Effects of flurazepam (Dalmane) on anterior pituitary secretion

Sleep stages and release patterns for growth hormone (GH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin were evaluated in two subjects during a three week period in which flurazepam 30 mg was administered nightly. Sleep stages were monitored throughout the placebo baseline, drug and placebo withdrawal conditions. Blood samples were obtained on nights three and four of baseline, after two and three weeks of drug administration and following extended drug withdrawal. In both subjects, flurazepam produced a marked suppression in stages 3 and 4 (slow wave) sleep which was maintained throughout the drug administration period. Following withdrawal, there was a slight increase in slow wave sleep above baseline levels. With all three hormones, no clear changes were observed in mean nightly output, pulse amplitude and pulse frequency from baseline to the two drug and the withdrawal conditions. Thus, the decrease in slow wave sleep produced by administering flurazepam 30 mg was not accompanied by any clear cut changes in GH, LH or prolactin.