Double-blind comparison of zopiclone and flunitrazepam in elderly insomniacs with special focus on residual effects

Summary

In a double-blind study of 102 patients with a mean age of 79 years, zopiclone was compared to flunitrazepam. The patients rated their sleep in a diary. There was no statistically significant difference between the relatively low dose of 5 mg zopiclone and 1 mg flunitrazepam for eleven out of the twelve variables measuring subjective sleep quality and quantity. There were no differences between the drugs as regards patients' feelings of being rested or alertness.

Key Words::

• Zopiclone
• flunitrazepam
• Insomnia
• Elderly
• sleep