Doxepin and Mirtazapine Use in Children and Adolescents With Symptoms of Insomnia - A Single-Center Retrospective Review
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Doxepin and mirtazapine show effectiveness in treating pediatric insomnia, improving sleep onset and maintenance. These medications offer valuable options for children who haven't responded to other treatments.
Area Of Science
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Child Psychiatry
Background
- Pediatric insomnia is a prevalent, underdiagnosed, and undertreated condition in children.
- Limited therapeutic options exist beyond melatonin and behavioral interventions for pediatric insomnia.
Purpose Of The Study
- To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of doxepin and mirtazapine for treating pediatric insomnia.
- To assess these medications in children who have not responded to prior treatments.
Main Methods
- Retrospective chart review of 318 pediatric patients under 18.
- Analysis of patients treated with doxepin (2-10 mg) and/or mirtazapine (1.875-15 mg) after failing behavioral interventions and melatonin.
- Sleep improvement assessed via a 4-point Likert scale at follow-up visits.
Main Results
- Doxepin showed a 91.26% improvement rate in 183 patients.
- Mirtazapine showed a 66.67% improvement rate in 24 patients.
- Dual doxepin-mirtazapine therapy yielded a 68.42% improvement rate in 19 patients. Adverse effects were generally mild, with aggression/irritability being most common.
Conclusions
- Both doxepin and mirtazapine are effective and well-tolerated treatments for pediatric insomnia.
- These medications significantly improve subjective sleep onset and maintenance in children.
- Doxepin and mirtazapine represent important therapeutic options for refractory pediatric insomnia.
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