An approach to long-term sedative-hypnotic use

n approach to long-term sedative-hypnotic use Review (3057) Total Article Views Authors: Shahid A, Chung SA, Phillipson R, Shapiro CM Published Date April 2012 Volume 2012:4 Pages 53 - 61 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S28362 Received: 18 November 2011 Accepted: 18 January 2012 Published: 02 April 2012 Azmeh Shahid, Sharon A Chung, Ron Phillipson, Colin M Shapiro Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada Abstract: Insomnia is a common, often chronic medical disorder with significant medical and socioeconomic repercussions. However, unlike other medical conditions, there is intense debate as to whether the long-term treatment of insomnia is clinically appropriate. The perceived deleterious side effect of sedative-hypnotic medications may result in patients remaining untreated or undertreated. This review proposes that a more subtle approach needs to be taken in the management of patients with chronic insomnia and that long-term use of the newer sedative-hypnotics may be a feasible and effective treatment option when used in conjunction with thorough medical assessment and regular patient follow-up. This review discusses these issues and discusses the pros and cons of long-term sedative-hypnotic use.