Zolpidem dependence in an adult with bipolar affective disorder and epilepsy: A case report

Zolpidem is a short-acting non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent, commonly recommended for short-term treatment of insomnia. Zolpidem has less dependence potential than benzodiazepines. Patients with mental illnesses often have disturbed sleep, for which zolpidem is often prescribed. Long-term use and s...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sujita Kumar Kar, Suyash Dwivedi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMJ Publishing Group 2019-10-01
Series:General Psychiatry
Online Access:https://gpsych.bmj.com/content/32/5/e100102.full
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Summary:Zolpidem is a short-acting non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent, commonly recommended for short-term treatment of insomnia. Zolpidem has less dependence potential than benzodiazepines. Patients with mental illnesses often have disturbed sleep, for which zolpidem is often prescribed. Long-term use and self-medication (in more than recommended doses) are more likely to cause dependence. We report here a case of bipolar affective disorder with epilepsy, who developed dependence to zolpidem and had severe withdrawal symptoms. The management issues are also discussed with review of the literature.
ISSN:2517-729X