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Machado FV, Louzada LL, Cross NE, Camargos EF, Dang-Vu TT, Nóbrega OT. More than a quarter century of the most prescribed sleeping pill: Systematic review of zolpidem use by older adults. Exp Gerontol 2020; 136:110962. [PMID: 32360985 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.110962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Zolpidem is widely used to treat insomnia of older adults despite that few randomized controlled studies were conducted in this group. We systematically reviewed the relevant literature on efficacy/effectiveness and safety of zolpidem use by elderly individuals in relevant databases completed with a manual search of key journals. Studies were required to include individuals aged ≥60 years under intervention with zolpidem compared to placebo or other hypnosedatives. Outcomes were either objectively- or subjectively-assessed improvements in specific sleep parameters and safety for clinical use. The 31 reports selected for review were mostly of low-quality. The evidence suggests that zolpidem is useful typically by reducing sleep latency and episodes of wake after sleep onset, and increasing total sleep time and sleep efficiency. Regarding safety and tolerability, analyses suggest a low risk of daytime sleepiness and of deleterious effects on memory or psychomotor performance, provided that recommended dosage and precautions are followed. Few retrospective studies associate zolpidem use with risk of falls, fractures, dementia, cancer, and stroke. Zolpidem appears effective at lower doses and for short-term treatment among the elderly. Rigorous, new clinical trials are warranted to further document the specific effects of zolpidem in older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávio V Machado
- Graduation Program in Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Luciana L Louzada
- Graduation Program in Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil; Geriatric Medical Centre, Brasilia University Hospital, SGAN 605 Av. L2 Norte, Brasilia, DF 70840-901, Brazil
| | - Nathan E Cross
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), 4545 chemin Queen-Mary, Montreal, Qc H3W 1W5, Canada; Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology and PERFORM Center, Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Qc H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Einstein F Camargos
- Graduation Program in Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil; Geriatric Medical Centre, Brasilia University Hospital, SGAN 605 Av. L2 Norte, Brasilia, DF 70840-901, Brazil
| | - Thien Thanh Dang-Vu
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), 4545 chemin Queen-Mary, Montreal, Qc H3W 1W5, Canada; Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology and PERFORM Center, Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Qc H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Otávio T Nóbrega
- Graduation Program in Medical Sciences, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), 4545 chemin Queen-Mary, Montreal, Qc H3W 1W5, Canada.
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Cellini N, Mednick SC. Stimulating the sleeping brain: Current approaches to modulating memory-related sleep physiology. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 316:125-136. [PMID: 30452977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most audacious proposals throughout the history of psychology was the potential ability to learn while we sleep. The idea penetrated culture via sci-fi movies and inspired the invention of devices that claimed to teach foreign languages, facts, and even quit smoking by simply listening to audiocassettes or other devices during sleep. However, the promises from this endeavor didn't stand up to experimental scrutiny, and the dream was shunned from the scientific community. Despite the historic evidence that the sleeping brain cannot learn new complex information (i.e., words, images, facts), a new wave of current interventions are demonstrating that sleep can be manipulated to strengthen recent memories. NEW METHOD Several recent approaches have been developed that play with the sleeping brain in order to modify ongoing memory processing. Here, we provide an overview of the available techniques to non-invasively modulate memory-related sleep physiology, including sensory, vestibular and electrical stimulation, as well as pharmacological approaches. RESULTS N/A. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS N/A. CONCLUSIONS Although the results are encouraging, suggesting that in general the sleeping brain may be optimized for better memory performance, the road to bring these techniques in free-living conditions is paved with unanswered questions and technical challenges that need to be carefully addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Cellini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Sara C Mednick
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States
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Scullin MK, Bliwise DL. Sleep, cognition, and normal aging: integrating a half century of multidisciplinary research. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2015; 10:97-137. [PMID: 25620997 PMCID: PMC4302758 DOI: 10.1177/1745691614556680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sleep is implicated in cognitive functioning in young adults. With increasing age, there are substantial changes to sleep quantity and quality, including changes to slow-wave sleep, spindle density, and sleep continuity/fragmentation. A provocative question for the field of cognitive aging is whether such changes in sleep physiology affect cognition (e.g., memory consolidation). We review nearly a half century of research across seven diverse correlational and experimental domains that historically have had little crosstalk. Broadly speaking, sleep and cognitive functions are often related in advancing age, though the prevalence of null effects in healthy older adults (including correlations in the unexpected, negative direction) indicates that age may be an effect modifier of these associations. We interpret the literature as suggesting that maintaining good sleep quality, at least in young adulthood and middle age, promotes better cognitive functioning and serves to protect against age-related cognitive declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Scullin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine
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Foda NH, Ali SM. Zolpidem tartrate. PROFILES OF DRUG SUBSTANCES, EXCIPIENTS, AND RELATED METHODOLOGY 2012; 37:413-38. [PMID: 22469325 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-397220-0.00011-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nagwa H Foda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
SummaryInsomnia is a prevalent sleep complaint amongst older people, affecting physical and mental health as well as many aspects of life quality and well-being. For the lack of explicit guidelines for the assessment and treatment of insomnia in older people, this summary of available information represents the best evidence to inform current practice. Clinicians need to be more aware of their patients’ sleep and conduct formal assessments as appropriate. Despite past practice trends, non-pharmacological treatments should be considered first for chronic insomnia as a means to reduce dependency, adverse effects, and polypharmacy. Behavioural treatment methods such as stimulus control and sleep restriction are especially beneficial for older insomniacs as they target maladaptive sleep habits. Pharmacological treatment should be employed only if insomnia persists, involving the careful patient-specific consideration of the lowest effective dose, best intermittence of dosing, shortest effective duration, best gradual discontinuation scheme, and most effective elimination half-life.
