Potentially addictive drugs often prescribed for sleep problems

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Nearly one in two visits to the doctor for help with insomnia results in prescription of potentially addictive medication.
Benzodiazepines are tranquillizing drugs which have a place in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia, in the short term. However, they're not recommended for long-term use, as they can create dependence.

Researchers at Ohio State University have been looking at the prescription of benzodiazepines for insomnia. They analyzed the outcome of doctor consultations for insomnia and found that nearly two thirds of visits resulted in a drug being prescribed. Three quarters of these prescriptions were for a benzodiazepine. Those over 65 were twice as likely to be prescribed a benzodiazepine than younger patients. Psychiatrists were four times as likely to prescribe newer non-benzodiazepine drugs than other doctors. The new sleeping drugs are safer, but they are more expensive. The researchers think that prescribing habits for insomnia need to change. The benzodiazepines should not be 'first line' treatment, but should be reserved for cases where all other treatments have failed. And it shouldn't be forgotten that there are also non-drug treatments for insomnia.

Source
Sleep June 2005

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