Older approved drugs for insomnia including barbiturates,
barbiturate-type drugs and chloral hydrate are not recommended
for the treatment of insomnia. (Consensus)
The following guidelines apply to prescription of all medications
for management of chronic insomnia: (Consensus)
• Pharmacological treatment should be accompanied by
patient education regarding: (1) treatment goals and
expectations; (2) safety concerns; (3) potential side
effects and drug interactions; (4) other treatment modalities
(cognitive and behavioral treatments); (5) potential
for dosage escalation; (6) rebound insomnia.
• Patients should be followed on a regular basis, every
few weeks in the initial period of treatment when possible,
to assess for effectiveness, possible side effects,
and the need for ongoing medication.
• Efforts should be made to employ the lowest effective
maintenance dosage of medication and to taper medication
when conditions allow.
Medication tapering and discontinuation are facilitated
by CBT-I.
• Chronic hypnotic medication may be indicated for longterm
use in those with severe or refractory insomnia or
chronic comorbid illness. Whenever possible, patients
should receive an adequate trial of cognitive behavioral
treatment during long-term chemotherapy.
Long-term prescribing should be accompanied by
consistent follow-up, ongoing assessment of effectiveness,
monitoring for adverse effects, and
evaluation for new onset or exacerbation of existing
co morbid disorders
Long-term administration may be nightly, intermittent
(e.g., three nights per week), or as needed.