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Abstract
Disturbed sleep is common in the elderly, who, as a group, take a disproportionately large number of hypnotic medications. Benzodiazepine hypnotics, as well as the newer benzodiazepine receptor agonists, are the primary treatments for these late-life sleep disorders and are effective and safe when used within recommended prescribing guidelines. The elderly also receive other psychiatric medications to induce sleep, although these are off-label uses not well supported by research literature. There is also no literature support for the use of over-the-counter sleep preparations, although both melatonin and a melatonin receptor agonist appear to be moderately effective and safe. Prescribing guidelines for the elderly continue to emphasize short-term, low-dose use, with short-half-life medications. Hypnotic drugs should be used in conjunction with nonmedication treatments, including appropriate sleep hygiene practice, and treatment of other medical or psychiatric causes of disturbed sleep.
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Abstract
Sleep disorders, especially insomnia, are common in older adults. These disorders are frequently treated using non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Nonetheless, there is a relative lack of data regarding the use of these agents in the elderly, and whether any of these medications is superior to any other in the class when used in the elderly is also unclear. In this article, we review, by way of the published literature, the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, efficacy and safety of zolpidem, zaleplon, zopiclone, eszopiclone and ramelteon in the elderly. Special emphasis is placed on identifying relevant differences between these medications when used in older adults with insomnia. Based primarily on data from placebo-controlled trials, the non-benzodiazepines reviewed were found to be most effective at improving sleep latency and sleep quality, and least effective at enhancing total sleep time. The efficacy of ramelteon was limited to improving sleep latency, while all other agents, especially at higher doses, were found to produce improvement in both sleep latency and some improvement in total sleep time. All of the medications were found to be well tolerated in the elderly. From pharmacokinetic and drug-drug interaction perspectives, zaleplon and ramelteon offer the advantage of not being primarily metabolised via the cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme. In conclusion, based on relatively limited data, zopiclone, zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopiclone and ramelteon represent modestly effective and generally well tolerated treatments for insomnia in older adults. While some actual and potential differences exist among these medications, more comparative trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Dolder
- Wingate University School of Pharmacy, Wingate, North Carolina 28174, USA.
