Drugs Used in Parasomnia

Abstract

Parasomnias, especially disorders of arousal during childhood, are often relatively benign and transitory and do not usually require a pharmacologic therapy. A relevant aspect in both nonrapid eye movement and rapid eye movement parasomnia treatment is to prevent sleep-related injuries by maintaining a safe environment. Physicians should always evaluate the possible presence of favoring and precipitating factors (sleep disorders and drugs). A pharmacologic treatment may be indicated in case of frequent, troublesome, or particularly dangerous events. The aim of this article is to review current available evidence on pharmacologic treatment of different forms of parasomnia.

Keywords: Antidepressant drugs; Benzodiazepines; Clonazepam; Disorders of arousal; Melatonin; REM behavior disorder; Sleep enuresis; Sleep-related eating disorder.