Ziprasidone decreases cortisol excretion in healthy subjects.

Aims: To determine the influence of the atypical antipsychotic ziprasidone on cortisol excretion.

Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over design 11 healthy male subjects were studied twice for 2 consecutive nights (N1, undisturbed sleep conditions; N2, exposure to acoustic stress) 5 days apart. Placebo or ziprasidone 40 mg was administered orally 2 h before bedtime on N1 and N2.

Improved sleep continuity and increased slow wave sleep and REM latency during ziprasidone treatment: a randomized, controlled, crossover trial of 12 healthy male subjects.

Objective: Ziprasidone, an atypical antipsychotic, is a potent dopamine (D(2)) and serotonin (5-HT(2A/C)) receptor blocker, has agonistic properties at the 5-HT(1A) receptor, and blocks serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. These transmitter systems are closely related to the regulation of sleep.

Method: The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study was to investigate the effects of ziprasidone on polysomnographic sleep structure and subjective sleep quality.