MEDICATIONS - Medicine for Mountaineering and Other Wilderness Activities - page 517

The benzodiazepines are a group of drugs with almost identical pharmacologic prop-
erties, but diazepam (Valium®) and lorazepam (Ativan) are most commonly used to treat
anxiety, and temazepan (Restoril®), a short-acting agent, is most commonly used for pro-
moting sleep. Diazepam also is used to relieve muscle spasm, particularly in the back
muscles.
Precautions: Unusual drowsiness may persist the day following ingestion of any of
these drugs.
Like the moderate and strong analgesics, benzodiazepines depress brain function and
should not be given to individuals with head injuries or central nervous system disease.
Benzodiazepines potentiate the depressive effects of alcohol.
Zolpidem
Zolpidem (Ambien®) is an agent administered to help individuals fall asleep.
Precautions: Ambien® may cause a severe allergic reaction that may be manifested by
difficulty breathing or by swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
This drug should not be taken unless a full seven to eight hours for sleeping are avail-
able.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or
making telephone calls and later have no memory of the activity.
Some individuals still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication and must be
careful about driving a car, operating machinery, or any activity that requires them to be
awake and alert.
Alcohol should not be consumed while taking Zolpidem.
Other Sleep Medications
Diphenhydramine (Dramamine®, Benadryl®, and others) is an antihistamine but is ap-
proved by the FDA for use as a sleeping medication. It is frequently included in over-the-
counter sleeping preparations and is safe.
ANTIPSYCHOTIC AGENTS Haloperidol
Haloperidol (Haldol®) is an older antipsychotic drug that has been used to treat schizo-
phrenia. In wilderness situations it could be needed to allow evacuation of an individual in
an acute psychotic state, such as drug psychosis or delirium associated with hyperactivity
and aggressive behavior.
Oralandinjectable preparations areavailable; persuadinganirrational persontotakean
oral medication could be problematic.
Precautions: Haloperidolmustnotbegiventoindividualswhoareseverelyintoxicated
by alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.