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Benzodiazepines and other hypnotic drugsBenzodiazepines and other hypnotic drugs

Browse our health professional information, resources and educational activities on benzodiazepines and other hypnotic drugs.

Title Description Content type Date*
Zolpidem and sleep-related behaviours NPS has published a position statement on the zolpidem safety change and to describe its place in insomnia therapy. Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item 2008-08-01 00:00:00
Melatonin prolonged-release tablets (Circadin) for primary insomnia in older people Prolonged-release melatonin may be used short-term to improve quality of sleep in people with primary insomnia aged ≥ 55 years. Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review 2010-05-14 00:00:00
Evaluation of prescription drugs in Australia A synopsis of the evaluation, dosage management and regulation of drugs in Australia, along with issues surrounding approaches to new drugs Professional publication - NPS News 2001-12-01 00:00:00
NPS News 4: Managing withdrawal from benzodiazepines and alternatives for night-time sedation Guidelines for withdrawing patients from benzodiazepines, including prescribing pointers, complementary therapies, and benzodiazepine dose equivalents. Professional publication - NPS News 1999-06-01 00:00:00
Clinical audit: Use of benzodiazepines, zolpidem and zopiclone in insomnia Clinical audit to assist GPs to to review their management of patients prescribed a benzodiazepine, zolpidem or zoplicone for insomnia. Professional activity - Clinical audit 2010-03-01 00:00:00
Clinical e-Audit: User resources Clinical e-Audits are a free and independent quality improvement activity that is quick and easy to complete. Web page 2010-09-30 00:00:00
Professional development and Practice Incentives Program Clinical e-Audits are a free and independent quality improvement activity that is quick and easy to complete. Web page 2010-09-30 00:00:00
Case study 62: Maximising sleep and minimising potential harms Margaret is a 54-year-old former receptionist who is visiting you for a repeat prescription of temazepam, she will finish her first pack in 10 days. She started temazepam 2 weeks ago after the sudden death of her aunt. Professional activity - Case study 2010-02-01 00:00:00
Hypnotic medicines (sedatives) use in primary care Outlines the role of sedatives (e.g. benzodiazepines, zolpidem or zolpiclone) in treating insomnia, often they are not needed. Professional publication - NPS News 2010-02-01 00:00:00
Sleep management options Discusses how to avoid benzodiazepines and related drugs, use of non-drug therapies for patients with sleep problems, and how to encourage withdrawal Professional publication - Prescribing Practice Review 2010-03-30 00:00:00
NPS Prescribing Practice Review 4: Reviewing long term use of benzodiazepines and managing the new patient with insomnia Information on reviewing the need to continue, reduce or cease an individuals long term use of benzodiazepines. A plan for managing insomnia is also provided. Professional publication - Prescribing Practice Review 1999-07-01 00:00:00
Drug use evaluation (DUE) of hypnotic medicines for the management of insomnia in aged care facilities Sample pages for planning a drug use evaluation (DUE) of hypnotic medicines for the management of insomnia in aged care facilities Professional activity - Drug Use Evaluation (DUE) for aged care facilities 2007-08-17 00:00:00
Benzodiazepines and non-drug treatments for insomnia Covers benzodiazepine prescribing and the treatment of insomia. Compares non-drug treatments and herbal alternatives Professional publication - NPS News 2002-10-01 00:00:00
Case study 23 report: Benzodiazepine use Elderly patient, with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, requests repeat prescription of nitrazepam which she has taken on most nights since her husband died three years ago. Professional activity - Case study report 2002-10-01 00:00:00
Case study 23: Benzodiazepine use Elderly patient, with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, requests repeat prescription of nitrazepam which she has taken on most nights since her husband died three years ago. Professional activity - Case study 2002-06-01 00:00:00


Date published: 2009-09-17 00:00:00

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