title: A novel clinical pattern of visual hallucination after zolpidem use.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Yuan's General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC. yhtsai@kmu.edu.tw
authors.forename: Ming-Jun
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Yaw-Bin
authors.initials: YB
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Pao-Chu
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011725:Pyridines; D000077334:Zolpidem