A placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study comparing 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg flunitrazepam in out-patients

A placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study was carried out in 18 patients, aged under 65 years, with sleep disturbance to compare the hypnotic effects of 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg flunitrazepam and placebo. Patients received each treatment in random order for 7 days. Assessments by both doctor and patients were made on entry and at the end of each treatment period. The results showed that the 1 mg flunitrazepam dose was optimal with respect to speed of action, duration of action, quality of sleep and lack of residual clinical sequelae.