Risk of dependence increases with ...

The risk of dependence increases in the presence of addiction to alcohol in the past or continuing into old age. Usually we are talking about the fears associated with prolonged or permanent taking the same dose of a single dose at bedtime. Clinical observations show that, in respect of these cases is not quite correct to use the concept of substance abuse. Guided by the principles of a course of treatment of limited duration, in some cases can be considered reasonably safe and prolonged use of drugs in order to improve the quality of life of late life. Hypnotics new generation in recent years the possibility of safe and effective treatment of sleep disorders in elderly patients and the elderly have increased significantly due to the development and introduction of third-generation hypnotics, which belong to the derivatives tsiklopirrolona (zopiclone, zolpidem). These drugs exhibit substantial advantages in both forms of soporific effect and an almost complete absence of adverse effects of therapy, as well as the peculiarities of the application. Due to the higher selectivity effects on benzodiazepine receptors drugs in this group are sleeping, most approaching physiological. Soporific effect is soon due to the rapid absorption of drugs in connection with what is recommended medication at bedtime already in bed. Short half-life hypnotics in this series makes them seem primarily for violations of falling asleep. On the other hand, these pharmacokinetic features prevent accumulation of the acting agent and its metabolites in the body of elderly patients had a positive impact on the tolerability and the absence of aftereffects of sleeping pills the next day. Only infrequently observed adverse effect is found in the complaints of the bitterness in the mouth, necessitating a dose reduction to 1 tablet (7.5 mg) to 1 / 2 tablets. A special study of the dynamics of cognitive function showed no signs of deterioration (on a scale MMSE) for a monthly course of treatment. Upon reaching the therapeutic effect is not observed significant problems with the termination of therapy. Currently, this group of drugs (zopiclone, zolpidem) are considered as drugs of first choice for treatment of sleep disorders of various origins in a geriatric patient population. Effect of tranquilizers on cognitive function in older people in geriatric practice raises another question, namely the impact of taking drugs, including with the soporific effect on cognitive function in aging patients. It is known that these drugs can reduce the concentration of attention, and according to some sources, and influence mnestic abilities, weakening them. The risk of developing cognitive decline more relevant long-term use of repeated throughout the day taking tranquilizers and, as experience shows, is unlikely to seriously justified when taking minimal doses of these drugs before bedtime.