Long-Term Sleep Laboratory Evaluation of Flunitrazepam

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Abstract
A sleep laboratory hypnotic drug evaluation study was conducted in which 2 mg flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine with a half life of intermediate duration, was administered nightly to 6 insomniac subjects for 4 consecutive weeks. The drug was effective with short-term use. However, tolerance developed for sleep maintenance during the intermediate- and long-term drug administration periods. Following drug withdrawal, a significant worsening of sleep above baseline levels occured. These data are consistent with our previous findings of rebound insomnia following withdrawal of short- and intermediate-acting benzodiazepines.