative-hypnotics to prevent insomnia.

5. Antidepressants

Commonly used antidepressants such as imipramine, clomipramine, fluoxetine, and paroxetine can all cause insomnia.

6. Antibiotics

Most antibiotics irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing gastrointestinal reactions like acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. It is best to avoid taking them on an empty stomach. Taking antibiotics before dinner or before bedtime can disrupt sleep due to nausea and upper abdominal discomfort. Additionally, quinolone antibiotics have strong central nervous system effects, causing headaches, dizziness, and poor sleep, so they should be avoided before bedtime.

Furthermore, drugs like cardiac tonics (digitalis), anti-tuberculosis drugs (isoniazid), iron supplements, antiviral drugs (amantadine), and analgesics can also have insomnia as a side effect. Thus, insomnia can stem from various causes, with medications being a common trigger. The aforementioned medications are particularly prone to causing insomnia. Be cautious with these drugs.

99Pharmacist's Warm Reminder: Treating insomnia should not solely rely on medications but also involve addressing the root causes. Psychological communication, participation in activities, learning to relieve stress, and paying attention to diet are all essential aspects of managing insomnia.