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Updated: Nov 19, 2025
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Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia
Published on: February 17, 2023
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Pharmacological Management of Insomnia
Sarika Madari1, Raphael Golebiowski1, Meghna P Mansukhani2
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
Summary
Insomnia pharmacotherapy is common due to access issues with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). This review details hypnotic options, balancing risks and benefits for long-term insomnia management.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Sleep Medicine
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Insomnia is a prevalent disorder impacting quality of life and increasing healthcare costs.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the primary treatment but faces access and cost barriers.
- Pharmacotherapy is frequently used, with newer hypnotics offering improved safety and efficacy over older agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current hypnotic medication options for insomnia.
- To discuss mechanisms of action, dosing, and side effect profiles of available treatments.
- To provide guidance on long-term hypnotic management, including special populations.
Main Methods:
- Clinical review of available insomnia pharmacotherapy.
- Analysis of safety profiles and efficacy of older versus newer hypnotic agents.
- Discussion of individualized treatment decisions balancing medication risks with untreated insomnia.
Main Results:
- Newer hypnotics demonstrate a better safety profile and longer-term efficacy compared to older medications.
- Evidence on long-term hypnotic use and adverse outcomes remains equivocal.
- Individualized treatment is crucial, weighing medication risks against untreated insomnia consequences.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacotherapy is a common and often necessary treatment for insomnia, especially when CBT-I is inaccessible.
- Careful consideration of individual patient factors is essential for safe and effective long-term hypnotic use.
- Further research is needed to clarify long-term outcomes associated with hypnotic use.
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