Short-term treatment with quazepam of insomnia in geriatric patients

In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial in 60 insomniac patients (including 41 aged 65 or older), 15 mg of quazepam was compared with placebo as a hypnotic. Patients received treatment for five consecutive nights after an initial three-night baseline period. Data on efficacy and safety were collected via postsleep questionnaires, physical and neurological examinations, electrocardiograms, electroencephalograms, and routine laboratory tests. According to patient's reports, the quantity and quality of sleep were significantly better (P less than 0.01) in the quazepam-treated group than in the group receiving the placebo. The physician also rated quazepam the better treatment. Eleven patients, six receiving quazepam and five receiving the placebo, had adverse experiences, including ataxia, which was observed in two quazepam-treated and one place-bo-treated patient. The resuls confirm that quazepam in a dosage of 15 mg/night is safe and that it is more effective than placebo in treating insomnia in older patients.