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A clinical and psychometric evaluation of flurazepam

M R Salkind, T Silverstone

    British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
    |June 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Flurazepam effectively improves sleep quality and duration compared to placebo. However, the 30 mg dose causes significant hangover effects and impairs psychomotor performance, suggesting 15 mg is optimal for general practice.

    Area of Science:

    • Pharmacology
    • Sleep Medicine
    • General Practice

    Background:

    • Flurazepam is a benzodiazepine hypnotic used for insomnia.
    • Determining optimal dosage and residual effects is crucial for patient safety and efficacy.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To compare the efficacy and residual effects of flurazepam (15 mg and 30 mg) against placebo.
    • To identify the optimal flurazepam dose for general practice settings.

    Main Methods:

    • Double-blind, cross-over trial with 30 general practice patients.
    • One-week medication periods with daily self-ratings and psychomotor testing (reaction time, pursuit rotor, tapping speed).

    Main Results:

    • Both flurazepam doses significantly improved sleep onset, quality, and duration versus placebo.
    • The 30 mg dose led to marked 'hangover' effects and impaired psychomotor performance.
    • The 15 mg dose did not show significant residual effects or performance impairment.

    Conclusions:

    • Flurazepam is an effective hypnotic agent.
    • The 15 mg dose is recommended for general practice due to a better safety profile and fewer residual effects.

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