Alleviating sleep-related discontinuance symptoms associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal: A new approach

There is limited information on the time course of recovery of sleep architecture in patients withdrawn from benzodiazepines (BDZ). This study examined the effects of substituting a new class of hypnotic drugs, namely the cyclopyrrolones, for current BDZs in patients presenting with BDZ dependence....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of psychosomatic research 1993, Vol.37 (Suppt.1), p.55-57
Main Authors: Shapiro, Colin M., MacFarlane, James G., MacLean, Alistair W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Alleviation
Azabicyclo Compounds
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines - adverse effects
Female
Humans
Hypnotics and Sedatives - administration & dosage
Male
Middle Aged
Piperazines - administration & dosage
Sleep disorders
Sleep Wake Disorders - chemically induced
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - prevention & control
Withdrawal
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Summary:There is limited information on the time course of recovery of sleep architecture in patients withdrawn from benzodiazepines (BDZ). This study examined the effects of substituting a new class of hypnotic drugs, namely the cyclopyrrolones, for current BDZs in patients presenting with BDZ dependence. The results indicated a clear improvement in a variety of sleep parameters after commencing with a cyclopyrrolone (zopiclone). These changes remained to some extent after zopiclone was discontinued. Also, the absence of certain withdrawal effects (i.e. rebound insomnia) upon discontinuation of zopiclone allows for patients to be carried through a potentially difficult period after stopping BDZs, while expediting the eventual discontinuation of all hypnotic medication.
ISSN:0022-3999
1879-1360
DOI:10.1016/0022-3999(93)90027-D