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. 2012;14(4):PCC.12br01363.
doi: 10.4088/PCC.12br01363. Epub 2012 Aug 23.

Two cases of zolpidem-associated homicide

Cheryl M Paradis  1 , Lawrence A Siegel, Stuart B Kleinman
Affiliations

Two cases of zolpidem-associated homicide

Cheryl M Paradis et al. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2012.

Abstract

Zolpidem is the most commonly prescribed medication for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Adverse reactions include nightmares, confusion, and memory deficits. Reported rare adverse neuropsychiatric reactions include sensory distortions such as hallucinations. Previous research has identified 4 factors that may place a patient at increased risk of zolpidem-associated psychotic or delirious reactions: (1) concomitant use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), (2) female gender, (3) advanced age, and (4) zolpidem doses of 10 mg or higher. In this article, 2 cases are presented in which individuals killed their spouses and claimed total or partial amnesia. Neither individual had a history of aggressive behavior. Both had concomitantly taken 10 mg or more of zolpidem in addition to an SSRI (paroxetine).

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