Brief measure helpful for insomnia complaints
EXPERT ANALYSIS AT THE NPA PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY UPDATE
The two most widely used sedating antidepressants for insomnia problems include doxepin and trazodone. “They can be particularly helpful in patients with co-occurring depression,” he said. Doxepin in low doses is approved for sleep maintenance insomnia.
Ramelteon is the first melatonin receptor agonist approved for the treatment of insomnia. Contraindications include a history of angioedema with concurrent use of fluvoxamine.
“In general, I recommend to my colleagues not to use sedative antipsychotics like quetiapine or olanzapine, particularly in the context of elderly with dementing disorders and sleep-wake disturbances,” he said.
Dr. Reynolds reported having no relevant financial conflicts.
