Outline:
Introduction (10 min)
Introduction to allopathic drug management strategies in treating Insomnia in Canada.
A brief understanding of the prevalence of insomnia in Canada, the history of and current treatment goals, physiologic targets and guiding principles for the clinical drug selection in the management and treatment of insomnia and its multiple presentations.
Comparing all DRUG categories used (including OTC and Prescription) and current DRUG based treatment categories involved in currently established drug management options for insomnia.
Prescription Medications for Insomnia
Off-Label / Sedatives (30 min)
- Benzodiazepines: temazepam and triazolam
- Antidepressants: trazodone and doxepin
Newer Sleep Drugs (45 min)
- Z-drugs (Sedative-Hypnotics): zolpidem, eszopiclone, and zaleplon
- Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists (DORAs): suvorexant and lemborexant
- Melatonin Receptor Stimulator: ramelteon and tasimelteon
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Sleep Aids (20 min)
- Antihistamines: diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine succinate (Unisom) are common OTC sedating antihistamines.
- Supplements: melatonin and valerian root are used to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and for calming, respectively.
Including a brief discussion on the current options available, who are the best candidates, what does research say regarding their use. Concluding with issues to consider in their use and interactions with other drugs / herbs / nutrients.
All drug discussion will include (with relevant supportive clinical studies) summary and discussion of different drug characteristics including mechanisms of action and clinical indications of use, contra-indications of use, side effects of drug use and herb/nutrient interactions.
Conclusion / Summary (15 min)
Presented by Dr Carol Laic ND MEd