The effect of temazepam on respiration in elderly insomniacs with mild sleep apnea.

Author(s): Camacho ME, Morin CM

Affiliation(s): Division of Geriatric Medicine, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, USA.

Publication date & source: 1995-10, Sleep., 18(8):644-5.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

This study evaluated the respiratory effect of temazepam in elderly subjects (mean age 65 +/- 3.8 years), with mild sleep apnea. The 15 subjects of this report were enrolled in a larger randomized trial comparing pharmacological and behavioral treatments for insomnia. Seven subjects received temazepam 15-30 mg/day either alone or in combination with behavior therapy, and eight subjects received placebo or behavior therapy. The mean baseline respiratory disturbance index (RDI) was 9.2 +/- 2.8 for the nondrug and 8.8 +/- 5.3 for the temazepam group. There were no significant time, group or interaction effects. There was no increase in the RDI in elderly subjects with mild respiratory apnea receiving 15-30 mg of temazepam.