Smart drug choices

As part of SAIF's mission to make workers' compensation insurance affordable, we are partnering with Oregon State University's College of Pharmacy to conduct a targeted prescriber education program. OSU will analyze physician prescribing patterns and contact physicians who may benefit from education about drug effectiveness. Their recommendations are voluntary.

The first class of drugs reviewed is sedative hypnotics. Additional classes will be posted as they are reviewed.

Sedative hypnotics

• Zolpidem, Sonata and Lunesta have similar efficacy for sleep latency and total sleep time when used for <=4 weeks.¹
• Withdrawals due to adverse events were similar.¹
• Long-term use (>4 weeks) is discouraged because epidemiological data and recent FDA warnings suggest there are significant risks associated with long-term sedative use. ^{2, 3, 4}