[Study of flunitrazepam in the insomnia of the aged (author's transl)]

The efficiency of flunitrazepam was evaluated on the three phases of sleep in 20 patients 65 years old and more hospitalized suffering from severe insomnia. The experiment lasted 6 days. The initial dosage of half a tablet was sufficient and was maintained in 13 patients. In 5 subjects, dosage had to be increased to one tablet. In one subject, it was reduced to a quarter of a tablet. In the three quarters of the patients, the onset of sleep was of better quality; their actual sleep was longer and also of higher quality. The waking up was much easier in 18 patients who felt relaxed and alert during the morning. The alertness tests confirmed the patients state. The efficiency was satisfactory and the tolerance was very good. Taking into account the individual sensitivity of the aged, initial dosages must be small and adjusted according to the therapeutic responses.