Long-term sleep laboratory evaluation of flunitrazepam.

A sleep laboratory hypnotic drug evaluation study was conducted in which 2 mg flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine with a half life of intermediate duration, was administered nightly to 6 insomniac subjects for 4 consecutive weeks. The drug was effective with short-term use. However, tolerance developed for sleep maintenance during the intermediate- and long-term drug administration periods. Following drug withdrawal, a significant worsening of sleep above baseline levels occurred. These data are consistent with our previous findings of rebound insomnia following withdrawal of short- and intermediate-acting benzodiazepines.