Sedatives and hypnotics are central nervous system depressants primarily used to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. This chapter will focus on the definition and treatment options of sleep disorders. The use of these agents in clinical practice should not be taken lightly. A detailed history of the patient’s sleep issues and a comprehensive physical examination, including a neurological assessment, should always be done. Relevant diagnostic tests, such as TSH, CMP, and CBC, should then be ordered where appropriate. Nonpharmacologic options such as emphasizing good sleep hygiene or cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia should be recommended first. When medications are indicated for insomnia, benzodiazepines (BZD) and non-benzodiazepine receptor agonists (non-BRA) are the main FDA-approved treatment choices for insomnia. There are other off-label medications that are available and will be discussed as well. As with any medication, prescribers should be aware of side effects. This includes rebound insomnia, falls, and increased risk of memory loss for this class of medications. There are also concerns for chronic use, dependency, and abuse potential that need to be assessed on a regular basis. Therefore, medication treatment should be focused on the patient’s symptom pattern, treatment goals, and possible addressing any comorbid conditions with which these medications are appropriate.

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Sedatives and Hypnotics

  • William Maurice Redden,
  • Ashley Marie Jones

摘要

Sedatives and hypnotics are central nervous system depressants primarily used to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. This chapter will focus on the definition and treatment options of sleep disorders. The use of these agents in clinical practice should not be taken lightly. A detailed history of the patient’s sleep issues and a comprehensive physical examination, including a neurological assessment, should always be done. Relevant diagnostic tests, such as TSH, CMP, and CBC, should then be ordered where appropriate. Nonpharmacologic options such as emphasizing good sleep hygiene or cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia should be recommended first. When medications are indicated for insomnia, benzodiazepines (BZD) and non-benzodiazepine receptor agonists (non-BRA) are the main FDA-approved treatment choices for insomnia. There are other off-label medications that are available and will be discussed as well. As with any medication, prescribers should be aware of side effects. This includes rebound insomnia, falls, and increased risk of memory loss for this class of medications. There are also concerns for chronic use, dependency, and abuse potential that need to be assessed on a regular basis. Therefore, medication treatment should be focused on the patient’s symptom pattern, treatment goals, and possible addressing any comorbid conditions with which these medications are appropriate.