Sleep Aid Alternatives

In short: Sleep Aid (ACONITUM NAPELLUS, AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM, FLOS, ARSENICUM ALBUM, AVENA SATIVA, BELLADONNA, CAMPHORA, CINCHONA OFFICINALIS, COFFEA CRUDA, CYPRIPEDIUM PUBESCENS, HYOSCYAMUS NIGER, IGNATIA AMARA, KALI PHOSPHORICUM, PASSIFLORA INCARNATA, PHOSPHORUS, PULSATILLA, AND VALERIANA OFFICINALIS.), also sold under the brand name Sleep Aid, belongs to the Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract class. The medications listed below either share that mechanism of action or have been clinically validated as substitutes when Sleep Aid is unsuitable due to side effects, cost, availability, or contraindications.

When to consider an alternative to Sleep Aid

Switching is a decision to make with your prescriber, not on your own. People most often look for a substitute for one of a few reasons — and the right alternative depends on which one applies:

• Tolerability. If bothersome or serious reactions are the problem, review the side effects of Sleep Aid first — a same-class option often shares them, so a different class may be the better move.
• Interactions. If a new prescription clashes with your current regimen, check Sleep Aid's known drug interactions before choosing a replacement.
• Cost or availability. A generic or same-class medicine may deliver the same benefit at a lower cost tier or without a shortage.
• Effectiveness. If Sleep Aidisn't controlling your condition, a different mechanism of action may work where this one fell short.