Brotizolam and chronic insomnia: a multi-centre study

A double-blind, crossover study was carried out on the acceptability of three doses of brotizolam (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg) in chronic insomniacs aged between 21 and 75 years (33 men: 42 women). Patients reported a shorter time to fall asleep and less nocturnal awakenings. Improvement in sleep was evident during the first week of the study when each patient received 0.25 mg. There were no dose-related side-effects, and on withdrawal from the medication there was no evidence of disturbed sleep which would have suggested a rebound effect.