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Song YS, Ku JH. Zolpidem pharmacotherapy combined with alpha-blocker therapy for nocturia unresponsive to alpha-blocker monotherapy in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a preliminary study. Int Urol Nephrol 2007; 39:1147-52. [PMID: 17610040 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-007-9206-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2006] [Accepted: 03/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present study was to determine whether administration of zolpidem, a nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic agent, at night would improve the frequency of nocturia unresponsive to alpha-blocker monotherapy in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS The study inclusion criteria were: age >/=50 years, nocturia twice or more per night (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] question 7) after taking alpha-blockers for more than eight weeks, and incomplete frequency-flow chart (FVC). A total of 18 patients met the criteria and constituted the study cohort. Three patients were given 0.2 mg tamsulosin once daily and others were given 4 mg terazosin once daily. All patients were additionally administered 10 mg zolpidem once at night for the eight weeks. RESULTS There were no serious side-effects in any patient. Nocturia decreased from a baseline median (25-75th percentiles) of 3 (3-5) to 3 (3-4.5) episodes after taking alpha-blockers (p = 0.129) and to 2 (1-3) episodes after taking zolpidem and alpha-blockers (p = 0.001) on the IPSS. After treatment, the scores of uroflowmetry values did not significantly changed. However, at eight weeks, voiding symptoms (p = 0.041) and total IPSS scores (p = 0.028) significantly decreased compared with those at baseline. Median (25-75th percentiles) quality-of-life (QoL) index changed from 5 (4-5) at baseline to 3 (3-3) after eight weeks of treatment (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that zolpidem resulted in a subjective reduction in nocturia episodes when given to some men with LUTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Seob Song
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic insomnia is common among the elderly These elderly patients are often viewed as difficult to treat, yet they are among the groups with the greatest need of treatment. OBJECTIVE This article reviews the literature on the management of chronic insomnia in elderly persons. METHODS A search of MEDLINE was conducted for articles published in English between January 1966 and March 2006 using the terms insomnia, behavioral therapy, estsazolsam, fluvsazepsam, qusazepsam, teMsazepsam, tvisazolsam, eszopiclone, zaleplon, zolpidem, mirtazapine, nefazodone, trazodone, and ramelteon. Articles were selected if they were meta-analyses or evidence-based reviews of therapeutic modalities; randomized controlled trials of nonpharmacologic or pharmacologic treatment; or review articles covering the characteristics and management of insomnia. Preference was given to meta-analyses, evidence-based reviews, and articles that included relevant new information. RESULTS Available options for the treatment of insomnia include nonpharmacologic approaches, foremost among them cognitive behavioral therapy, and pharmacotherapies, including chloral hydrate, barbiturates, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antihistamines, OTC dietary supplements (including melatonin), sedating antidepressants, benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, and melatonin agonists. There is considerable evidence to support the effectiveness and durability of nonpharmacologic interventions for insomnia in adults of all ages, yet these interventions are underutilized. With some recent exceptions, the majority of identified studies of pharmacotherapy were of short duration (< or =6 weeks) and did not exclusively enroll older adults. Compared with the benzodiazepines, the nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics appeared to offer few, if any, significant clinical advantages in efficacy or tolerability in elderly persons. Newer agents with novel mechanisms of action and improved safety profiles, such as the melatonin agonists, hold promise for the management of chronic insomnia in elderly people. CONCLUSIONS Long-term use of sedative-hypnotics for insomnia lacks an evidence base and has traditionally been discouraged for reasons that include concerns about such potential adverse drug effects as cognitive impairment (anterograde amnesia), daytime sedation, motor incoordination, and increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and falls. In addition, the effectiveness and safety of long-term use of these agents remain to be determined. More research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of treatment and the most appropriate management strategy for elderly persons with chronic insomnia.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high prevalence and the high burden associated with chronic insomnia, it remains largely unrecognized and often inadequately treated by physicians. METHODS A review was undertaken of the literature on barriers to both acute and chronic treatment of insomnia, as well as recent trials of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic agents for insomnia. RESULTS Obstacles to appropriate treatment of the condition include outdated insomnia management guidelines, which have contributed to US Food and Drug Administration restrictions on longer-term prescription of hypnotic agents; lack of research demonstrating the benefit of treating insomnia; and fears of tolerance and withdrawal effects of long-term use of hypnotic agents, as well as an absence of longer-term, randomized, controlled, double-blind trials of existing agents used to treat insomnia. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence that improved sleep may improve outcome in some medical and psychiatric illnesses. Both behavioral and pharmacologic therapies have shown efficacy in chronic insomnia. In addition, a recent 6-month, randomized, controlled study has demonstrated that at least one agent may be safe and effective in longer-term use.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Winkelman
- Sleep Disorders Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Sleep Health Center, Newton, MA 02459, USA.
