Which drug class is commonly prescribed for short-term insomnia but carries risks of dependence and rebound insomnia?

Which drug class is commonly prescribed for short-term insomnia but carries risks of dependence and rebound insomnia?

• A. Melatonin receptor agonists
• B. Benzodiazepines
• C. Dopamine agonists
• D. Antihistamines

Answer: (B)

Benzodiazepines are the classic option for quick, short-term insomnia relief because they strongly enhance GABA activity in the brain, producing rapid sleep onset and maintenance. That same potent effect, however, leads to dependence and withdrawal risks. With regular use, the body adapts, so sleep may seem to improve only with the drug; when you stop taking it, rebound insomnia can occur, sometimes along with anxiety or agitation. Because of these dangers, clinicians limit use to a brief period and often encourage tapering rather than abrupt discontinuation. Other choices don’t fit as well for this pattern: melatonin receptor agonists can aid sleep with far lower dependence risk, though they may be slower to act and aren’t as likely to cause rebound insomnia; dopamine agonists aren’t used for insomnia at all; and antihistamines can help briefly but aren’t typically associated with the same rebound-insomnia risk, though they have other drawbacks like daytime sleepiness and anticholinergic effects.

Benzodiazepines are the classic option for quick, short-term insomnia relief because they strongly enhance GABA activity in the brain, producing rapid sleep onset and maintenance. That same potent effect, however, leads to dependence and withdrawal risks. With regular use, the body adapts, so sleep may seem to improve only with the drug; when you stop taking it, rebound insomnia can occur, sometimes along with anxiety or agitation. Because of these dangers, clinicians limit use to a brief period and often encourage tapering rather than abrupt discontinuation.

Other choices don’t fit as well for this pattern: melatonin receptor agonists can aid sleep with far lower dependence risk, though they may be slower to act and aren’t as likely to cause rebound insomnia; dopamine agonists aren’t used for insomnia at all; and antihistamines can help briefly but aren’t typically associated with the same rebound-insomnia risk, though they have other drawbacks like daytime sleepiness and anticholinergic effects.