The hypnotic effects of perlapine [6- (4-methylpiperazin-1-yl) morphanthridine] (MP) in three doses (1.25, 2.5, 5.0 mg) were compared with those of nitrazepam (NZ) (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg) in 103 in-patients of chronic insomnia, using a double-blind method.
Each drug was administered for three sequential days in the evening. The sleep-induction time and the following sleeping state were observed and recorded by nurses. The sleep durations were calculated from nurses' records, and obtained from patient's answers and general estimates of nurses.
The depth of sleep and hang-over (well-slept impression) of the following morning were also used for assessment.
The sleep-induction times were shortened with both MP and NZ; there was no significant difference.
The sleep durations described by the patients tended to be shorter than the nurses' estimates and calculated values, but with these, also, there was no significant difference. The ED
50's evaluated by the well-slept impression with MP and NZ, were 0.96 mg and 2.14 mg respectively, and the effectiveness ratio of MP vs. NZ was 1.96 to 2.23.
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