Comparative Effects of Zopiclone, Triazolam and Placebo on Memory and Psychomotor Performance in Healthy Volunteers

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of acute doses of zopiclone (7.5 mg), triazolam (0.25 mg) and placebo on memory and psychomotor performance of 12 normal volunteers. The subjects received both drugs in a repeated measure, double-blind Latin square design. The tests (CFF, CRT, DSST, memory assessments) were performed before and 2 and 6 hr after treatment. Zopiclone and triazolam induced an anterograde amnesia affecting short-term and long-term memory which lasted less than 6 hr. No retrograde amnesia was observed. Two hr after drug intake of both hypnotics psychomotor performances were significantly altered compared with placebo. The subjects also felt more drowsy, dizzy, clumsy and tired, and less alert and energetic 2 hr after zopiclone and triazolam compared to placebo. There was no difference between the effects of the two hypnotics at the doses studied.

Residual effects of evening and middle-of-the-night administration of zaleplon 10 and 20 mg on memory and actual driving performance

“…Previous studies have shown them in volunteers who were tested 4±6 h after 7 . 5 mg doses (Subhan and Hindmarch, 1984;Griths et al, 1986;Warot et al, 1987). To our knowledge, however, only one other study has previously found that these eects persist for as long as 11 h (Fossen et al, 1983).…”

Memory disorders associated with consumption of drugs: updating through a case/noncase study in the French PharmacoVigilance Database

“…In contrast, zopiclone presents affinity not only for the w1 subtype receptors but also for the w2 subtype, underlying its anxiolytic properties in humans [15,16] and anticonvulsant, myorelaxant and anxiolytic properties in animals [17]. Thus, zopiclone induces memory disorders to the same extent as benzodiazepines [18,19].…”

The use of microcomputer‐based psychomotor tests for the evaluation of benzodiazepine effects on human performance: a review with emphasis on temazepam.

“…Choice reaction time seems to be sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepines under the same types of conditions seen with simple reaction time tests. Those studies that evaluate the effects of a benzodiazepine within the time frame of the half-life of a therapeutic dose of the parent compound typically detect impairment with these tests (Nikaido & Ellinwood, 1987;Preston et al, 1988;Roache & Griffiths, 1987;Seppala et al, 1976;Subhan et al, 1986;Warot et al, 1987). In a study by Schaffler & Klausnitzer (1989) impairment was noted with a subchronic dose of bromazepam over a 7 day period but in a study by Preston et al (1988) subtherapeutic doses of lorazepam did not impair choice reaction time performance.…”

“…In these studies the measure was when flicker was detected in a light whose sinusoidal fluctuation was initially set at a level at which a steady light was perceived instead of measuring when a flickering light appeared steady. Using this variation decreased CNS activity was measured over an 8 h period for 0.25 mg triazolam in contrast to the 2 h period of observed impairment on the more traditional version of the test (Warot et al, 1987). The CFFT appears to be quite sensitive to the CNS depression associated with the use of benzodiazepines and can readily be incorporated into a computerbased testing battery.…”

“…Sedation or residual sedation when the drug is used on the previous night is likely to interfere with the performance of routine everyday tasks, especially motor vehicle operation (Breimer, 1979;Brookhuis et al, 1990;Clayton, 1976;Hindmarch, 1979;Jansen et al, 1986;Smiley & Moskowitz, 1986;Stevenson et al, 1986;Volkerts & O'Hanlon, 1986;Wittenborn et al, 1979). The implications of these facts become evident as the epidemiological data are reviewed and an increased accident rate is associated with the use of hypnotic benzodiazepines (Hindmarch, 1976a;Honkanen et al, 1980;Moskowitz, 1984;Skegg et al, 1979;Smiley & Moskowitz, 1986 (Eves et al, 1988;Eves & Lader, 1989;Greenblatt et al, 1989;Hindmarch, 1986;Reitan et al, 1986;Warot et al, 1987; Wittenborn, 1979). There is little indication though, that well established higher mental faculties are impaired (Wittenborn, 1979).…”