Melatonin does not reduce anxiety more than placebo in the elderly undergoing surgery.
Melatonin has been reported to reduce preoperative anxiety. We performed this study to compare preoperative anxiety in elderly patients receiving melatonin (M) or placebo (P). Anxiety was measured in patients aged >65 yr by a numerical rating scale (range, 0-10). Each patient was randomized to receive M 10 mg or P orally: 71 patients were in group P and 67 in group M. The median (quartiles) anxiety level was 5 (2-8) before and 3 (1-7) 90 min after premedication in group M and 5 (3-6) and 3 (1-5) in group P, respectively. M and P reduce anxiety in elderly patients to a similar degree.
Capuzzo
Maurizia
M
Department of Surgical, Anesthetic and Radiological Sciences, Section of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. cpm@unife.it
Zanardi
Barbara
B
Schiffino
Elisa
E
Buccoliero
Cosimetta
C
Gragnaniello
Daniela
D
Bianchi
Stefano
S
Alvisi
Raffaele
R
D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication; D011300:Preoperative Care
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D008550:Melatonin