Pharmacotherapy for insomnia.
Hypnotics are commonly use in the treatment of insomnia, and hypnotic use among older adults is more prevalent than with younger adults. Unfortunately, the use of hypnotics is not well studied in the ever-growing geriatric population and the magnitude of the medication benefit is usually not impressive. Insomnia in older adults is usually treated with benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines, and other agents, such as trazodone, valerian, and melatonin. Using appropriately selected agents and therapy initiated with a low dose and careful monitoring of the patient could minimize common unwanted side effects.
Tariq
Syed H
SH
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 So. Grand Boulevard M-238, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA. tariqsh@slu.edu
Pulisetty
Shailaja
S
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069582:Eszopiclone; D018755:GABA Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058787:GABA-A Receptor Antagonists; D006801:Humans; D007192:Indenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008550:Melatonin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014632:Valerian; D000077334:Zolpidem
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D018755:GABA Agonists; D058787:GABA-A Receptor Antagonists; D007192:Indenes; D010879:Piperazines; D011725:Pyridines; D000077334:Zolpidem; C495910:ramelteon; D008550:Melatonin; D000069582:Eszopiclone