Sedative-hypnotics are the most commonly prescribed medications for patients with insomnia. Although they do not usually cure insomnia, they can help relieve symptoms, either as monotherapy or as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral therapy.
In the early 19th century, alcohol and opioids were used as sleep medications. Benzodiazepines were commonly used as sleep medications until the 1980s, when limitations such as tolerance, dependence, and daytime side effects, were recognized. Then, in the 1990s, antidepressants were widely used to treat patients with primary insomnia, and they continue to be used, despite a lack of evidence of their efficacy in primary insomnia.
Learn more about the treatment of insomnia.
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Cite this: Jasvinder P. Chawla. Fast Five Quiz: Insomnia Management - Medscape - Oct 13, 2020.
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