COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF ZOPICLONE (7.5 MG), ZOLPIDEM, FLUNITRAZEPAM AND A PLACEBO ON NOCTURNAL COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN HEALTHY-SUBJECTS, IN RELATION TO PHARMACOKINETICS

The effect of zopiclone (7.5 mg) on attention, vigilance and memory co mponents was evaluated during a nocturnal period in comparison to a pl acebo, to zolpidem (10 mg) and to flunitrazepam (1 mg) in a double bli nd, randomized study, after administration of a single dose in 16 youn g healthy volunteers. It appears that there is a clear effect on atten tion and vigilance; this effect is apparent during the kinetic phase o f the absorption of the medication. The effect on memory is transient and is absent four hours after the ingestion of the drug. The objectiv e results are not strictly consistent with the chronology of the subje ctive parameters (Leeds scale - Visual Analogue Scale). The three hypn otics under comparison do not fundamentally differ except in their kin etic/pharmacodynamic effect relationship. One important fact, taking t he parameters as a whole, is that there is no objective ''residual'' e ffect.