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de Lima WD, da Silva MD, de Souza Costa E, Pinheiro FI, de Azevedo EP, Cobucci RN, de Paiva Cavalcanti JRL, Guzen FP. Abusive use of Zolpidem as a Result of COVID-19 and Perspectives of Continuity of the Problem in the Post-Pandemic Period. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1578-1582. [PMID: 37811654 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230920123401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug that works as a positive modulator of Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid-A (GABA-A) receptors, with high selectivity for α1 subunits. Given this selective binding, the drug has a strong hypnotic activity. Social isolation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has contributed to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. As a result, studies have pointed to a possible increase in the indiscriminate use of drugs with sedative effects, such as Zolpidem, during the pandemic. The aim of this work was to present prospective evidence that warns of the possibility of the abusive use of Zolpidem even after the pandemic. High rates of addiction to this drug have been reported around the world after the emergence of the coronavirus. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and from Medicaid support the continuing growth in prescription and indiscriminate use of Zolpidem during the pandemic and afterward. Therefore, there is enough evidence to support the indiscriminate use of this drug since the beginning of the pandemic. Rates of indiscriminate use of sedatives may continue to increase in the post-pandemic period, especially if strict control measures are not taken by health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley Dawison de Lima
- Graduation in Medicine, Health Science Center, State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), Mossoró-RN, Brazil
| | - Michael Douglas da Silva
- Graduation in Medicine, Health Science Center, State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), Mossoró-RN, Brazil
| | - Eurico de Souza Costa
- Posgraduate Program of Biotechnology, Health School - Potiguar University (UnP), Natal-RN, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ricardo Ney Cobucci
- Posgraduate Program of Biotechnology, Health School - Potiguar University (UnP), Natal-RN, Brazil
- Department of Tocogynecology, Medical School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal-RN, Brazil
| | - José Rodolfo Lopes de Paiva Cavalcanti
- Postgraduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), Mossoró-RN, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Society, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), Mossoró-RN, Brazil
| | - Fausto Pierdoná Guzen
- Posgraduate Program of Biotechnology, Health School - Potiguar University (UnP), Natal-RN, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), Mossoró-RN, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Society, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), Mossoró-RN, Brazil
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Moshfeghinia R, Jazi K, Kabaranzadghadim S, Malekpour M, Oji B. Severe chronic abuse of zolpidem for over 10 years: a case report and review of similar cases. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1252397. [PMID: 37829761 PMCID: PMC10565798 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1252397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Insomnia is a major health issue, and zolpidem is an effective treatment for insomnia. However, high doses of zolpidem can cause dependence, abuse, and withdrawal symptoms, questioning its advantages. Case presentation A 39-year-old woman who has been divorced and unemployed for 2 years was referred to an addiction treatment center with a chief complaint of "seizure-like withdrawal symptoms after consuming high doses of zolpidem (up to 6,000 mg per day) for a decade." These symptoms were in the form of body tremors, nystagmus, stress, anxiety, hot flashes, and sweaty palms. She has been undergoing detoxification by clonazepam for almost 2 months. Except for the first few days, she did not have any withdrawal symptoms, and her insomnia caused by zolpidem has improved. Conclusion Chronic abuse of zolpidem can cause dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and abuse. High doses can lead to extreme cravings and dependence. Physicians must manage the withdrawal process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Moshfeghinia
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavior Science, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kimia Jazi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Qom, Qom, Iran
| | - Shabnam Kabaranzadghadim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mahdi Malekpour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavior Science, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahare Oji
- Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavior Science, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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3
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Ricciardulli S, Lattanzi L, Barbuti M, Ceravolo R, Perugi G. Occurrence of involuntary movements after prolonged misuse of zolpidem: a case report. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2023; 38:117-120. [PMID: 36719339 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine agent used for short-term treatment of insomnia. Several cases of dependence and withdrawal from zolpidem are reported in the literature. Furthermore, involuntary movements after prolonged zolpidem misuse have been described. In this case report, a 69-year-old Italian woman with no history of diagnosed psychiatric or neurologic diseases developed uncontrolled movements and a depressive-anxious syndrome after twelve-year zolpidem misuse. The underlying mechanisms of involuntary movements occurring after long-term zolpidem intake are unknown; yet, we suggest that zolpidem might induce an increase in dopamine release through inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid neurons tonically suppressing dopamine cells. Future studies on the occurrence of persistent disorders after long-term benzodiazepine or Z-drug abuse are needed and clinicians should pay attention to the risk of tardive syndromes related to zolpidem misuse, especially in the case of long-term intake of over-therapeutic dosages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ricciardulli
- Psychiatry 2 Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa
| | - Lorenzo Lattanzi
- Psychiatry 2 Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa
| | - Margherita Barbuti
- Psychiatry 2 Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa
| | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulio Perugi
- Psychiatry 2 Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa
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Barra ME, Edlow BL, Brophy GM. Pharmacologic Therapies to Promote Recovery of Consciousness. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:335-347. [PMID: 36100228 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacologic interventions are commonly used to support rehabilitation efforts of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). The 2018 practice guidelines recommend amantadine in adults with traumatic DoC to promote functional recovery, though several other stimulants are used off-label in clinical practice and trials, such as methylphenidate, bromocriptine, levodopa, and zolpidem. Differences in the mechanisms of action, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, and drug-drug interactions should be considered when selecting the best agent for each individual patient. Overall, pharmacologic stimulants may provide a safe and inexpensive pathway to increased functionality and participation in rehabilitation. This article provides a concise summary of scientific evidence supporting the use of pharmacologic therapies to stimulate recovery of consciousness in patients with DoC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Barra
