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[Study of zopiclone with quantitative EEG analysis and topography]
H Yamadera1, M Kato, Y Tsukahara
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
Nihon Shinkei Seishin Yakurigaku Zasshi = Japanese Journal of Psychopharmacology
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Zopiclone, a hypnotic drug, increases slow-wave sleep and alters brainwave activity, including delta and beta power, unlike diazepam. This study investigated its effects on EEG and response times in healthy volunteers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Zopiclone is a cyclopyrrolone derivative with hypnotic properties.
- It is known to enhance slow-wave sleep stages, differentiating it from benzodiazepines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a single oral dose of zopiclone (7.5 mg) on electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum and response times.
- To compare the EEG profile of zopiclone with that of diazepam.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with 10 healthy male volunteers.
- Administration of single oral doses of zopiclone 7.5 mg or placebo.
- Vigilance-controlled EEG recordings and response time measurements at intervals post-administration, analyzed using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT).
Main Results:
- Zopiclone prolonged response time latency.
- Increased delta and beta absolute amplitude power in specific brain regions.
- Decreased alpha and theta power in other regions, with peak effects observed at 1 hour.
- EEG changes differed from previously reported diazepam effects, particularly in delta activity.
Conclusions:
- Zopiclone significantly alters EEG power spectrum and prolongs response latency.
- The observed EEG profile suggests distinct neurophysiological effects compared to diazepam.
- Zopiclone's impact on sleep stages and cognitive function warrants further investigation.