Anvisa has changed the method of prescribing Zolpidem; understand

To prevent the indiscriminate use of Zolpidem, the National Health Surveillance Agency has changed the prescription method

Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) has approved changes to the prescription method for Zolpidem, a medicine traditionally used to combat insomnia, but which has become popular in recent years.

Starting from August all Zolpidem-based drugs will require prescription B (blue colour). This requires that the professional be previously registered with the health surveillance.

The drug is used to treat insomnia and has already been a great ally in improving the quality of sleep in patients suffering from bruxism. However, patients have started using it on their own, which is quite dangerous, says Dr. Andréa Melo, dentist.

How does Zolpidem work in the body?

The brain has receptors for GABA, which has a specific subunit, called Alpha 1, associated with the hypnotic effect, where zolpidem binds. These receptors are widespread in the brain. With only 30% binding to these receptors, the hypnotic effect already occurs.

If this connection exceeds 30%, the amnestic effect (memory loss) occurs, whereby people perform actions and do not remember them the next day, causing hallucinations and sleepwalking, which is extremely dangerous. Therefore the medicine must be used only upon medical prescription. To avoid addiction, its use should never exceed four weeks.

Zolpidem in the treatment of bruxism

According to dentist with a doctorate in dentistry, Dr. Andrea Melo, the drug has already been widely used to treat bruxism, but for short periods. Unfortunately, due to easy access, use has become indiscriminate. Today there are supplements to make sleep deeper and with less damage to the body.

“It was previously believed that bruxism was a problem related to occlusion (tooth contact), but today we know that bruxism is a problem related to poor sleep quality. Therefore, we must use techniques to help this patient sleep better,” explains .

According to the practitioner, Zolpidem was used for a long time to help in this process, but as time went by it began to be used less because over time it could cause addiction. The problem has worsened with non-prescription use, which has become quite common.

“Today there are supplements to deepen sleep in a more effective and less harmful way for the body, in addition to the sleep routine that I use daily in my clinic and which has changed the quality of life of countless patients”, explains Dr. Andrea Melo .

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.