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    Treatment of Insomnia by Zopiclone in Older Adults Hospitalized in a Geriatric Hospital: A Retrospective Study

    Updated:2 Mins Read
    Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics
    Online First
    Short Communication
    https://doi.org/10.1177/0976500X251314602
    Helena Lebreton1, Nadia Ladjouzi2, Hendriniaina Raveloson2, Diana Lopez-Leret3, and Joël Schlatter
    1Long-term Care Unit, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Paul Doumer, Labruyère, France
    2Acute Geriatric Medicine Unit, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Paul Doumer, Labruyère, France
    3Department of Pharmacy, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Paul Doumer, Labruyère, France
    Corresponding author(s):
    Joël Schlatter, Department of Pharmacy, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Paul Doumer, Labruyère 60140, France. E-mail: joel.schlatter@aphp.fr

    Abstract

    Background

    Insomnia is a significant public health problem that can affect up to 50% of older adults. Pharmacological treatments are commonly used such as benzodiazepines (BZD) and related Z-drug zopiclone.

    Purpose

    The objective of this study was to investigate the use of zopiclone under real-life clinical conditions.

    Materials and Methods

    A retrospective review of older patients was conducted in a French geriatric hospital. The eligible participants included patients aged 65 years and older who had received zopiclone as a hypnotic. The presence of indication, the dosage and duration of zopiclone, the reevaluation of the treatment, the reason for discontinuation, and the combination with BZD were assessed.

    Results

    The study included 30 subjects (mean age 84.6 ± 9.3 years), 90% of whom received zopiclone 3.5 mg and 10% zopiclone 7.5 mg. In 60% of cases, no indication of insomnia was found. At discharge, more patients received a combination of zopiclone and BZD. The drug reassessment was initiated in only nine patients.

    Conclusion

    The treatment of insomnia with zopiclone is usually prescribed for long-term periods in older adults with less need for reevaluation. More long-term data on side effects and therapeutic efficacy are needed in routine clinical practice.
    Keywords: Insomnia, Z-drug, zopiclone, older adults, clinical practice

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