Abstract
BackgroundSeveral epidemiological and experimental studies have found a positive association between the risk of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) and use of zopiclone and benzodiazepines. There is, however, little evidence of any risk of MVA attributable to the use of zolpidem 1 day before such accidents. We attempted to determine whether the use of zolpidem 1 day before is associated with an increased risk of an MVA.MethodsUsing a 1-million-person randomly sampled cohort from the Taiwan National Health Insurance reimbursement database, 12 929 subjects were identified as having been hospitalized between 1998 and 2004 due to an MVA. Using a case–crossover design, we selected the day before an MVA as the case period for each subject, and the 91st, 182nd, and 273rd days before the case period as 3 retrospective control periods. Conditional logistical regression models were constructed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of having an MVA and the exposure of zolpidem 1 day before. We calculated doses of benzodiazepines, zopiclone, and zolpidem based on their defined daily dose.ResultsThe adjusted OR for involvement in an MVA after taking 1 defined daily dose of zolpidem was 1.74 (95% confidence interval: 1.25–2.43). There were also positive effects for different washout periods and cumulative doses at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days before the occurrence of an MVA.ConclusionsUse of zolpidem 1 day before might be associated with an increased risk of MVA. Thus, precautionary warnings should be provided when prescribing zolpidem.
Highlights
Insomnia is a frequent complaint in modern society, and zolpidem, zopiclone, and benzodiazepines (BZDs) are among the most common medications for treating this condition.[1]
From our initial random sample cohort of 1 million people extracted from the National Health Insurance (NHI) database, we identified a total of 12 929 subjects who had been involved in motor vehicle accidents resulting in hospitalization during the period under examination
From our dataset of 1 million individuals randomly selected from the NHI database between the years of 1998 and 2004, we identified a total of 12 929 subjects who had been involved in motor vehicle accidents and satisfied the criteria specified in the Methods section
Summary
Insomnia is a frequent complaint in modern society, and zolpidem, zopiclone, and benzodiazepines (BZDs) are among the most common medications for treating this condition.[1]. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether the use of zolpidem on the day before a motor vehicle accident was associated with an increased risk of such accidents. Several epidemiological and experimental studies have found a positive association between the risk of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) and use of zopiclone and benzodiazepines. There is, little evidence of any risk of MVA attributable to the use of zolpidem 1 day before such accidents. We attempted to determine whether the use of zolpidem 1 day before is associated with an increased risk of an MVA. Conditional logistical regression models were constructed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of having an MVA and the exposure of zolpidem 1 day before. Conclusions: Use of zolpidem 1 day before might be associated with an increased risk of MVA.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
