title: [Hypnotics--state of the science].
abstract: This article provides an overview of the indications and effects of sleep-inducing drugs. Pharmacological treatment should only be considered in cases of insufficient response to non-pharmacological interventions. Benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine receptor agonists are indicated for the short-term treatment of acute insomnia. Due to the risk of tolerance and dependency, sedative antihistamines and antidepressants are widely used as long-term hypnotics. Other substances, including herbal compounds and melatonin have few side effects; however, the therapeutic efficacy is very limited. Currently, long-term data on the efficacy and tolerability of sleep-inducing substances are lacking. Specifically in cases of non-response to first line treatment, extended psychiatric and somatic evaluation and treatment of associated disorders are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Hauptstr. 5, 79104, Freiburg, Deutschland, christoph.nissen@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nissen
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Frase
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hajak
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Wetter
mesh_terms: D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D028321:Plant Preparations; D001569:Benzodiazepines