A therapeutic dose of zolpidem has limited abuse-like effects in drug-naïve females: a pilot study

Abstract

Zolpidem has abuse potential, particularly among individuals with histories of drug abuse. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross over pilot study investigated the subjective effects of zolpidem (10 mg) in drug-naïve females. Over the course of a 5-h period vital signs were monitored and a series of computerized questionnaires was administered. Results indicate that zolpidem engendered subjective effects characteristic of hypnotic drugs, but reduced ratings of drug liking, willing to take again, and willing to pay for, relative to placebo. Thus, a therapeutic dose of zolpidem may have limited potential for misuse among females who have no experience with drugs of abuse.

Fig. 1

Zolpidem-induced increases on the pentobarbital-chlorpromazine-alcohol group (PCAG; left) and amphetamine (AMPH; right) scales of the ARCI. Values are means ± S.E.M. The single asterisks represent significant differences at the 2^nd and 5^th hour relative to baseline, while double asterisks represent significant differences relative to placebo at the 5^th hour (P<0.05).

Fig. 2

Zolpidem-induced decreases in self-reported ratings of “like”, “willing to take again”, and “willing to pay for” over the course of a 5-h experimental session. Scale range that was available to the participants was 0 to 100. Values are means ± S.E.M. Asterisks represent significant differences from placebo (P<0.05).