Bob Blum Neuro Psych AI Nov 2021Preview
Open in TheBrain

Melatonin

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        05:25 PM, November 06, 2006
      
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        NOTE:  USE of melatonin below as method for WITHDRAWING from chronic benzo use ... much 
        easier to withdraw when using melatonin.
      
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        Certainly, if more research better defines the proper use of melatonin in sleep 
        disturbances, the supplement might make a significant contribution considering that many 
        sleep-deprived individuals become dependent upon benzodiazepine and other sedating drugs 
        with potentially serious adverse effects in search of insomnia relief.
      
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        This point was made in a recent well-designed study that tested the effects of melatonin 
        (2 milligrams daily) in a controlled release formula against placebo. During the course of 
        the study, 34 long-term users of benzodiazepine were encouraged to reduce their 
        benzodiazepine dosage incrementally. The goal was complete discontinuance during weeks 
        five and six. The study proceeded double-blind through the six weeks of period one and 
        then single-blind through the six weeks of period two, during which all subjects received 
        melatonin and efforts to discontinue benzodiazepine resumed.
      
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        At the end of the study, 14 of 18 subjects who received melatonin in period one had 
        completely discontinued benzodiazepine use; only four of 16 in the placebo group achieved 
        this goal. An additional six subjects in the placebo group achieved complete 
        discontinuance of benzodiazepine in period two. Sleep quality scores were significantly 
        higher for the melatonin group than for the placebo group. A six-month post-study followup 
        showed that 19 of the 24 subjects who discontinued benzodiazepine therapy continued to 
        maintain good sleep quality. These subjects continued to use melatonin after the study 
        ended and they did not resume use of benzodiazepine.
      
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