Consider Melatonin an Option for Sleep in Elderly Patients
July 2016
The shift AWAY from using sleep meds (zopiclone, benzos, etc) will have more patients asking about melatonin for insomnia.
Most sleep meds are on the Beers list of high-risk meds in the elderly. Recent insomnia guidelines also reinforce the dangers with Rx hypnotics...such as impaired driving, falls, and fractures.
But don't jump to melatonin for everyone with trouble sleeping.
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