Farmakoterapija nesanice

Hypnotic drugs do not cure insomnia but can provide useful short-term symptomatic treatment. Before starting medication, the primary cause of insomnia should be investigated and treated appropriately where possible. Hypnotic drugs should only be used short-term (2-4 weeks). One of the key concerns about the use of benzodiazepines is that many people develop tolerance to their effects, gain little therapeutic benefit from chronic consumption, become dependent on them (both physically and psychologically), and suffer a withdrawal syndrome when they stop taking them. Sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques and psychological methods are more appropriate than hypnotics as long-term treatment for patients with insomnia. Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (»Z-drugs«) bave similar pharmacological and adverse effects to benzodiazepines, offer few advantages and are more expensive. A melatonin preparation is available for primary insomnia. Its place in therapy is yet to be determined but it does not cause tolerance or dependence