The use of high dose lormetazepam in psychiatric in-patients

Summary

An open study was carried out in 19 severely disturbed psychiatric in-patients to assess the effectiveness of lormetazepam in improving particularly resistant insomnia. Patients were given single doses of lormetazepam up to 6 mg nightly, i.e. 3-times the maximum recommended daily dose, over a mean period of 30 days. Subjective response to treatment was assessed as ‘good’ in 18 and as fair' in the remaining patient. No adverse effects or drug interactions with a wide variety of psycho-active drugs given concomitantly were noted. Mild ‘hang-over’ effects only were reported in 5 patients.

Key Words::

• Lormetazepam
• benzodiazepine tranquillizers
• sleep disorders