J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2012 May;51(3):134-138. 10.4306/jknpa.2012.51.3.134.

High-Dose Zolpidem Dependence and Detoxification from Withdrawal Symptoms Using Diazepam

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
  • 2Department of Psychiatry, St. Andrews Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Icheon, Korea. hansonpark@snu.ac.kr
  • 3Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
  • 4Department of Anthropology, College of Social Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic for the treatment of insomnia, and known as a relatively-safe medication. However, there have been several case reports of zolpidem abuse aand dependence these days. Even though some withdrawal symptoms like seizures can occur, there has not been any standard detoxification method until now. A high dose of zolpidem has similar pharmacological properties as the rest of the benzodiazepines, even though the usual dose of zolpidem has a selectivity to the type 1 benzodiazepine receptors. We report a rare case of high-dose addiction and successful detoxification by cross-titration with diazepam.

Keyword

Addiction; Dependence; Detoxification; Diazepam; Withdrawal; Zolpidem

MeSH Terms

Benzodiazepines
Diazepam
Pyridines
Receptors, GABA-A
Seizures
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome
Benzodiazepines
Diazepam
Pyridines
Receptors, GABA-A

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