title: Misuse of zopiclone and convulsions during withdrawal.
abstract: It has been documented that benzodiazepines have the potential to cause dependence and withdrawal reactions, including convulsions. However, the available data concerning zopiclone, a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic, are insufficient. The present study describes the case of a 36-year-old man who repeatedly misused zopiclone, in daily doses of 60-90 mg. Furthermore, the patient suffered from convulsion on two occasions following abrupt withdrawal of zopiclone. The concomitant use of alcohol, trimipramine, and promazine may have contributed to the development of convulsions. It is concluded that zopiclone may cause problems associated with misuse and withdrawal reactions similar to those of benzodiazepines.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Aranko
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Henriksson
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hublin
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Seppäläinen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010879:Piperazines; C515050:zopiclone