Neurológia pre prax 6/2024

Drug-induced excessive sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a serious issue, with one of the most tragic potential consequences being traffic and other accidents. This review article particularly deals with drug-induced EDS that cannot be explained by negative effects on nocturnal sleep quality and architecture or by inducing nocturnal insomnia and/or the occurrence of parasomnia. It is focused on EDS induced by drugs in themselves; however, the distinction between various pharmacogenetic causes of EDS is not always clear cut. The main emphasis is placed on anti-seizure medications, anxiolytics, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, antiparkinsonian drugs, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, opioids, and coanalgesics. The paper also briefly outlines how to manage drug-induced EDS.

Keywords: excessive daytime sleepiness, complete polysomnography, GABA receptors, histamine receptors, depression, schizophrenia