A novel clinical pattern of visual hallucination after zolpidem use.
Ming-Jun Tsai, Yaw-Bin Huang, Pao-Chu Wu
Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology January 1, 2003 DOI: 10.1081/clt-120025354 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA young female experienced three episodes of visual or hypnagogic hallucinations after stopping and then restarting zolpidem, a hypnotic drug. The authors suggest that these psychotic reactions may result from rapid withdrawal and re-administration of the drug, possibly due to changes in the GABAA receptor. To prevent such adverse effects, they recommend avoiding as-needed use of zolpidem and using the lowest effective dose.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Young female |
| Intervention | zolpidem |
| Key finding | Hypnagogic or visual hallucinations associated with zolpidem use may be related to rapid withdrawal and restarting of the drug. |
Abstract
Zolpidem is a new hypnotic that is supposed to have fewer side effects than traditional benzodiazepines. Some psychotic reactions, such as visual or hypnagogic hallucinations, have been reported to be associated with zolpidem use. A young female experienced three episodes of hallucination associated with the use of zolpidem. The visual or hypnagogic hallucination happened after she had stopped zolpidem and then restarted it 2 days later. We postulate that hypnagogic or visual hallucinations associated with zolpidem use may be related to rapid withdrawal and restarting of zolpidem. The possible mechanism may be associated with the changes in the GABAA receptor. Avoiding "as needed" use of zolpidem and using the lowest effective dose may prevent these adverse effects.