Table 3: Memory impairment outcomes in randomized controlled trials evaluating benzodiazepines for the treatment of insomnia
|
Study |
Study quality* |
n |
Mean age (and SD) |
Length of treatment; d |
Benzodiazepine |
Comparison group(s) |
Outcome measure |
Summary of results |
|
Bixler et al69 |
4 |
18 |
37 (3.5) |
8 (after 4 d run-in) |
Temazepam, 30 mg
Triazolam, 0.5 mg |
Placebo |
Immediate memory and delayed memory tests, patient-reported memory impairment/amnesia |
Triazolam group, compared with placebo and temazepam, displayed delayed recall and daytime memory impairment/amnesia (40%
rate of latter) |
Mamelak et al.80 |
2 |
36 |
60–72 |
14 + 2 for withdrawal |
Flurazepam, 15 mg |
Placebo |
Digit symbol immediate memory, digit symbol delayed memory, serial learning test |
Flurazepam group significantly worse with immediate and delayed memory and serial learning |
Ponciano et al.75 |
3 |
26 |
30 (9) |
28 |
Flurazepam, 30 mg |
Placebo, zopiclone, 7.5 mg |
Digit-span technique (short-term memory) |
No significant difference in responses |
*Quality score based on randomization, double blinding, controlling for baseline differences and > 80% follow-up of patients; maximum score = 5. n = number of subjects.
|