A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled investigation of the residual psychomotor and cognitive effects of zolpidem‐MR in healthy elderly volunteers

Abstract

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. 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. 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. In elderly subjects, zolpidem-MR showed no residual functional impairment in psychometric or cognitive tests sensitive to flurazepam.