Risk of dependency | Stilnox

Risk of dependency

The risk of becoming dependent on Stilnox® is relatively high. This is especially true if the drug is taken for longer than four weeks. To avoid dependence, the therapy should therefore be as short as possible.

In addition, the daily dose of a maximum of one film-coated tablet (or half a film-coated tablet in special cases) must not be exceeded. In people who suffer from alcohol dependency, drug addiction or psychiatric disorders, the risk of dependence on Stilnox® appears to be increased. It is recommended that a close monitoring by the attending physician be carried out.

Elderly people should also be called in for regular check-ups. If the drug is taken for more than four weeks, tolerance can also develop, i.e. the drug loses its effectiveness. If the drug is discontinued abruptly, withdrawal symptoms (rebound phenomena) may occur.

These include nervousness, anxiety disorders, headaches, sweating, sleep disorders and concentration problems. These symptoms usually subside after two to three weeks at the latest. Nevertheless, it is recommended to gradually phase out the medication by slowly reducing the dose to avoid such effects.

Side effects

Under the therapy with Stilnox® various side effects can occur. These side effects usually occur particularly shortly after taking the medication, when the effect is already occurring but the patient is not yet in bed. Symptoms such as nightmares, restlessness, fatigue, dizziness, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and worsening of sleep disturbance have been frequently observed.

If the medication is still effective when the person gets up in the morning, increased daily tiredness may occur. In this phase memory disorders may also occur. During therapy with Stilnox®, depression may also occur or existing depression may worsen.

Occasionally side effects such as irritability, confusion and seeing double images are described. In addition, walking unsteadiness, allergic skin reactions or a decrease in sexual desire may occur.In rare cases, Stilnox® therapy can lead to disturbances in liver function with jaundice (icterus) or inflammation of the liver (hepatitis). Elderly people who leave bed again after taking the drug are particularly at risk of falling and injury during this phase. Cases of sleepwalking (somnambulism) associated with taking Stilnox® have also been reported, with patients doing things in their sleep that they do not remember the next day, such as walking around, driving, changing clothes, cooking or eating. In such cases, where unconsciously self-endangering or extraneous behavior is being practiced, the treating physician should be consulted and the treatment should be discontinued.