Klin Farmakol Farm. 2019;33(1):38-42 | DOI: 10.36290/far.2019.006

Hypnotic drugs in treating insomnia

Martin Pretl

Neurologická ambulance a spánková poradna Inspamed, s. r. o., Institut spánkové medicíny, Praha

Insomnia is defined as a persistent difficulty with sleep initiation, duration, or quality despite adequate circumstances for good-quality sleep, thus affecting the quality of life, daily functioning, and even causing somatic symptoms. The International Classification of Sleep Disorders divides insomnia into chronic (for a minimum period of three months, for at least three times a week) and acute. Chronic insomnia affects at least 5–10% of the population. Nonpharmacological treatment – psychotherapy is recommended as first-line treatment for insomnia. The best effect is achieved with cognitive behavioural therapy. Only if this treatment is not effective or a patient is unsuitable, medication therapy is indicated. The latest American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) guidelines have reduced the list of recommended hypnotic drugs: suvorexant (orexin receptor antagonist), eszopiclone, zaleplon, zolpidem (benzodiazepine receptor agonists), triazolam, temazepam (benzodiazepines), ramelteon (melatonin agonist), and doxepin (antidepressant). The other agents (trazodone, tiagabine, melatonin, tryptophan, valerian, diphenhydramine) are not recommended by the AASM to be used in treating insomnia, possibly only in an off-label setting. According to a guideline issued by the European Sleep Research Society, benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine receptor agonists, and some antidepressants are suitable for treating short-term insomnia (≤ 4 weeks); however, these agents are not recommended for long-term treatment. Other hypnotic drugs (antihistamines, antipsychotics, melatonin) are not recommended for treating insomnia.

Keywords: insomnia, hypnotic drugs, insomnia treatment

Published: April 25, 2019  Show citation