Emerging pharmacotherapeutic agents for insomnia: a hypnotic panacea? EXPERT OPINION ON PHARMACOTHERAPY Navab, P., Guilleminault, C. 2006; 7 (13): 1731-1738

Abstract

The burden of insomnia has had a significant effect not only on the socioeconomic matrix, but also the medical terrain, as signified by the increased morbidity and mortality of its associated psychiatric and organic sequelae. To this end, a plethora of pharmacotherapeutic agents have been recently introduced that address the vital need to combat insomnia and prevent the perpetuation in its chronic form. The previously and currently dispensed barbiturates and benzodiazepines, respectively, have paved the way for newer agents that are purported to be just as effective, or even more so, with a favourable profile in all domains of sleep. In assessing both published clinical studies and unpublished reports conducted on these emerging agents, this article profiles the most contemporary, therapeutic options in lieu of older hypnotics, over-the-counter medications and supplements. Furthermore, this paper aims to indicate both the future course of hypnotics and the developments currently in progress.

View details for DOI 10.1517/14656566.7.13.1731

View details for Web of Science ID 000240151300004

View details for PubMedID 16925500