Issues in the use of benzodiazepine therapy.

Abstract

In selecting a hypnotic for the symptomatic management of insomnia, clinicians should look for those that most favorably balance sleep induction and sleep maintenance with potential adverse side effects. While all benzodiazepines have demonstrated efficacy in nocturnal sedation, the side effects of different compounds--and different doses of the same compound--vary greatly. The most common adverse effects associated with benzodiazepines are residual sedation, anterograde amnesia, and rebound insomnia, which are also related to the insomnia complaint itself. Therefore, careful evaluation of the dose of a benzodiazepine hypnotic is the key to effective treatment of insomnia without inducement of adverse effects. The most common side effects of hypnotics and their relation to drug dose are reviewed.

• Authors: T Roth, T A Roehrs
• Journal: The Journal of clinical psychiatry (J Clin Psychiatry) Vol. 53 Suppl Pg. 14-8 (Jun 1992) ISSN: 0160-6689 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1613014 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Benzodiazepines

Topics

• Amnesia (chemically induced)
• Benzodiazepines (administration & dosage, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Drug Tolerance
• Half-Life
• Sleep (drug effects)
• Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders (chemically induced, drug therapy)