A CASE REPORT OF ZOLPIDEM DEPENDENCE WITH WITHDRAWAL SEIZURE
Abstract
Zolpidem is a short acting non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug chemically distinct from
benzodiazepines. It produces its hypnotic effect by binding specifically to the alpha1 subunit of the
GABA-A benzodiazepine receptor complex. According to its specific binding property, it is expected to
be a pure hypnotic without the other effects of benzodiazepines. In particular, it was believed that
zolpidem is well tolerated in adults and do not produce dependence and withdrawal effects. But a
number of recent case reports suggest that tolerance, dependence and withdrawal effects occur in
zolpidem consumption. We describe a case of a 28-year-old unmarried man who developed a
generalized seizure following sudden zolpidem withdrawal subsequent to its dependence to 500-600
mg per day of zolpidem.
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