Long-term treatment of insomnia with zolpidem: a multicentre general practitioner study of 107 patients

The effects of zolpidem, an imidazopyridine derivative, were studied in 107 patients suffering from insomnia, 60.9% of whom were over 60 years of age, in a 6-month, single-blind, flexible dose, general practitioner study. Comparison was made between baseline, last day of treatment and 10 days after the end of treatment to assess efficacy and rebound insomnia. An improvement in all efficacy parameters--time taken to fall asleep, total amount of nocturnal sleep and number of nocturnal awakenings--was reported by the investigator and the patients; the improvement was evident from the first evaluation day and was maintained throughout the trial. Improvement was also maintained during the washout period with a lack of rebound insomnia. There was no sign of withdrawal symptoms and tolerance to zolpidem did not develop over the 6-month treatment period. Adverse events were mild and infrequent, and tended to resolve with a dose reduction. It is concluded that 10 mg/day zolpidem is an appropriate starting dose and is effective and safe for the treatment of sleep disturbances of different origins.