Since 1987 when zopiclone (somnosan, ximovan) was introduced into clinical practice, extensive evaluations have shown that some rebound changes can be detected in healthy individuals. In patients with insomnia more than 20 studies have assessed rebound. Rebound can be found in such patients, but is usuallymore frequent and present in greater intensity in comparison groups given triazolam.

Studies in the elderly have been carefully reviewed by Soldatos and his colleagues. Some deterioration in the soundness of sleep has been detected but the amount of rebound insomnia following zopiclone (somnosan, ximovan) discontinuation is relatively weak. Although one would certainly expect rebound in a hypnotic with a half-life of around 5 h, the frequency and severity of such rebound seems definitely less than those observed with comparative benzodiazepines such as triazolam and temazepam. Read the rest of this entry »

Pronunciation: feen-oh-BAR-bi-tall
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number: 50-06-6
Formal Names: Arco-Lase Plus, Donnatal, Gardenal, Luminal, Phenobarb, Phenobarbitone, Solfoton, Somnosan
Informal Names: Phennies, Phenos
Type: Depressant (barbiturate class).
Federal Schedule Listing: Schedule IV (DEA no. 2285)
USA Availability: Prescription
Pregnancy Category: D

Phenobarbital (Somnosan, Donnatal, Phenobarb, Luminal) Uses. This is one of the more familiar pharmaceuticals. For about a century it has been used as an anticonvulsant and was prescribed as a tranquilizer and as a migraine remedy, although all those functions are being superseded by more modern drugs. Phenobarbital is also given to treat cyclic vomiting in children and hyperbilirubinemia (a type of jaundice) in infants. The drug is used against epilepsy and against seizures with other causes, such as fever. The substance has cross-tolerance with alcohol and is given temporarily to help relieve withdrawal symptoms from opiates or alcohol. Despite acceptance of phenobarbital for that purpose, scientific proof is lacking for its usefulness in alcohol withdrawal. Read the rest of this entry »