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Abstract
Effective management of insomnia begins with recognition and adequate assessment. Family doctors and other health care providers such as practice nurses and psychologists should routinely enquire about sleep habits as a component of overall health assessment. Identification and treatment of primary psychiatric disorders, medical conditions, circadian disorders, or specific physiological sleep disorders--eg, sleep apnoea and periodic limb movement disorder--are essential steps in management of insomnia. Conditioned aspects of insomnia can be primary (psychophysiological insomnia) or may complicate sleep disturbance owing to other causes. Approved hypnotic drugs have clearly been shown to improve subjective and objective sleep measures in various short-term situations. Despite widespread use of standard hypnotics and sedating antidepressants for chronic insomnia, their role for this indication still remains to be further defined by research evidence. Non-pharmacological treatments, particularly stimulus control and sleep restriction, are effective for conditioned aspects of insomnia and are associated with durable long-term improvement in sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Sateia
- Dartmouth Medical School, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Sleep Disorders Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
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McCall WV. Sleep in the Elderly: Burden, Diagnosis, and Treatment. PRIMARY CARE COMPANION TO THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHIATRY 2004; 6:9-20. [PMID: 15486596 PMCID: PMC427621 DOI: 10.4088/pcc.v06n0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2003] [Accepted: 01/27/2004] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Insomnia is commonly seen in elderly populations and is associated with numerous individual and socioeconomic consequences. Elderly patients are more likely to suffer from chronic insomnia characterized by difficulty maintaining sleep than difficulty initiating sleep. Management of insomnia in these patients requires very careful evaluation and exclusion of an underlying medical or psychiatric condition. Nonpharmacologic interventions in elderly patients, especially use of behavioral therapy, have demonstrated some success. Commonly prescribed medications have also been effective, though they have limitations. Newer agents currently under investigation for insomnia hold promise for good efficacy and safety in the elderly population. The following review presents clinical studies, survey results, and guidelines retrieved from peer-reviewed journals in the PubMed database using the search terms elderly, temazepam, trazodone, zolpidem, zaleplon, insomnia, and prevalence and the dates 1980 to 2003. In addition, newer research with emerging agents has been included for completeness.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Vaughn McCall
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C
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Terzano MG, Rossi M, Palomba V, Smerieri A, Parrino L. New drugs for insomnia: comparative tolerability of zopiclone, zolpidem and zaleplon. Drug Saf 2003; 26:261-82. [PMID: 12608888 DOI: 10.2165/00002018-200326040-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Insomnia affects 30-35% of people living in developed countries. The impact of insomnia on daytime functioning and its relationship with medical and psychiatric illnesses necessitate early treatment to prevent insomnia becoming persistent and to avoid the development of complications. However, pharmacological strategies must achieve a balance between sedative and adverse effects. In the last 30 years, benzodiazepines have been the preferred drugs for the treatment of insomnia. Benzodiazepines act nonselectively at two central receptor sites, named omega(1) and omega(2), which are located in different areas of the CNS. The sedative action of benzodiazepines is related to omega(1) receptors, whereas omega(2) receptors are responsible for their effects on memory and cognitive functioning. According to their pharmacokinetic profile, benzodiazepines can be classified into three groups: short half-life (<3 hours), medium half-life (8-24 hours) and long half-life (>24 hours). The newer non-benzodiazepine agents zopiclone, zolpidem and zaleplon have a hypnosedative action comparable with that of benzodiazepines, but they display specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. These three 'Z' agents all share a short plasma half-life and limited duration of action. In addition, these agents are selective compounds that interact preferentially with omega(1) receptors (sedative effect), whereas benzodiazepines also interact with omega(2) receptors (adverse effects on cognitive performance and memory). Zaleplon is characterised by an ultrashort half-life (approximately 1 hour). Zolpidem and zopiclone have longer half-lives (approximately 2.4 and 5 hours, respectively). These properties, together with the low risk of residual effect, may explain the limited negative influences of these agents on daytime performance. Psychomotor tasks and memory capacities appear to be better preserved by non-benzodiazepine agents than by benzodiazepines. When present, cognitive deficits almost exclusively coincide with the peak plasma concentration. In particular, impairment can emerge in the first hours after drug administration, whereas psychomotor and memory tests carried out 7-8 hours later (i.e. in the morning) generally show no relevant alterations. As with benzodiazepines, the three 'Z' non-benzodiazepine agents should be used for a limited period, even in chronic relapsing conditions. Further evaluation is needed of the safety of hypnosedative medications in the long-term management of insomnia.
