Professional paper

ZOLPIDEM DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL SEIZURE - Report of two cases

Liang-Jen Wang ; Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan
Shao-Chun Ree ; Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan
Chin-Lin Chu ; Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Yeong-Yuh Juang ; Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan

Abstract

Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine property which binds selectively to the α1-GABAA receptors, and has been widely prescribed
to patients suffering from insomnia. We report two cases of zolpidem dependence with withdrawal seizure in the Asian population.
The first case is a 43-year-old woman who took zolpidem up to the dosage of 200 to 400 mg per night. The second case is a 35-yearold
woman who even began to take zolpidem every 15 to 30 minutes to get euphoric and relaxed, and she gradually increased the
dosage to 400 to 500mg per day. After abrupt discontinuation of zolpidem, both cases immediately developed anxiety, global
insomnia, restlessness, and tonic seizure. The purpose of this case report is to suggest that clinicians should pay close attention to
the potential of zolpidem tolerance, abuse and dependence. The possibility of withdrawal seizure cannot be excluded especially at
high doses.

Keywords

zolpidem; dependence; withdrawal; seizure

Hrčak ID:

76523

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/76523

Publication date:

31.3.2011.

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