Effects of loprazolam and of triazolam on sleep and overnight urinary cortisol.

Nine poor sleepers of mean age 61 years were studied while they took loprazolam 0.5 mg, loprazolam 1 mg and triazolam 0.5 mg for 3-week periods. Loprazolam 1 mg and triazolam 0.5 mg increased sleep duration, but there was some tolerance to both, particularly triazolam, by the 3rd week. Withdrawal of either drug led to sleep significantly shorter than baseline. This rebound effect was significant greater than withdrawing triazolam. After withdrawing loprazolam 1 mg, the rebound was maximal on the 3rd night and after withdrawing triazolam it was maximal and severe on the 1st night. In the third week of use neither drug was associated with late-night wakefulness. Total overnight urinary cortisol was lower during drug intake and there were significant withdrawal rebounds to above baseline levels, immediately so after triazolam.