Zolpidem-Induced Narcolepsy, Faint, Seizure or Coma? A Case Report

Abdolhamid Parsa,Amir Mohammadkhan,Mohammad Babaeian

doi:10.4236/crcm.2017.62004

Abdolhamid Parsa, Amir Mohammadkhan + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/crcm.2017.62004

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Abstract

Zolpidem, as an imidazopyridine agent, is a widely prescribed drug among practitioners for short-term treatment of insomnia. Nevertheless, there have been a number of cases associated with the adverse effects of the stated drug recently. Many cases of serious complications induced by high dose of zolpidem have been reported. Further to the existing reports of adverse reactions to zolpidem, throughout the current manuscript, another case of zolpidem-induced loss of consciousness is going to be presented. The case had taken 100 mg of zolpidem and afterwards, went into an unknown status of narcolepsy, faint, seizure or transient coma. Overdosing zolpidem and being affected by its central effects, he performed risky actions such as cooking by a gas oven and eating meal while intoxicated. The current case suggests that zolpidem overdose might contribute to loss of consciousness and exhibition of high-risk behaviors.

Highlights

Zolpidem (ZLP) as an imidazopyridine is commonly used for short-term treatment of insomnia [1]
The authors have appended that acute ZLP overdose should be considered in the differential diagnosis of coma with absent brainstem reflexes [14]
Shuaib et al have presented a case of a 53-year-old healthcare professional with an acute altered mental status after a trip to Africa. His history revealed an overdose of self-medicated ZLP for insomnia

Summary

Introduction

Zolpidem (ZLP) as an imidazopyridine is commonly used for short-term treatment of insomnia [1]. It seems to have milder side effects compared with the other hypnotics like benzodiazepines [2]. Side effects associated with ZLP have been commonly reported. The most frequently reported side effects of ZLP in the medical literature are as follows: dizziness, malaise, agitation, headache, hallucination, nightmares, and nausea [3]. ZLP appears to be well-tolerated in adults and the elderly [4], there is a host of reports of its abuse, dependence and withdrawal syndrome. It is worth mentioning that in the majority of these reported cases, the recommended dose of ZLP is exceeded and most of the patients have a history of substance. Further to the growing reports of zolpidem’s adverse drug reactions, hereby a case in which zolpidem overdose’s consequences have been observed will be presented

Case Presentation

Discussion

Conclusions

Conflict of Interest