title: Zaleplon and driving impairment.
abstract: Zaleplon, a sedative-hypnotic, was identified in the blood of a subject arrested for impaired driving. Symptoms reported were those of central nervous system (CNS) depression. The zaleplon concentration was determined to be 0.13 microg/mL. Symptoms included slow movements and reactions, poor coordination, and lack of balance. Although no quantitative relationship between blood concentrations and degree of driving impairment is currently possible, it is reasonable to conclude that because of its specific activity as a sedative-hypnotic, blood concentrations consistent with doses exceeding therapeutic concentrations of zaleplon have the potential to cause impairment of psychomotor function, and would impair a person's level of consciousness and driving ability.
authors.affiliation: Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Toxicology Unit, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Stillwell
mesh_terms: D000081:Acetamides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology; D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D015394:Molecular Structure; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000187:drug effects; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects*; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology; D012018:Reflex / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000081:Acetamides; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011743:Pyrimidines; C085665:zaleplon