ABSTRACT
Other hypnotics have their place – chloral
hydrate is sometimes used but like
benzodiazepines can induce severe delirium.
Newer hypnotics avoid some of the
dependency and tolerance disadvantages of
benzodiazepines but have yet to be fully
assessed in AD. Sedating antidepressants can
be useful, particularly if there is a suggestion
that sleeplessness is accompanying altered
mood. Trazodone, for example, is highly
sedating and can be effective in reducing
symptoms of depression and inducing sleep at
the same time. Some patients become highly
disturbed at night and other pharmacological
interventions are necessary as for similar
behavioural disturbance by day.
