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. 2011 Nov;43(6):729-30.
doi: 10.4103/0253-7613.89838.

Zolpidem withdrawal delirium

Surendra K Mattoo  1 , Navendu Gaur, Partha P Das
Affiliations

Zolpidem withdrawal delirium

Surendra K Mattoo et al. Indian J Pharmacol. 2011 Nov.

Abstract

The Z-category hypnotics are promoted for their relative safety. However, this view is challenged by the emerging clinical evidence in the form of zolpidem related intoxication delirium and seizures, and dependence and complicated withdrawal. We report the case of a zolpidem-naive alcohol-dependent inpatient that, while undergoing alcohol de-addiction, was prescribed zolpidem for insomnia and developed delirium during taper-off. He was successfully detoxified for alcohol, treated for delirium and put on disulfiram prophylaxis. The case highlights the need for being cautious while using zolpidem for insomnia in alcohol dependent subjects.

Keywords: Adverse drug reactions; alcohol dependence; delirium; insomnia; zolpidem.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Zolpidem doses as prescribed and administered
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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