Journal of the Scientific Society (Jan 2013)

Zolpidem induced delirium

  • Sameeran S Chate,
  • Raghavendra B Nayak,
  • Nanasaheb M Patil,
  • Sunny Chattopadhyay

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-5009.120050
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 40, no. 3
pp. 164 – 165

Abstract

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Use of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics like zolpidem for insomnia has become a popular practice because of better safety profile and low abuse potential. However, neuropsychiatric side-effects such as headache, depression, memory deficits and abnormal dreams with zolpidem use have been reported. Delirum is a rare side-effect associated with zolpidem use. Here, we report a case of delirium, which occurred with a single dose of zolpidem. Clinicians prescribing zolpidem for insomnia should look into the risk factors/pre-disposing factors such as old age, female gender, substance abuse/dependence, systemic infections, psychiatric illness and multiple drug interactions. It is recommended to stick to the lowest dose possible whenever indicated.

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