GWHAT THIS STUDY ADDS
• Patients aged 55 years and older with primary insomnia
and long term temazepam, zopiclone or zolpidem use
may be tapered to discontinuation over 1 month.
AIM
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.
METHODS
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was conducted in a primary
health care outpatient clinic. Ninety-two men or women (≥55 years) with primary
insomnia and chronic BZD use received controlled release melatonin 2mg (CRM)
(n = 46) or placebo (n = 46) during the 1 month withdrawal from BZDs. Psychosocial
support was provided. Follow-up continued for up to 6 months. Successful BZD
withdrawal by the end of 1 month was confirmed by BZD plasma determinations,
while reduction in BZD use and abstinence continuing for 6 months were noted.