Editor: Akhmetov Aigerim
Translator: Tursunova Balkadisha
Author: Bolysbek Dana
Sleep Disorders are common in people with dementia, and their consequences for patients and their families are very significant. To date, there are no effective, evidence-based methods for treating dementia, but people with this disease are often prescribed Z-drugs (zopiclone, zaleplon and zolpidem).
A new study found that higher doses of these drugs are associated with an increased risk of side effects. A thorough study of this issue has shown that these side effects are similar or stronger than those of benzodiazepines in higher doses, which are also used to treat sleep disorders and are known to have a number of undesirable effects.
A team of researchers, from the University of East Anglia, studied side effects in 3,532 patients who were prescribed Z-drugs. These patients were compared with people with sleep disorders who were not prescribed sedatives, and patients who were prescribed benzodiazepines. The researchers also looked at whether z-drug dosage affected adverse outcomes.
High doses of Z-drugs and benzodiazepines were defined as prescriptions equivalent to more than 7.5 mg of zopiclone or more than 5 mg of diazepam per day."We found that patients who received higher doses were more at risk of falls and fractures, especially hip fractures and stroke, compared to patients who did not take any medication for sleep disorders," Professor Fox said. However, individuals who took lower doses (<3.75 mg of zopiclone or its equivalent) were not found to have an increased risk of adverse outcomes.
Professor Fox said: "This study shows us that higher doses of Z-drugs should be avoided, if possible, for people living with dementia, and non-pharmacological alternatives should preferably be considered. This experience highlights the importance of research to develop non-drug approaches to help people with dementia fall asleep.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-11-danger-z-drugs-dementia-patients.html
