NURS 309: MEDS TO TREAT INSOMNIA

Temazepam – Class & Action

A client is prescribed temazepam for sleep. What is its mechanism of action?

Temazepam – Therapeutic Use

What is temazepam used for?

Short-term treatment of insomnia. It helps decrease time to fall asleep and reduces nighttime awakenings.

Temazepam – Nursing Assessment

What should the nurse assess?

Level of consciousness, respiratory status, effectiveness of sleep, and signs of sedation, confusion, or adverse CNS effects. Monitor for dependence and misuse risk.

Temazepam – Administration

How is temazepam administered?

Oral administration at bedtime as needed for sleep (PO PRN HS).

Temazepam – Common Side Effects

What side effects may occur?

Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, lethargy, ataxia, blurred vision, muscle weakness, diaphoresis, decreased libido, and “hangover” effects.

Temazepam – Adverse Effects

Which serious adverse effects should be monitored for?

Respiratory depression, dependence, hypotension, anterograde amnesia, and complex sleep behaviors (e.g., sleep-driving with no memory).

Temazepam – Drug Interactions

What interactions are important?

Opioids and alcohol significantly increase CNS depression, respiratory depression, coma, and death risk.

Temazepam – Contraindications

Who should NOT take temazepam?

Clients with hypersensitivity, myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea, pregnancy, prior severe reaction to sedatives or alcohol, and severe respiratory depression.

Temazepam – Precautions

Who requires caution?

Older adults, clients with hepatic or renal impairment, depression, substance use disorder risk, and those at high fall risk.

Temazepam – Client Teaching

What should clients be taught?

Take only at bedtime. Avoid alcohol and opioids. Do not drive or perform tasks requiring alertness. Rise slowly to prevent falls. Use only short-term due to dependence risk. Report unusual sleep behaviors immediately.

It is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effect of GABA at GABA-A receptors in the CNS, slowing brain activity & producing sedation, relaxation, & sleep.

Zolpidem – Class & Action

A client is prescribed zolpidem for insomnia. What is its mechanism of action?

Zolpidem – Therapeutic Use

What is zolpidem used for?

Short-term treatment of insomnia to help with sleep initiation and maintenance.

Zolpidem – Nursing Assessment

What should the nurse assess?

Sleep patterns, mental status, respiratory rate, history of substance use disorder, sleep apnea, and concurrent opioid or CNS depressant use.

Zolpidem – Administration

How is zolpidem administered?

Oral administration at bedtime. Do not crush extended-release tablets. Sublingual forms should dissolve under the tongue without water. Avoid taking with or immediately after food. Use only for short-term therapy (≤7–10 days).

Zolpidem – Common Side Effects

What side effects may occur?

Drowsiness, dizziness, and sedation.

Zolpidem – Adverse Effects

Which serious adverse effects should be monitored for?

Respiratory depression, complex sleep behaviors (sleepwalking, sleep-driving, sleep-eating), hallucinations, and dependence (physical or psychological).

Zolpidem – Drug Interactions

What interactions are important?

CNS depressants (alcohol, opioids, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, valerian, chamomile, kava-kava) increase sedation and respiratory depression risk. Food delays absorption.

Zolpidem – Contraindications

Who should NOT take zolpidem?

Clients with a history of complex sleep behaviors (sleepwalking, sleep-driving) or severe hypersensitivity.

Zolpidem – Precautions

Who requires caution?

Older adults (high risk for delirium), clients with liver impairment, respiratory disease, sleep apnea, substance use disorder, depression, or suicidal ideation history.

Zolpidem – Client Teaching

What should clients be taught?

Take only when 7–8 hours of sleep are available. Do not use alcohol or other CNS depressants. Do not take more than prescribed. Stop and report if sleepwalking or sleep-driving occurs. Use only short term.

It is a nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic that binds to GABA receptors in the CNS, enhancing inhibitory effects of GABA & producing sedation & sleep.

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