Temazepam, 7.5 mg was evaluated in the sleep laboratory in 8 elderly i
nsomniacs, using a 14-night protocol (4 placebo-baseline nights, 7 dru
g nights, and 3 placebo-withdrawal nights). With short-term use temaze
pam was found to be effective, producing a significant improvement in
total wake time from baseline (100 vs. 145 min). With continued drug a
dministration, total wake time remained below baseline but not signifi
cantly so (125 vs. 145 min). During drug administration, there were no
major CNS and behavioral adverse effects reported such as daytime sed
ation, memory impairment or hyperexcitability (daytime anxiety). Follo
wing drug withdrawal, there was no significant increase in wakefulness
, i.e., no rebound insomnia (150 vs. 145 min). In summary, temazepam,
7.5 mg is effective in elderly subjects with short-term use and has a
minimum of adverse effects. Use of hypnotic drugs is an adjunctive the
rapy which should be for a short-term period with subsequent short-ter
m intermittent use as needed. Because of its low propensity for produc
ing rebound insomnia, temazepam can be effectively used in this manner
.