Conventional medications used to treat Circadian Rhythm Disorder may deplete nutrients or interfere with nutrient absorption, as well as potentially cause other adverse side effects. Following is a list of conventional medications that may be used for CRD:

• Diphenhydramine – Brand name: Benadryl^®. An antihistamine used to treat allergies that has become a popular over-the-counter sleep aid due to its sedative effects. Side effects include next-day drowsiness, dizziness, drug interactions, blurred vision and dry mouth. It is not known to deplete any nutrients.⁵
• Dimenhydrinate – Brand name: Dramamine^®. A combination of Diphenydramine and Chlorotheophylline used for treating motion sickness that has become a popular over-the-counter sleep aid. It is not known to deplete any nutrients.⁵
• Benzodiazepines – Brand names: Klonopin^®, Atavan^®, Halcion^®, Xanax^®. A class of prescription hypnotics commonly used to treat insomnia. Side effects include drowsiness, memory loss and moodiness. Benzodiazepines can be addictive with long-term use. This class of drugs is not known to deplete any nutrients.⁶
• Non-benzodiazepines – Brand name: Ambien^®. A class of prescription medication commonly used to treat insomnia. Side effects include agitation, dizziness, headaches, nausea and nightmares. Non-benzodiazepines pose less of a risk of addiction than benzodiazepines. This class of drugs is not known to deplete any nutrients.⁷
• Antidepressants – Brand names: Elavil^®, Prozac^®, Wellbutrin^®. A class of prescription medication used to treat depression, including that associated with Circadian Rhythm Disorder. Several categories of antidepressants are available in addition to the ones listed, classified according to their action in the body or their chemical structures. Antidepressants are not known to deplete any nutrients.⁸

Warning: Do not use more than one sleep aid without medical supervision, or drink alcohol with any medication prescribed for sleep. Dangerous over-sedation may occur.

1. Circadian Rhythm Disorder Overview
2. Common symptoms of circadian rhythm disorder
3. Common causes of circadian rhythm disorder
4. Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for circadian rhythm disorder
5. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of circadian rhythm disorder
6. Cited Sources and Additional Reading for circadian rhythm disorder