hypnotics and anxiolytics

Transcription

1 hypnotics and anxiolytics

2 Hypnotics and anxiolytics Most hypnotics and anxiolytics prescribed in Luxemburg are benzodiazepines and similar medications, such as Z-drugs (see table page 4). Legal status available only by prescription Administration routes oral (tablets, capsules, drops) also IM or IV injection under medical supervision Time of onset and duration varies by medication onset after 15 to 60 minutes effects persist for 1 hour to several days Effects sleep-inducing reduces anxiety reduces nervousness muscle relaxant antiepileptic Risk of addiction high, even at low dosages, even after a few weeks of use Associated risks fatigue, exhaustion and drowsiness reduced cognitive ability and reaction speed dizziness and difficulties walking risk of falls and accidents difficulties concentrating impaired memory emotional drowsiness/dullness decrease or loss of libido breathing difficulties paradoxical effects (desinhibition, agitation)

3 A drug that cannot become addictive Wrong! Taking hypnotics and anxiolytics can become addictive. It is therefore recommended that you cease taking these drugs after between four and twelve weeks. There is also the risk of an increased dosage to achieve the same effect. Hypnotics for a better night sleep The need for sleep diminishes naturally with age; artificially prolonging sleep is therefore frequently unnecessary. Hypnotics and anxiolytics have a sleep-inducing effect that is primarily apparent early on in the night. They do not however improve sleep quality. Road safety Taking hypnotics and anxiolytics increases the risk of road accidents. They can also result in increased fatigue, impaired attention, impaired balance and difficulties concentrating, even during the day. If so, we urge you not to drive or operate machinery.

4 Consult your doctor If you take hypnotics and anxiolytics for an extended period, speak with your doctor about it He/she can answer your questions and advise you as to alternative treatments. Withdrawing from hypnotics or anxiolytics that have been taken over an extended period can cause rebound effects for a few days, which resemble your original symptoms, such as anxiety or disrupted sleep. Sudden withdrawal can lead to withdrawal symptoms that are occasionally severe and associated with a serious health risk. Therefore you should never stop taking this type of medication without first consulting a medical doctor

5 Benzodiazepines and related substances sold in Luxembourg (September 2013) CePT 2013 Design: imedia ALPRAZOLAM BROMAZEPAM BROTIZOLAM CLOBAZAM CLONAZEPAM CLORAZEPATE CLOTIAZEPAM CLOXAZOLAM DIAZEPAM ALPRAZ ALPRAZOLAM EG ALPRAZOLAM MYLAN XANAX XANAX RETARD BROMAZEPAM EG LEXOTAN LENDORMIN FRISIUM RIVOTRIL TRANXENE UNI TRANXENE CLOZAN AKTON DIAZEPAM EG DIAZEPAM-RATIOPHARM VALIUM FLUNITRAZEPAM FLURAZEPAM LOFLAZEPATE LOPRAZOLAM LORAZEPAM LORMETAZEPAM FLUNITRAZEPAM EG STAURODORM NEU VICTAN DORMONOCT LAURACALM LORAZEPAM EG LORAZEPAM MYLAN LORIDEM SERENASE TEMESTA TEMESTA EXPIDET LORAMET LORANKA LORMETAZEPAM EG LORMETAZEPAM MYLAN NOCTACALM NOCTAMID STILAZE MIDAZOLAM NITRAZEPAM NORDAZEPAM OXAZEPAM PRAZEPAM TRIAZOLAM ZOLPIDEM ZOPICLONE DORMICUM MIDAZOLAM MOGADON CALMDAY NORDAZ OXAZEPAM EG LYSANXIA PRAZEPAM EG HALCION STILNOCT ZOLPEDUAR ZOLPIDEM EG IMOVANE ZOPICLONE EG This leaflet has been published by the CePT Centre de Prévention des Toxicomanies in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and funded by the FONDS DE LUTTE CONTRE CERTAINES FORMES DE CRIMINALITÉ