title: [Are z-hypnotics better and safer sleeping pills than benzodiazepines?].
abstract: Benzodiazepines and the benzodiazepine-like z-hypnotics (zopiclone, zolpidem, and zaleplon) have the same mode of action and many of the same effects. The use of z-hypnotics has had a steady and large increase since their introduction in Norway, and sales data suggest extensive use among the elderly. The relatively short half-lives of these drugs may cause less hangover effects, but z-hypnotics are hardly more effective or safer than benzodiazepines. The two classes of drugs should be prescribed with similar caution.
authors.affiliation: Avdeling for klinisk farmakologi, St. Olavs Hospital.
authors.forename: Trude C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Mellingsaeter
authors.forename: Jørgen G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Bramness
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Slørdal
mesh_terms: D000081:Acetamides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011725:Pyridines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D000077334:Zolpidem
chemical_list: D000081:Acetamides; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010879:Piperazines; D011725:Pyridines; D011743:Pyrimidines; C515050:zopiclone; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077334:Zolpidem; C085665:zaleplon