Sleep Med Psychophysiol.  2012 Jun;19(1):18-21.

Sedative Hypnotics Induced Parasomnias

• Lee YJ

Abstract

Parasomnias induced by hypnosedatives are rare but serious side effect. Such parasomnias have not been reported with all hypnosedatives. However, frequent use of hypnosedatives, particularly nonbenzodiazepine receptor agonists is associated with parasomnias. Associated symptoms are sleep eating, sleepwalking with object manipulation, sleep conversations, sleep driving, sleep sex and sleep shopping etc. Mechanisms include high affinity for GABAA receptor, interruption of the consolidation phase of memory formation by drug, pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic drug-drug interaction and concomitant administration with alcohol. Managements for parasomnias induced by hypnosedatives involve stopping medication, switch to other medications or nonpharmacological treatment, lowest effective dose of NBRAs (Non-Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonists), taking into consideration drug-drug interactions, identification and treatment of underlying disease states.

Keyword

Hypnosedatives; Parasomnia; Mechanism; Management

MeSH Terms

Eating
Hypnotics and Sedatives
Memory
Parasomnias
Somnambulism
Hypnotics and Sedatives