Quazepam and temazepam: Effects of short‐ and intermediate‐term use and withdrawal

Two benzodiazepine hypnotics, one with an intermediate elimination t_½ (temazepam, 15 mg) and the other with a long t_½ (quazepam, 15 mg), were evaluated in 22‐ night sleep laboratory studies. The effectiveness and side effects of these benzodiazepines were assessed during short‐ and intermediate term use. Subjects were also assessed for the presence of rebound insomnia after abrupt withdrawal. Quazepam, 15 mg, was significantly effective in improving sleep both with short‐ and intermediate‐term use, but the effectiveness of temazepam was considerably less. Although temazepam was effective for maintaining sleep with short‐term use, there was rapid development of tolerance for this effect with intermediate‐term use. Temazepam did not produce any behavioral side effects during either drug condition. The only side effect associated with quazepam was a significant degree of daytime sleepiness. After its withdrawal, temazepam was associated with some sleep and mood disturbance on the first withdrawal night, whereas quazepam had carryover effectiveness. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1986) 39, 345–352; doi: