Is it advisable to administer Eptoin at night?

Q: Is it correct to administer Eptoin and Alprazolam at night to a patient of insomnia? If not, why and what are the other sleeping drugs that can be given?

A:Eptoin contains phenytoin sodium. Strangely in some patients it causes drowsiness/sleepiness while in others it can cause insomnia. If the patient is already suffering from insomnia, then the drug can be administered in the morning. Alprazolam is an anti-anxiety medicine, not sleep inducer. In case of stubborn insomnia, it is better to administer Nitrazepam (sold as Nitravet) 5-10 mg at bedtime.