Abstract
The high prevalence of sleep disturbances on the one hand, and the risk of dependence associated with many hypnotics on the other require a search for alternative hypnotics. Antidepressants with sedative properties are well established in the treatment of insomnia secondary to depressive disorders. However, whether these substances are also effective for primary insomnia without depressive symptomatology has not been proved by controlled clinical trials. - We report on a study in 19 patients with primary insomnia according to DSM-III-R, who were treated with 75-200 mg of the tricyclic antidepressant trimipramine over 4 weeks. Polysomnograms were recorded before therapy, after 4 weeks treatment, and 5 and 14 days after withdrawal under placebo. Trimipramine significantly enhances sleep duration and sleep efficiency, whereas the amount of slow-wave sleep and REM sleep were not altered. Rebound insomnia following withdrawal was not observed. This study proved the effectiveness of trimipramine in the treatment of primary insomnia. - The advantages and disadvantages of trimipramine in the treatment of insomnia are discussed.
| Translated title of the contribution | Treatment of primary insomnias with trimipramine - An alternative to benzodiazepine hypnotics |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Journal | Munchener Medizinische Wochenschrift |
| Volume | 139 |
| Issue number | 42 |
| Pages (from-to) | 617-620 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| ISSN | 0341-3098 |
| Publication status | Published - 17.10.1997 |
Research Areas and Centers
- Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)
