Comparative anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of 3 benzodiazepines on baboons

The ECoG and behavioural effects of administering 3 benzodiazepines (diazepam, nitrazepam, lorazepam) were tested in baboons restrained in a chair, with arms fastened (a situation which is considered 'anxiogenic'). Considering our previous data with ECoG recording of focal rhythms from area somatic I, the 3 drugs were revealed as 'anxiolytic'. Differences were noticed with respect to their hypnotic effects: no sleep was elicited under diazepam; a considerable amount of slow sleep was observed with lorazepam; nitrazepam produced a succession of short waking/sleep cycles.