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Diazepam, promethazine and propiomazine as hypnotics in elderly inpatients
Neuropsychobiology
|January 1, 1984
Summary
In elderly inpatients, propiomazine and diazepam showed effectiveness as sleep aids. Propiomazine reduced nighttime awakenings, while diazepam shortened sleep onset, with no adverse effects on psychomotor skills.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Sleep disturbances are common in elderly populations.
- Sedative-hypnotic medications are frequently used, but their efficacy and safety in older adults require careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diazepam, promethazine, and propiomazine as sleep aids in elderly inpatients.
- To compare the effects of these agents in mentally normal elderly individuals versus those with psychogeriatric conditions.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted over 21 nights.
- Forty elderly inpatients were administered diazepam (5 mg), promethazine (25 mg), propiomazine (25 mg), or placebo in a random order.
- Outcomes included sleep latency, nocturnal awakenings, sleep duration, and effects on psychomotor skills and serum prolactin levels.
Main Results:
- All active drugs demonstrated efficacy in mentally normal elderly patients.
- In the psychogeriatric group, propiomazine significantly reduced nocturnal awakenings, and diazepam showed a trend towards shortening sleep latency.
- Sleep duration was prolonged by active drugs in both groups, with no loss of efficacy or rebound insomnia observed.
- Psychomotor skills and serum prolactin levels remained unaffected by the trial medications.
Conclusions:
- Diazepam, promethazine, and propiomazine can be effective sleep aids in elderly patients.
- Propiomazine and diazepam show specific benefits for certain sleep parameters in psychogeriatric patients.
- These medications appear safe for short-term use in the elderly, with no significant impact on psychomotor function or prolactin levels.
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