A novel clinical pattern of visual hallucination after zolpidem use.
BACKGROUND
Zolpidem is a new hypnotic that is supposed to have fewer side effects than traditional benzodiazepines. Some psychotic reactions, such as visual or hypnagogic hallucinations, have been reported to be associated with zolpidem use.


METHODS
A young female experienced three episodes of hallucination associated with the use of zolpidem. The visual or hypnagogic hallucination happened after she had stopped zolpidem and then restarted it 2 days later.


CONCLUSIONS
We postulate that hypnagogic or visual hallucinations associated with zolpidem use may be related to rapid withdrawal and restarting of zolpidem. The possible mechanism may be associated with the changes in the GABAA receptor. Avoiding "as needed" use of zolpidem and using the lowest effective dose may prevent these adverse effects.
Tsai
Ming-Jun
MJ
Department of Neurology, Yuan's General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC. yhtsai@kmu.edu.tw
Huang
Yaw-Bin
YB
Wu
Pao-Chu
PC
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011725:Pyridines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology; D000077334:Zolpidem
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011725:Pyridines; D000077334:Zolpidem