Multi-clinic cross-over comparison of triazolam (Halcion) and placebo in the treatment of co-existing insomnia and anxiety in anxious out-patients

Abstract

In this multi-clinic double-blind cross-over designed study, forty-five anxious and insomniac out-patients received either triazolam (Halcion) 0.25 mg or placebo at bedtime. After seven days the medications were crossed over. The dosage was doubled after nights 2 and 9 if good sleep was not produced. Three patients dropped out, two on placebo (one for side effects and one for lack of efficacy) and one on triazolam (due to misunderstanding instructions). Analysis of sleep questionnaire data showed superiority of triazolam to placebo (p less .001) in all parameters. The incidence of dreams was not affected. Analysis of antianxiety efficacy showed that triazolam was superior to placebo (p less than .001) in all parameters, both physician's and self ratings. Thus, either triazolam or a good night's sleep significantly relieved the patient's anxiety. No side effects or abnormal laboratory values of significance were attributable to triazolam.