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Abstract
Benzodiazepine hypnotics, the mainstay of pharmacological treatment for insomnia, have been associated with altered sleep architecture, psychomotor and memory impairment, rebound insomnia, withdrawal effects, tolerance, dependence, abuse potential and respiratory depression. Non-benzodiazepines, such as zolpidem, zopiclone and zaleplon, demonstrate hypnotic efficacy similar to that of benzodiazepines along with excellent safety profiles. Non-benzodiazepines generally cause less disruption of normal sleep architecture than benzodiazepines. Psychomotor and memory impairment may be less problematic with non-benzodiazepines, especially when compared to longer-acting benzodiazepines. Rebound insomnia and withdrawal symptoms occur infrequently upon discontinuation of non-benzodiazepines and may be less common and milder than those seen upon discontinuation of some benzodiazepines. For the long-term treatment of insomnia, which is generally not recommended, zolpidem and zopiclone are particularly good options because they do not develop tolerance rapidly and have a low abuse potential. Limited data indicate that zaleplon has low tolerance and abuse potential, although further experience is needed to determine its long-term efficacy and safety profile. Since non-benzodiazepines produce minimal respiratory depression, they may be safer than benzodiazepines in patients with respiratory disorders. The choice of which hypnotic to use should be based on the patient's primary sleep complaint, health history, adverse effects and cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Wagner
- Department of Clinical Practices and Therapeutics, Merck-Medco-Managed Care, L.L.C. Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA
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Kanno O, Sasaki T, Watanabe H, Takazawa S, Nakagome K, Nakajima T, Ichikawa I, Akaho R, Suzuki M. Comparison of the effects of zolpidem and triazolam on nocturnal sleep and sleep latency in the morning: a cross-over study in healthy young volunteers. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2000; 24:897-910. [PMID: 11041533 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-5846(00)00117-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
1. Zolpidem (ZPD, 10 mg) was directly compared with triazolam (TRZ, 0.25 mg), a benzodiazepine hypnotic of a short action comparable to ZPD. The compounds were given to healthy young subjects for three nights, in a crossover design. 2. Polysomnographic data of three 150-min sections of the nights as well as the whole nights were analyzed, to clearly detect the proper effects of the very short acting hypnotics, which might be missed in the analysis of whole night. 3. Time courses were significantly different between the two compounds in the ratios (%) of stage wake (SW), stage 2 (S2), slow wave sleep (SWS) and stage REM (SR). 4. Compared to the baseline, SWS was increased by ZPD on the first night, not by TRZ. The separate analysis of the three 150-min sections revealed an increase of SWS during the first 150-min of the ZPD night, suggesting a proper action of ZPD to augment SWS. An increase of S2 and a decrease of SR were caused by TRZ, not by ZPD. However, the separate analysis indicated that ZPD might reduce SR during the first 150-min, which was cancelled by a subsequent rebound increase in the whole night analysis. 5. During the withdrawal period, TRZ, not ZPD, increased SW and SR with worsening of mood in the morning. ZPD did not affect sleep latency in the morning, while TRZ caused a trend of the reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Kanno
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University Mizonokuchi Hospital, Takatsu, Kawasaki, Japan
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Abstract
Objective: To examine the hypnotic efficacy of zaleplon 10 mg, a selective benzodiazepine receptor agonist, over a period of 35 nights in primary insomniacs.Methods: A double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled design was employed. Subjects were 113 men and women, ages 18 to 65 years. Polysomnographic and subjective sleep data were collected during baseline, on two nights during each of five treatment weeks, and on the first two nights after discontinuation of active medication.Results: Sleep latency was significantly shortened with zaleplon 10 mg for all 5 weeks of treatment as assessed by polysomnography and by subjective sleep measures. Total sleep time, whether evaluated with polysomnography or with subjective estimates, was inconsistently affected. Sleep architecture was similar with zaleplon and placebo. There was no evidence of tolerance to the sleep promoting effects of zaleplon during the five weeks of administration, and there was no rebound insomnia upon discontinuation. Adverse events occurred with equal frequency in the zaleplon and placebo groups.Conclusions: Zaleplon 10 mg is effective in the treatment of sleep onset insomnia over a period of 35 nights, with minimal evidence of undesired effects.
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Abstract
Zolpidem belongs to a new class of hypnotic agents, chemically distinct from the pre-existing ones, and has a unique neuropharmacological profile. It induces sedative/hypnotic effects in rodents at doses much lower than those for anticonvulsant and myorelaxant activities. Clinically, zolpidem is indicated for the short term treatment of insomnia. It has a short half-life (2.4h), with no active metabolite, and does not accumulate during repeated administration. The pharmacokinetic profile associated with the absence of active metabolites is consistent with the short duration of action and absence of residual effects that have been observed. Polysomnographic experience indicates that zolpidem induces a sleep pattern which is similar to that of physiological sleep, and which produces either no or only minimal effects on sleep architecture after abrupt discontinuation. Aspects of the general safety of zolpidem have been studied in data obtained from healthy volunteers and patients, both adult and elderly, during its clinical development and in post-marketing experience. Zolpidem appears to be well-tolerated in adults and in the elderly, when administered in accordance with prescribing instructions. The available data indicate that, in these circumstances, the risk of abuse or dependence is minimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Darcourt
- Department of Psychiatry, CHU Pasteur, Nice, France.
