The Temazepam, but not zolpidem, causes orthostatic hypotension in astronauts after space flight
The drugs most widely used are the Temazepam (Normison), a benzodiazepine, and zolpidem (Stilnox), un’imidazopiridina.
The Temazepam, unlike the Zolpidem has been shown to cause hemodynamic side effects, especially in elderly patients.
The study, done at Wyle Laboratories in Houston, assessed the relationship between use of hypnotics during space flights and orthostatic hypotension after the mission.
The astronauts were divided into 3 groups: control group (n = 40), group Temazepam 15 or 30mg (n = 9), zolpidem 5 or 10 mg group (n = 8).
In this study, Temazepam and zolpidem were taken only the night before landing.
On the day of landing astronauts had taken Temazepam showed a significant reduction in systolic pressure and a significant increase in heart rate.
This was not seen in astronauts who took the placebo or zolpidem.
Temazepam may therefore exacerbate the orthostatic hypotension after space flight, when the astronauts show a hemodynamic impairment.
According to the authors, the findings of the experiment performed on astronauts may be valid for elderly patients, who are generally hemodynamic ally compromised. (Xagena2003)