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An 80-year-old, recently widowed man complains of problems with sleep initiation and maintenance during this period of bereavement and requests a medication to help him sleep. Which one of the following medications is the best treatment choice?

A. Flurazepam
B. Diazepam
C. Trazodone
D. Eszopiclone
E. Lorazepam

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

Trazodone is the best medication choice to help an 80-year-old, recently widowed man with sleep problems during bereavement.

Step-by-step explanation:

Trazodone is the best treatment choice for an 80-year-old, recently widowed man who is experiencing sleep problems during the period of bereavement. Trazodone is an antidepressant that is commonly used off-label as a sleep aid due to its sedating effect. It is generally well-tolerated in older adults and has a low risk of dependence or withdrawal symptoms. Other medications like flurazepam, diazepam, eszopiclone, and lorazepam are not recommended for long-term use in older adults due to their potential side effects and risk of dependency. Trazodone can help improve sleep initiation and maintenance in this patient without exacerbating any underlying sleep-related breathing problems.

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