Is hypnotic withdrawal facilitated by the transitory use of a substitute drug?
Discontinuation of this type of medication is possible in over three quarters of cases, provided that the prescribing physician adheres to a precise withdrawal protocol. Patients on zopiclone were less likely to resume consumption of hypnotics during the week of full withdrawal and were more satisfied with sleep than when treated with a BZD hypnotic. Finally, the results of the study showed that abrupt substitution yielded better results for chronic users of hypnotics.
Subclinical carditis occurred only in the first-episode patients, which requires further evaluation for clinical significance. Because all deaths occurred in recurrent RF group (P = 0.02), secondary prophylaxis and management of sore throat need re-emphasis.