Effects of chronic benzodiazepine administration on neuropsychological performance

Healthy university undergraduates were enrolled in a double-blind study to assess the neurobehavioral effects of seven consecutive nightly ingestions of therapeutic doses of flurazepam (30 mg) or triazolam (0.5 mg). Subjects received one of the two drugs or a placebo. There were no consistent differences between the groups on a baseline neuropsychological examination, which consisted of measures specifically selected because of previous reports of their sensitivity to hypnotic drugs. Analysis of covariance of the posttreatment neuropsychological data (controlling for initial level of performance) revealed no detrimental effects on performance although both drug groups reported more side effects. Possible explanations for and implications of these data are discussed.