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 components was evaluated during a nocturnal period in comparison to a placebo, to zolpidem (10 mg) and to flunitrazepam (1 mg) in a double blind, randomized study, after administration of a single dose in 16 young healthy volunteers. It appears that there is a clear effect on attention and vigilance; this effect is apparent during the kinetic phase of the absorption of the medication. The effect on memory is transient and is absent four hours after the ingestion of the drug. The objective results are not strictly consistent with the chronology of the subjective parameters (Leeds scale - Visual Analogue Scale). The three hypnotics under comparison do not fundamentally differ except in their kinetic/pharmacodynamic effect relationship. One important fact, taking the parameters as a whole, is that there is no objective ''residual'' effect.