Lorazepam compared with pentobarbital for nighttime sedation.

P J Brown; W H Forrest; C R Brown

doi:10.1002/j.1552-4604.1975.tb02339.x

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Lorazepam compared with pentobarbital for nighttime sedation.

P J Brown·W H Forrest·C R Brown

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Abstract

Lorazepam (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg) was compared with pentobarbital (60 and 180 mg) for its effect on sleep in "hospital insomnia." Subjective-response data were collected by research nurses. Lorazepam was found to be a potent nighttime sedative: 1 to 1.25 mg of lorazepam is equivalent to 100 mg sodium pentobarbital for measures of sleep quality and duration. At this dose level it is less effective than 100 mg of pentobarbital as a sleep inducer. Studies at higher doses (up to 4 mg) indicate that lorazepam has a wide therapeutic index.

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Anti-Anxiety Agents Humans Hypnotics and Sedatives Lorazepam Middle Aged Pentobarbital Sleep Time Factors Comparative Study Journal Article Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

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P J Brown, W H Forrest, C R Brown. Lorazepam compared with pentobarbital for nighttime sedation.. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1552-4604.1975.tb02339.x

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