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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
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.