ipnotici

Ipnotici are a class of drugs that induce sleep, promote sedation, or reduce wakefulness. The term is used in many languages to refer to medicines prescribed to treat insomnia and to provide sedation for medical procedures. The name derives from hypnos, the Greek god of sleep.

Most ipnotici act by depressing the central nervous system, commonly through potentiation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling at GABA-A receptors. They are broadly categorized into several groups. Benzodiazepine hypnotics, such as temazepam and triazolam, were among the first widely used agents. Non-benzodiazepine “Z-drugs” like zolpidem, zaleplon, and eszopiclone target similar pathways but with different pharmacokinetics and side-effect profiles. Other ipnotici include melatonin receptor agonists (ramelteon) and orexin receptor antagonists (suvorexant); older barbiturates are rarely used today due to safety concerns. Over-the-counter options may include sedating antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, though they are not universally classified as hypnotics.

Clinical use and safety: ipnotici are typically prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia when sleep initiation or maintenance is impaired, with caution in the elderly due to fall and delirium risk. Adverse effects include daytime drowsiness, cognitive impairment, anterograde amnesia, and dependence with long-term use. Withdrawal, tolerance, and interactions with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants can be significant concerns.

Regulatory status: hypnotics are generally controlled substances in many countries and require a prescription. Prescribers emphasize using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and monitoring for adverse effects and dependence.