Melatonin for Sedative Withdrawal in Older Patients with Primary Insomnia: a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2014-06

Department

Program

Citation of Original Publication

Lähteenmäki, R., Puustinen, J., Vahlberg T., Lyles, A., Neuvonen, P.J., Partinen P., Räihä, I., Kivelä, S. (2014) Melatonin for Sedative Withdrawal in Older Patients with Primary Insomnia: a Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. doi: 10.1111/bcp.12294.

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Abstract

We 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.