Prevalence and clinical correlates of flunitrazepam‐related complex sleep behaviors

Aim Complex sleep behaviors ( CSB ) are often associated with the use of hypnotic drugs. This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of CSB among psychiatric patients who were given flunitrazepam. Methods From J une 2011 to M ay 2012, a total of 268 psychiatric outpatients who had received flunitrazepam for at least 3 months were enrolled. Data on occurrence of CSB , demographic characteristics, flunitrazepam dosage and duration of use, psychiatric diagnoses, physical illnesses, and alcohol use were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the clinical correlates of CSB . Results Sixty‐six participants (24.6%) reported experiencing CSB . Logistic regression analysis showed that a high dosage (>2 mg/day) of flunitrazepam (odds ratio [ OR ] = 1.941, 95% confidence interval [ CI ] = 1.090–3.455, P  = 0.024) and alcohol use ( OR  = 1.948, 95%CI = 1.023–3.709, P  = 0.042) were significantly associated with the occurrence of CSB . Sex, age, duration of flunitrazepam use, psychiatric diagnoses, and physical illnesses were not significantly associated with the occurrence of CSB . Conclusion CSB among flunitrazepam users should be monitored routinely, especially among those receiving a high dosage who also consume alcohol.