Zolpidem, prescription B or special control?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2024.v14.1138Keywords:
substance-related disorders, zolpidem, public health, abuse of prescription medicationsAbstract
Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic that acts on the α1 subunit of GABA-A receptors. Despite its effectiveness for treating initial and maintenance insomnia, it is a compound associated with the risk of abuse and dependence, with case reports in the scientific literature since the 90s - shortly after its approval and commercialization. Unfortunately, since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an alarming increase in hypnotic sales and indiscriminate use. According to SVS/MS Ordinance No. 344/98, zolpidem is part of List “B1” - subject to “B” Prescription Notification; but since the 2002 resolution, two copies for doses of up to 10 mg have been provided via special control prescription. According to the brief research carried out in this article, there seem to be grounds that support the suggestion of reevaluating the dispensing of zolpidem only via prescription “B” regardless of the dose, as an attempt to control access to the sleep inducer and the associated impacts. However, a vast literature survey is necessary in light of scientific rigor to ratify this proposed change in prescription.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Angela Bertoldo, Isabela Moreira Abujamra, Henrieli Correia Zanardi, Felipe Yoshio Tabushi, Victor Hugo Souza Hortense
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