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Wagner J, Wagner ML, Hening WA. Beyond benzodiazepines: alternative pharmacologic agents for the treatment of insomnia. Ann Pharmacother 1998; 32:680-91. [PMID: 9640488 DOI: 10.1345/aph.17111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the epidemiology, etiology, and classification of insomnia and provide an overview of the pharmacologic therapy of insomnia. Novel nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics including zolpidem, zopiclone, and zaleplon, as well as nonprescription products such as valerian and melatonin, are reviewed in detail. DATA SOURCES A MEDLINE search was performed to identify relevant clinical studies, case reports, abstracts, and review articles published between April 1992 and December 1997. Key search terms included insomnia, benzodiazepines, zolpidem, zopiclone, zaleplon, Cl 284,846, melatonin, and valerian. Additional references were obtained from the lists of review articles and textbooks. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data concerning the safety and efficacy of the hypnotic agents were extracted from all available clinical trials and abstracts. Background information regarding insomnia, benzodiazepines, and other hypnotics was extracted from the most current literature, including review articles and textbooks. CONCLUSIONS New developments in benzodiazepine receptor pharmacology have introduced novel nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics that provide comparable efficacy to benzodiazepines. Although they may possess theoretical advantages over benzodiazepines based on their unique pharmacologic profiles, they offer few, if any, significant advantages in terms of adverse effects. Over-the-counter agents such as valerian and melatonin may be useful in alleviating mild, short-term insomnia, but further clinical trials are required to fully evaluate their safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wagner
- College of Pharmacy, Rutgers State University of New Jersey, Piscataway 08854, USA
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Abstract
This article reviews issues involved in the diagnosis of insomnia and discusses treatment options, including pharmacologic treatment, which is indicated mainly in acute insomnia. Sleep hygiene is then discussed. Finally, the various behavioral treatments are reviewed, including light therapy, relaxation training, cognitive therapy, sleep curtailment, and stimulus control therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Hauri
- Mayo Sleep Disorders Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Ganzoni E, Santoni JP, Chevillard V, Sébille M, Mathy B. Zolpidem in insomnia: a 3-year post-marketing surveillance study in Switzerland. J Int Med Res 1995; 23:61-73. [PMID: 7774760 DOI: 10.1177/030006059502300108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A multicentre post-marketing surveillance study was conducted in Switzerland in routine practice and involved 1972 insomniac patients treated with zolpidem, an imidazopyridine hypnotic agent. The patients were representative of the general insomniac population (65% women; mean age 55 years; 29% over 65). Of the patients, 87% were treated with a zolpidem dosage of 10 mg/day and the median treatment duration was 30 days. All adverse events were collected through spontaneous reporting. A total of 175 patients (8.9%) reported 343 adverse events, and 102 (5.2%) of them discontinued treatment. CNS (central nervous system)-related adverse events accounted for 66% of the total, the most common events being residual daytime sedation and insufficient efficacy in 3.7% and 1.6%, respectively; confusion, disorientation, nervousness, nightmares, amnesia, impaired concentration and anxiety were observed in a lower proportion. Gastro-intestinal symptoms, headache and skin reactions were the most frequent non-CNS related effects. No serious adverse event was reported and no new risk factors or at-risk populations were identified. The safety profile of zolpidem is thus consistent with its known pharmacological properties, the results of previous clinical trials, and the cumulative international experience gained with this short-acting hypnotic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ganzoni
- Synthélabo Pharma, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Abstract
This review examines studies, reported since 1976, in which the residual effects of hypnotic drugs on psychomotor performance have been evaluated in older people. The 33 studies involved a total of 934 subjects (aged 60-96 y), evaluated 21 different products, utilized 26 test procedures, and reported 169 drug versus placebo (or drug versus drug) comparisons, of which 42 were associated with significant residual impairment. While performance decrements were more associated with longer half-life drugs, repeated dosing, and frailty, these characteristics were often unreliable in predicting outcome. Significant improvements in performance were rare, and usually consistent with practice effects. While this literature provides a useful basis for clinical caution, it is not characterized by experimental rigour, and provides little or no empirical basis for predicting those real-life skills most likely to be affected. Issues of subject selection, experimental design, testing strategies, and data analysis need to be addressed if the risks and benefits of hypnotic drug use in later life are to be more clearly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Morgan
- Department of Health Care of the Elderly, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham NG72UH
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