[An original treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety and agitation in elderly patients: tiapride].

Forty-five elderly patients (mean age: 82 years), previously under benzodiazepines or neuroleptics, were given tiapride in a daily dosage of 100 to 400 mg for 2 to 4 months, usually by the oral route. The symptomatic effect of tiapride on agitation, excitability, unstability and sleep disturbances was excellent in 27 cases, satisfactory in 11, average in 5 and absent in 2. In 22 patients, tiapride produced significant improvement in morning wakefulness with increased diurnal activity and improved relationships and memory. The latency interval is variable, depending on the half-life of the benzodiazepine.