Revista de Psiquiatria Clinica
Volume 44, Issue 2, 2017, Pages 35-39

Efficacy of single dose antihistamine vs. single dose valerian-hops in subjective sleep measures among war refugees: A comparison trial (Article) (Open Access)

Gammoh O.S.* , Al-Smadi A. , Mukattash T. , Al-Katib W. , Attarian H. , Al-Shawagfeh M.
  • a American University of Madaba, Madaba, Jordan
  • b American University of Madaba, Madaba, Jordan
  • c Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
  • d American University of Madaba, Madaba, Jordan
  • e Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Jordan
  • f King Hussain Hospital, Royal Medical Services, Jordan

Abstract

Background: Many sedatives and anxiolytics are used in single dose or chronically to aid sleep. Clinically important sedatives include valerian-hops and antihistamines as they are used over the counter and are highly accessible and safe agents. Objectives: To evaluate and compare a single dose of chlorpheniramine versus valerian-hops combination in modulating subjective sleep measures in insomniac war refugees. Methods: Insomnia among refugees was screened using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Insomniac subjects were randomized to received a single dose valerian-hops (320/80 mg) (n = 65), or chlorpheneramine (4 mg) (n = 50) or placebo (n = 76) two hours prior sleeping. Participants were instructed to complete Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), visual analogue scales of anxiety and sedation. Also sleep latency, total hours slept and self-rated improvement were obtained. Results: Almost 75% of screened refugees had insomnia. Chlorpheneramine reduced sleep latency and anxiety significantly, however it resulted in poor sleep quality. Valerian-hops group showed marked anxiolysis one hour after dosing, a sleep quality similar to placebo and better than chlorpheneramine, and better alertness compared to placebo. Participants satisfaction was higher with chlorpheneramine and there was no difference in the total hours slept. Discussion: Valerian-hops combination may provide better sleep quality than antihistamines. © 2017, Universidade de Sao Paulo. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Valerian Refugees Antihistamines Insomnia

Index Keywords

anxiety refugee sleep valerian human controlled study randomized controlled trial Aged Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire tranquilizing activity Insomnia Severity Index insomnia male female placebo Article sleep quality major clinical study adult sedation single drug dose chlorpheniramine visual analog scale
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85019590168&doi=10.1590%2f0101-60830000000114&partnerID=40&md5=153e3510d626f05efc265941d7cb642d
DOI: 10.1590/0101-60830000000114
ISSN: 01016083
Original Language: English