Management of Hypnotic Discontinuation in Chronic Insomnia.

The management of hypnotic discontinuation following regular and prolonged use may be a challenging task for patients and clinicians alike. Current evidence suggests that a stepped-care approach may be a cost-effective approach to assist patients in tapering hypnotics. This approach may involve simple information about the need to discontinue medication, implementation of a supervised and systematic tapering schedule, with or without professional guidance, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Research evidence shows that this approach appears promising; further research is however necessary to identify treatment and individual characteristics associated with better outcome.