Dados do Trabalho

Título

THE INDISCRIMINATE USE OF ZOLPIDEM: THE URGENCY OF NEW ANVISA REGULATIONS TO ENSURE SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE USE

Introdução

The growing concern about the inappropriate use of zolpidem, a sleep-inducing drug essential in the treatment of insomnia, motivated Anvisa to implement stricter control measures. Recently approved, these measures determine that all products containing zolpidem can only be prescribed upon Prescription Notification B (blue) as of August 1, 2024. This decision aims to ensure that the treatment of insomnia is supervised by qualified professionals, in order to substantially reduce the risks of dependence and other adverse effects.

Objetivo

This study aims to analyze the indiscriminate use of zolpidem and to evaluate the need for implementation of new regulations by Anvisa, with the purpose of ensuring a safe and responsible use of the drug.

Métodos

An integrative review of studies available on the BVS and PUBMED platforms was carried out, covering the last few years. The PICO question used was: "How can the implementation of new regulations by ANVISA impact the safety and control of zolpidem use, considering the current indiscriminate use?". The descriptors applied were "Zolpidem", "Public Health" and "ANVISA". A total of 655 articles were found, identified and listed on the Rayyan platform, 480 of which were found in PUBMED and 175 in the BVS. Of these, 174 were excluded because they were duplicates. Then, 55 articles were selected for full reading, following inclusion criteria that included relevance to the central theme and exclusion criteria, such as paid, incomplete or unpublished articles in indexed journals.

Resultados

The implementation of the new regulations for zolpidem aims to mitigate the indiscriminate use of the drug. The analysis revealed a significant reduction in the prevalence of prescriptions in countries that adopted similar measures where regulation resulted in a considerable drop in zolpidem prescription. This study reinforces the need for stricter regulations in Brazil to ensure safe and responsible use of zolpidem, preventing risks associated with dependence and serious adverse effects.

Conclusões

The new regulations for zolpidem are a crucial measure to control inappropriate use of the drug. International experience demonstrates the effectiveness of stricter regulations in reducing indiscriminate use and the associated risks. The implementation of these measures in Brazil is essential to ensure a safe and responsible use of zolpidem, minimizing dependence and serious adverse effects, especially when combined with other sedatives.

Palavras -chave

1. Zolpidem; 2. Public Health; 3. ANVISA.