Effects of Two Slimming Drugs on Sleep

Abstract

Slimming pills are often pep-pills. Electrophysiological recordings of nocturnal sleep showed that diethylpropion caused (1) frequent awakenings, (2) suppression of paradoxical (R.E.M.) sleep, and (3) frequent shifts into and increased time in stage 1 sleep (drowsiness). Fenfluramine caused neither (1) nor (2) but caused frequent shifts into and increased time in stage 1 sleep at the expense of stages 3 and 4. Since fenfluramine caused no delay in the appearance of paradoxical sleep, no suppression, and no hint of withdrawal rebound, it would appear to be qualitatively different from diethylpropion. All the abnormalities caused by the drugs must be regarded as adverse, but on these grounds fenfluramine would be preferred to diethylpropion. Furthermore, fenfluramine does not share effects on sleep of other drugs which commonly induce dependence. We thank Mr. N. Stenhouse for the statistical analyses ; Dr. R. M. Ellison, Superintendent of Heathcote Hospital, for facilities and his co-operation ; and, of course, our subjects. We are indebted to Drug Houses of Australia Ltd. for the special tablets and other assistance. © 1968, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.