Chronicity of Z-hypnotic use in primary care: prescribing decision-making as a space for prevention
Authors:
N. Klímová
Authors‘ workplace:
Praktická lékařka pro dospělé, Praha
Published in:
Prakt. Lék. 2026; 106(2): 74-77
Category:
Of different specialties
Overview
Chronic use of Z-drugs in primary care represents an important clinical and preventive issue in primary care. Although these medications are recommended for short-term treatment of insomnia, long-term use persists in clinical practice and is associated with tolerance, physical and psychological dependence and increased risk of adverse effects. The article analyzes the factors leading to the chronic use of Z-hypnotics in primary care, which arise from the interplay of clinical factors on the patient‘s side, prescribing and cognitive mechanisms on the physician‘s side, and structural characteristics of the health care system. At the same time, it proposes a preventive prescribing framework based on consistent differential diagnosis, treatment of comorbidities, preference for non-pharmacological treatment of insomnia, time limitation of therapy, and systematic review of indications. The prescribing decision-making of the general practitioner thus represents a significant opportunity to prevent the chronicity of treatment.
Keywords:
Insomnia – Primary care – Z-hypnotics – chronicity of use – prescription decision– prevention of addiction
Sources
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Labels
General practitioner for children and adolescents General practitioner for adultsArticle was published in
General Practitioner
2026 Issue 2
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