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A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled investigation of the residual psychomotor and cognitive effects of zolpidem‐MR in healthy elderly volunteers
Author(s) -
Hindmarch Ian,
Legangneux Eric,
Stanley Neil,
Emegbo Steve,
Dawson Jean
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
british journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.216
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1365-2125
pISSN - 0306-5251
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2006.02705.x
Subject(s) - zolpidem , flurazepam , placebo , psychomotor learning , hypnotic , medicine , anesthesia , temazepam , psychology , cognition , pharmacology , benzodiazepine , psychiatry , insomnia , receptor , alternative medicine , pathology
Aim To assess residual psychomotor and cognitive effects of a modified‐release formulation of zolpidem (zolpidem‐MR), developed to provide sustained hypnotic efficacy during the whole night, compared with placebo and flurazepam. Methods Twenty‐four healthy elderly volunteers received four study treatments (zolpidem‐MR 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg, placebo and flurazepam 30 mg) using a randomized, cross‐over, double‐blind design. Residual psychomotor and cognitive effects were assessed with a psychometric test battery. Quality of sleep and residual effects were evaluated subjectively with the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire. Results Psychometric performance was significantly impaired with flurazepam but not with zolpidem‐MR at either dose. Ease of falling asleep and sleep quality were significantly improved with both doses of zolpidem‐MR and with flurazepam. Neither active drug modified perception of well‐being on awakening. Conclusion In elderly subjects, zolpidem‐MR showed no residual functional impairment in psychometric or cognitive tests sensitive to flurazepam,