The presence of certain risk factors may increase the risk of hangover symptoms following the use of a benzodiazepine as a hypnotic agent.
Risk factors for hangover:
(1) selection of agent associated with hangover
(2) selection of an agent with a long half-life
(3) relatively high dose (often hangover symptoms are dose-related)
(4) mixed with alcohol or other sedative drugs
(5) too short of an interval between dose and rising
(6) elderly patient
Ways to reduce risk:
(1) Select a benzodiazepine with a low rate of hangover.
(1) Use the lowest effective dose, especially in the elderly.
(2) Use a short-to-intermediate acting agent.
(3) Do not mix with alcohol or other sedative drugs.
(4) Make sure that the person allows for at least 8 hours sleep after taking the agent.
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care