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Neurology, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery (CNTR), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brian L Edlow
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery (CNTR), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Gretchen M Brophy
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science and Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
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Lyu X, Hu Y, Zhao Y, Wang H, Du J, Wang J, Jiang H. Euphoric effect induced by zolpidem: a case study of magnetoencephalography. Gen Psychiatr 2022; 35:e100729. [PMID: 35243205 PMCID: PMC8819779 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2021-100729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Initially, zolpidem, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent, was considered to have fewer adverse reactions than traditional benzodiazepines. However, after zolpidem was approved for medical use, an increasing number of case reports have described abuse or dependence complications. We were especially interested in the cases of dependence that presented a paradoxical ‘euphoric’ effect of zolpidem. This article reports the case of a female zolpidem-dependent patient who presented with 6 years of daily use of 400–1400 mg of zolpidem. She reported subjective effects of euphoria, intense craving and the inability to stop drug ingestion. Her diagnoses were zolpidem dependence and a depressive episode induced by substance abuse. To explore the neural mechanisms of the euphoric effect caused by high-dose zolpidem, we performed repeated magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings. Before undergoing detoxification, her MEG results indicated that cerebellar electrical signal activation increased when taking high zolpidem doses. However, the prefrontal and parietal lobes’ electrical signal activity showed a tendency to recover to a normal state as the withdrawal time progressed to completion. This case suggests that the cerebellum plays a role in the euphoria induced by high zolpidem doses and provides clues for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechan Lyu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yegang Hu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haihong Wang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Du
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Jijun Wang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai, China
| | - Haifeng Jiang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai, China
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Campagnari S, Zamboni L, Fusina F, Casari R, Lugoboni F. Case Report: High doses of Zolpidem and QT interval lengthening: Is there a relationship? A case series. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1033061. [PMID: 36339861 PMCID: PMC9632434 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1033061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Zolpidem is indicated in cases of severe insomnia in adults and, as for BDZs, its assumption should be limited to short periods under close medical supervision. Since several drugs cause corrected QT interval (QTc) elongation, the authors investigated whether high daily doses of Zolpidem could cause QTc elongation. The study was conducted in the Addiction Medicine Unit of the G.B. Rossi University Hospital in Verona. The data were collected from hospitalizations carried out between January 2015 and February 2020 and refer to a total of 74 patients, 38 males and 36 females, who were treated for detoxification from high doses of Zolpidem with the "Verona Detox Approach With Flumazenil." One patient out of 74 had QTc elongation (479 ms). The patient was male and took a daily dose of 50 mg of Zolpidem; he did not take concomitant therapies that could cause QTc lengthening. He had no electrolyte alterations, no contemporary or previous intake of barbiturates, heroin, cocaine, THC, alcohol, NMDA or nicotine which could cause an elongation of the QTc interval. The present study highlights the low risk of QTc elongation due to high dosages of Zolpidem; however, if, on one hand, we can affirm that Zolpidem is a safe drug, on the other, the widespread use of high dosages of this drug for prolonged periods of time is problematic and worrying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Campagnari
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, G.B. Rossi Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zamboni
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, G.B. Rossi Hospital, Verona, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Fusina
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Rebecca Casari
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, G.B. Rossi Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, G.B. Rossi Hospital, Verona, Italy
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Orsolini L, Chiappini S, Grandinetti P, Bruschi A, Testa R, Provenzano A, Berardis DD, Volpe U. 'Z-trip'? A Comprehensive Overview and a Case-series of Zolpidem Misuse. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 19:367-387. [PMID: 33888666 PMCID: PMC8077048 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2021.19.2.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Although believed safer compared to short-acting benzodiazepines (BZD), in the past few years a growing concern has developed relating to the abuse of Z-drugs, and specifically of zolpidem. Here we aim to review the evidence for the misuse of zolpidem and describe several related cases collected in Italy. A comprehensive overview is here carried by using several databases, and by combining the search strategy of free text terms and exploding a range of MESH headings relating to the topics of Zolpidem and Abuse and/or Misuse as follows: ((Zolpidem[Title/Abstract]) AND (Abuse[Title/Abstract]) OR (Misuse[Title/Abstract])), without time and/or language restrictions. Furthermore, a case series of 8 cases of zolpidem misuse and/or abuse, collected in different Italian psychiatric settings (psychiatric public hospital, psychiatric private rehabilitation clinic, and private practice), have been here described. According to our findings, zolpidem should be prescribed with the same caution as BZDs, especially in patients with a history of drug abuse or in the elderly. Behavioural modifications, including bizarre behaviours, psychomotor agitation, sleep-related complex behaviours have been reported. Monitoring of zolpidem use in selected populations is warranted. Psychiatrists and physicians should be aware of the misuse potential of zolpidem and adopt measures restricting its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Orsolini
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine and Surgery, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Stefania Chiappini
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Paolo Grandinetti
- NHS, Department of Territorial Assistance, Service for Addictions (SerD), Teramo, Rome
| | - Angelo Bruschi
- NHS, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Belcolle Hospital, Viterbo, Rome.,Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome.,Istituto di Psicopatologia, Rome
| | - Roberta Testa
- NHS, Department of Mental Health, AUSL Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Rome
| | | | - Domenico De Berardis
- NHS, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, G. Mazzini Hospital, Teramo, Rome.,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Umberto Volpe
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine and Surgery, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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