[Drugs for the treatment of sleep disturbances--neuroleptics and antidepressants].

Antidepressants and neuroleptics are an essential tool for the treatment of sleep disturbances associated with defined psychiatric disorders. They may also be used 2nd choice for the treatment of psychophysiological insomnia. There is some evidence of a "causal" therapeutic action of some antidepressants in sleep disorders. Here, antidepressants and neuroleptics ought to be given in severe and/or chronic cases and to patients which are particularly vulnerable to the addictive potential of benzodiazepines and their analogues. They may be given during routine wash-out periods for benzodiazepines or loss of action, and for the treatment of psychiatrically related syndromes. Because of the higher incidence of aversive, even serious side-effects, careful benefit-risk evaluations and intense control studies are warranted.