Best Medicines for Insomnia in India
Start with sleep hygiene. Medicines for short-term use.
Last updated: October 2026
Melatonin
Use: Hormone that helps control your sleep cycle. Mainly used short term for insomnia in people aged 55 and over, usually for up to 13 weeks, as your doctor advises.
Side effects: Drowsiness
Side effects: Drowsiness. Hormone that helps control your sleep cycle. Mainly used short term for insomnia in people aged 55 and over, usually for up to 13 weeks, as your doctor advises.
Zolpidem
Use: Short-term insomnia. Dependence risk.
Side effects: Drowsiness. Can cause sleepwalking, sleep-driving and other activities while not fully awake, which can cause serious injury. Stop and tell your doctor straight away if this happens.
Side effects: Drowsiness. Can cause sleepwalking, sleep-driving and other activities while not fully awake, which can cause serious injury. Stop and tell your doctor straight away if this happens. Short-term insomnia. Dependence risk.
Hydroxyzine
Use: Sedating antihistamine. Its approved uses are anxiety, itching and sedation around surgery, not insomnia. Antihistamines cannot cure insomnia and may help only for 1 to 2 weeks.
Side effects: Drowsiness, so do not drive if affected. Can cause a dangerous heart rhythm problem (QT prolongation), especially with heart disease, low potassium or magnesium, or other medicines that affect heart rhythm. Older people should usually avoid it.
Side effects: Drowsiness, so do not drive if affected. Can cause a dangerous heart rhythm problem (QT prolongation), especially with heart disease, low potassium or magnesium, or other medicines that affect heart rhythm. Older people should usually avoid it. Sedating antihistamine. Its approved uses are anxiety, itching and sedation around surgery, not insomnia. Antihistamines cannot cure insomnia and may help only for 1 to 2 weeks.
When to See a Doctor
If changing your sleep habits has not helped, you have had trouble sleeping for months, insomnia makes daily life hard to cope with, or you wake gasping at night (possible sleep apnea).
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The medicines, Indian brands and advice on this page were checked against these treatment guides and product listings.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. The medicines listed may require a prescription. Dosage, suitability, and safety depend on individual health conditions. Always consult a licensed doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.