Browsing by Author "Neuvonen, Pertti J"
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Item Handgrip Strength and Balance in Older Adults Following Withdrawal from Long-Term use of Temazepam, Zopiclone or Zolpidem as Hypnotics(2014) Nurminen, Janne; Puustinen, Juha; Lähteenmäki, Ritva; Vahlberg, Tero; Lyles, Alan; Partinen, Markku; Räihä, Ismo; Neuvonen, Pertti J; Kivelä, Sirkka-LiisaBenzodiazepines and related drugs affect physical functioning negatively and increase fall and fracture risk. As impaired muscle strength and balance are risk factors for falls, we examined the effects of hypnotic withdrawal on handgrip strength and balance in older adult outpatients during and after long-term use of temazepam, zopiclone and zolpidem (here collectively referred to as “benzodiazepines”). Methods: Eighty-nine chronic users (59 women, 30 men) of temazepam, zopiclone or zolpidem aged ≥55 years participated in a benzodiazepine withdrawal study. Individual physician-directed withdrawal was performed gradually over a one-month period and participants were followed up to six months.Item Melatonin for Sedative Withdrawal in Older Patients with Primary Insomnia: a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial(British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2014-06) Lähteenmäki, Ritva; Puustinen, Juha; Vahlberg, Tero; Lyles, Alan; Neuvonen, Pertti J; Partinen, Markku; Räihä, Ismo; Kivelä, Sirkka-LiisaWe compared the efficacy of melatonin and placebo as adjuvants in the withdrawal of patients from long term temazepam, zopiclone or zolpidem (here ‘BZD’) use. Gradual dose reduction of BZDs combined with CRM or placebo, and psychosocial support produced high short term and moderate long term BZD abstinence. CRM showed no withdrawal benefit compared with placebo.