Brasília – The irregular use of zolpidem, a medication commonly prescribed for insomnia, has become a growing public health concern in Brazil, with increasing reports of dependence, abuse and withdrawal crises. The warning accompanies the release of a new national clinical guideline by the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (ABN), which proposes measures to curb misuse and guide safer prescribing practices.

The guideline was developed by a group of experts from major Brazilian universities and highlights an increase in cases after the pandemic, including patients using excessively high doses or obtaining the drug through falsified prescriptions and online platforms. Among the main recommendations is the “prescription with exit date”: from the first appointment, physicians must inform patients that treatment is temporary and establish a plan for dose reduction and discontinuation. The document also encourages prioritizing non-pharmacological approaches — such as sleep hygiene and cognitive-behavioral therapy — before considering hypnotic medications.

Source: Folha de S.Paulo