Sleep Management
Melatonin for circadian rhythm sleep disorders and armodafinil for narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorder are the two sleep-specific medicines in this small range, alongside Phenergan.
Key points
- Insomnia involves persistent difficulty sleeping that affects daytime life.
- Narcolepsy can involve excessive daytime sleepiness and may be managed with wakefulness medicines such as armodafinil.
- Phenergan is listed here as an antihistamine for allergic states, motion sickness and nausea, not for insomnia.
Sleep, wakefulness and other listed medicines
Melatonin, sold as Meloset, is listed for circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Armodafinil, sold as Artvigil, is listed for narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnoea and shift work sleep disorder, the wakefulness side of this range. Promethazine, sold as Phenergan, is an antihistamine listed for allergic states, motion sickness, and nausea and vomiting, rather than for sleep itself.
Further reading
Which sleep and wakefulness medicines can I buy on Direct Meds?
Direct Meds lists 3 sleep and wakefulness medicines. Together they contain 3 different active ingredients: promethazine, melatonin and armodafinil. Examples include Phenergan and Meloset; all 3 medicines are listed on this page.
What are sleep and wakefulness medicines used for?
Between them, the sleep and wakefulness medicines on Direct Meds are used for circadian rhythm sleep disorders, narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnoea and shift work sleep disorder.
What form do sleep and wakefulness medicines come in?
They come as tablets. The strengths are listed on each product page.
How do I compare sleep and wakefulness medicines?
Start with the active ingredient: there are 3 different ones in this range. Products with the same active ingredient contain the same medicine. Compare their strength, form and price per tablet. Each product page's details table lists uses, how quickly it works, side effects and interactions. If you take other medicines, are pregnant or have a long-term condition, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
Are the sleep and wakefulness medicines on Direct Meds generics?
Mostly, yes. Names such as Phenergan identify the medicine: you receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength. Others, such as Meloset and Artvigil, are listed under their own names; for these you receive a branded generic or generic with the same active ingredient, depending on stock.
What you will receive →What do sleep and wakefulness medicines cost in rand?
Compare each medicine, strength and pack on its product page. Prices are shown in rand, converted from US dollars, so the final rand total can change with the exchange rate. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Are sleep and wakefulness medicines available over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order sleep and wakefulness medicines. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I order sleep and wakefulness medicines online in South Africa?
Yes. Choose a product, strength and pack, then check out. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
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