Evidence of zolpidem abuse and dependence: results of the French Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependence (CEIP) network survey.
OBJECTIVE
To show that the nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic zolpidem has a higher abuse potential than previously documented.


METHODS
An official enquiry was carried out by the Nantes Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependence (CEIP). The authors made a review of literature and analysed French data corresponding to the drug's postmarketing period collected by the CEIP network from 1993 to 2002.


RESULTS
The literature review yielded mixed results concerning the behavioural effects of zolpidem. Data from the CEIP and the 53 literature case reports highlight significant dependence and abuse potential of zolpidem.


CONCLUSIONS
This study adds to the growing evidence that zolpidem has the potential for abuse and dependence. As a consequence, the French drug monograph has been modified by the French Health Authorities.
Victorri-Vigneau
Caroline
C
Clinical Pharmacology Department, Institut de Biology, Nantes, France. caroline.vigneau@chu-nantes.fr
Dailly
Eric
E
Veyrac
Gwenaëlle
G
Jolliet
Pascale
P
D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D011725:Pyridines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000077334:Zolpidem
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011725:Pyridines; D000077334:Zolpidem