Comparison of zopiclone and flurazepam treatments in insomnia

Abstract

In this double-blind study the efficacy and safety of two doses (7.5 and 11.25 mg) of zopiclone were compared to that of flurazepam (30mg) in 60 insomniac patients divided into three groups. After an initial 4-day washout period, placebo was administered single-blind to all patients followed by 24 consecutive days of either one of the three drug levels. No significant difference was shown between the two zopiclone dosages at any time during the study for sleep efficacy and psychomotor performance. Compared to flurazepam, zopiclone was slightly less effective for sleep induction and sleep soundness variables. However, flurazepam was constantly worse than zopiclone for daytime performance. This study shows that both zopiclone dosages are shown to be active and safe in the treatment of insomnia, and exhibit a true advantage over flurazepam by its low incidence of residual effects.

Zopiclone

“…Morning impairment of psychomotor performance after night-time zopiclone 7.5mg administration is similar to that observed after administration of nitrazepam 5 to 10mg (Goa & Heel 1986), but less than that occurring after flurazepam 15 to 30mg (Goa-& Heel 1986;Mamelak et al 1987;Singh & Bourgouin 1990).…”

“…Duration and quality of sleep tended to be improved in patients treated with zopiclone as opposed to those who received flunitrazepam Img (see review by Goa & Heel 1986). In these studies, daytime alertness and overall well-being was less affected by zopiclone than nitrazepam (Agnoli et al 1989;Klimm et al 1987) or flurazepam Singh & Bourgouin 1990), or flunitrazepam and triazolam (Ruther et al 1992). In these studies, daytime alertness and overall well-being was less affected by zopiclone than nitrazepam (Agnoli et al 1989;Klimm et al 1987) or flurazepam Singh & Bourgouin 1990), or flunitrazepam and triazolam (Ruther et al 1992).…”