5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Prescription Drugs

Why you should ask this question: Different types of sleep medications are associated with different side effects, risks, and monetary costs. Benzodiazepines and antidepressants are generally less expensive, but may not be as effective for some people as newer nonbenzodiazepines. Even within the same class of drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata, for example), medications have different half-lives, making some more appropriate for people who have trouble falling asleep or who wake up too early.

Why you should ask this question: Older benzodiazepine medications and sedative antidepressants (commonly prescribed for sleep problems) are available as generics, which generally cost pennies per pill. A generic version of Ambien was released in 2007 as well. If finances are a concern to you, talk with your doctor about these options.

Why you should ask this question: Depending on your medication's half-life, it may leave you groggy if you can't devote eight full hours of sleep after taking it. Your pills could also cause unexpected side effects if you take them after a large meal or too early before going to bed. Make sure your doctor explains the correct dose, plus when and how you should take it.

Why you should ask this question: Many doctors will prescribe sleeping pills month after month, but if you've taken medication for more than 30 days, you should also consider long-term treatments. Sessions with a cognitive-behavioral therapist may help you wean yourself off of medication permanently.

Why you should ask this question: Before you start taking any sleep medication, it's important to make sure you're not just masking the symptoms of a more serious health condition. Disorders like depression and sleep apnea can both cause restless nights, but must be treated separately. Sleep medication won't cure these problems and often will make them worse.