As the High Authority for Health (HAS) has just recalled, the French are among the greatest sleeping pill users in Europe. However, if these drugs are perfectly indicated to treat short-term sleep problems, they can be responsible for many disorders when used over the long term. Memory and behavioral disorders, altered state of consciousness and psychomotor functions, risk of addiction are some of the disorders referenced by the National Medicines Safety Agency. Not to mention the link, shown in an Inserm study between the consumption of psychotropic drugs and Alzheimer’s disease.
Unfortunately, despite the many alerts issued on the subject, the French remain addicted to hypnotics to find the restorative sleep they lack. Also, in view of their overconsumption and significant misuse, the Transparency Commission of the High Authority for Health has just revised downwards the actual benefit of hypnotic benzodiazepines in the management of severe sleep disorders.
These are: estazolam (Nuctalon), loprazolam (Havlane), lormetazepam (Noctamide), nitrazepam (Mogadon), temazepam (Normison), zolpidem (Stilnox), zopiclone (Imovane) and their generics.
This decision should lead to a reduction in the rate of reimbursement by Social Security, which will drop from 65% to 15%. In addition, the Committee recommends a prescription at the lowest dose and for the shortest possible period, as a second intention and only in the event of failure of cognitive-behavioral therapies.
