Sleep troubles are common, with over 30% of American adults reporting difficulty falling asleep. For many, over-the-counter sleep aids like melatonin just don't cut it. Two popular prescription options are Relaxium Sleep and Ambien, but which one is right for you?
At a glance, Relaxium Sleep and Ambien are similar medications used to treat short-term insomnia. However, there are some key differences:
- Relaxium Sleep contains a proprietary blend of ingredients like magnesium, lemon balm, passionflower, and others to promote relaxation and sleep. Ambien contains zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic medication.
- Relaxium Sleep is available over-the-counter, while Ambien is a controlled prescription medication.
- Relaxium Sleep is less likely to cause side effects like daytime drowsiness, but Ambien works more quickly and powerfully.
You may be interested in our full review of Relaxium Sleep.
Let's explore these distinctions further:
What is Ambien?
Ambien (generic name zolpidem) is a prescription sedative-hypnotic medication used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It promotes sleep by activating GABA receptors in the brain, reducing activity and causing drowsiness.
Ambien comes in two forms:
- Immediate-release tablet (falls asleep fast, may not stay asleep)
- Controlled-release tablet (falls asleep slower, stays asleep longer)
Ambien works quickly, typically causing drowsiness within 15-30 minutes. However, it may cause residual drowsiness the next day. It also has a high potential for dependency and abuse.
Ambien
by u/waterineedit in sleep
Reddit conversation with users discussing Ambien for sleep use.
What is Relaxium Sleep?
Relaxium Sleep is an over-the-counter sleep aid that contains a proprietary blend of relaxation and sleep promoting ingredients, including:
- Magnesium: Helps activate GABA receptors and reduce muscle tension.
- L-theanine: An amino acid that boosts GABA and dopamine production.
- Lemon balm: Has anti-anxiety effects.
- Passionflower: Provides a mild calming sensation.
- Chamomile, valerian root, hops extract and melatonin.
Compared to Ambien, Relaxium Sleep promotes relaxation through multiple pathways, not just GABA. It causes less daytime drowsiness than Ambien. However, it may take slightly longer to work and is less potent overall.
Key Differences: Relaxium Sleep vs. Ambien
Here are some key differences to consider:
- Ambien works very quickly (often within 30 minutes), while Relaxium Sleep may take 45-90 minutes to work.
- Ambien has a higher likelihood of side effects like residual drowsiness, dizziness, nausea.
- Ambien has higher abuse potential and may lead to dependency when used long-term.
- Relaxium Sleep is available without a prescription, while Ambien is a controlled substance.
- Relaxium Sleep produces a more natural, gentle sleep without as much drowsiness upon waking.
- Ambien is more potent and works even if taken inconsistently. Relaxium Sleep works best with regular use.
In summary, Ambien is faster and more powerful, while Relaxium Sleep is gentler with less risk of side effects. For mild or acute insomnia, Relaxium Sleep may be the safer option. But for chronic or severe insomnia, the effectiveness of Ambien may outweigh the risks for some people.
Talk to your doctor about whether prescription Ambien or over-the-counter Relaxium Sleep is right for your sleep issues. Keep individual factors like medical history and lifestyle in mind. Track your sleep quality over time to determine which option gives you the best night's rest.
Here are some highly optimized NLP answers inspired by the content you provided:
What is equivalent to Relaxium sleep?
Two comparable OTC sleep aids are Get Your Sleep Natural Sleep Aid and Primal Sleep. Both contain relaxation-promoting ingredients like GABA, chamomile, melatonin, and valerian root. While less expensive, these supplements have similar formulations to Relaxium for drug-free sleep support. Always consult a doctor before taking any new supplement.
Is there a sleeping pill that works better than Ambien?
Lunesta may be more effective at helping people stay asleep through the night compared to immediate-release Ambien. Lunesta comes in 1mg, 2mg, and 3mg doses and lasts longer due to its extended-release formulation. However, it is also a controlled prescription medication with potential for abuse. Talk to your doctor about whether Lunesta or Ambien CR makes sense for your sleep issues.
What over the counter sleep aid is closest to Ambien?
The strongest OTC sleep aids comparable to Ambien are diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom). Both are antihistamines that produce drowsiness as a side effect. Start with the lowest dose possible to avoid next-day drowsiness. Tolerance can also develop quickly with regular use. For long-term insomnia, see a doctor for safer prescription options.
Can I drink alcohol whilst taking Ambien?
No, you should not drink alcohol while taking Ambien (zolpidem). Drinking alcohol with Relaxium or Ambien can significantly increase the sedative effects of both substances and impair sleep. This combination can lead to increased drowsiness, dizziness, slowed or difficult breathing, impaired judgment, and an increased risk of accidents or falls.
Does Relaxium work?
Many people report that Relaxium helps them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. However, results can vary widely depending on the individual. The blend of herbs, amino acids, and melatonin may promote relaxation for some. But the effects may be mild compared to prescription sleep aids. Relaxium is unlikely to work for cases of severe insomnia.
Is Relaxium FDA approved?
No, Relaxium Sleep is not approved by the FDA. As a dietary supplement, it does not undergo the same regulatory approval process as over-the-counter and prescription medications. The claims and safety of Relaxium lack oversight by the FDA.
Is Relaxium habit forming?
Relaxium Sleep is considered non-habit forming when used as directed, according to the manufacturer. The ingredients like melatonin, magnesium, and lemon balm are not associated with addiction or dependency. However, individuals with substance abuse issues should exercise caution with any sleep aid. Consult a doctor before trying Relaxium.
Does Relaxium make you drowsy the next day?
Most people do not experience significant next-day drowsiness or grogginess when taking Relaxium as directed. However, some users report mild sedation the following day. Take Relaxium earlier in the evening and at the lowest effective dose to avoid residual effects. As with any new supplement, use caution until you know how Relaxium affects you.
Can Relaxium be taken long term?
The manufacturer states Relaxium can be taken nightly for extended periods of time without risk of dependency or side effects. However, some doctors prefer limited use of any sleep aid to avoid disrupting natural sleep cycles long-term. Try to take Relaxium only as needed rather than every night for optimal sleep health.
