Management of zolpidem withdrawal: a case series
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2023.v13.469Keywords:
zolpidem, diazepam, substance-related disorders, substance withdrawal, seizuresAbstract
Objective: This study aims to report cases of zolpidem dependence treated at a psychiatric clinic in Curitiba, PR, Brazil. It describes the symptoms of withdrawal and their medical management. Discussion: The study reported seven cases of patients who started zolpidem treatment and became dependent on the drug in less than two years, requiring full hospitalization for discontinuation. Two cases experienced seizures associated with the abrupt discontinuation of zolpidem. In all cases, the treatment involved replacing zolpidem with an equivalent dose of diazepam, followed by gradual reduction over the days of hospitalization. Conclusion: The study suggests that zolpidem has the potential for dependence, and its abrupt suspension triggers withdrawal symptoms of different intensities, which may even predispose to seizures. The removal of zolpidem and equivalent replacement with diazepam was well tolerated by the patients reported.
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