Are non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (zolpidem, etc) really safer than benzos (temazepam, etc) for seniors with insomnia

June 2013

Are non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (zolpidem, etc) really safer than benzos (temazepam, etc) for seniors with insomnia?

Non-benzos aren't as safe as you might think. ER visits due to zolpidem are up 220%...and it's mostly with older patients.

Both non-benzos and benzos work at GABA-A receptors...but non-benzos are more selective for hypnotic effects.

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Table of Contents

Practice More pharmacists will ramp up medication therapy management (MTM) services
Smoking Cessation New labels for OTC nicotine replacement therapy will no longer tell patients they have to stop smoking first
Infectious Diseases more focus on treating Clostridium difficile
Pregnancy Diclegis (dye-CLEE-gis), a "new" Rx drug for morning sickness
Supplements the safety and benefits of L-carnitine
Supplements if enzyme supplements help gas and bloating
Women's Health Osphena (os-FEE-nah, ospemifene) for women with pain during intercourse due to menopause
Insomnia Are non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (zolpidem, etc) really safer than benzos (temazepam, etc) for seniors with insomnia
Gastroenterology more opportunities to help manage gastroparesis
Diabetes more emphasis on preventing and treating hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes
Dermatology two new topical OTC anti-itch products, Allegra Cooling Relief and Allegra Intensive Relief