Compulsive activity and anterograde amnesia after zolpidem use.
BACKGROUND
Zolpidem is a selective GABAAalpha1 receptor modulator used for its hypnotic-sedative properties. Zolpidem has side effects that are similar but not identical to the benzodiazepines. We report the first cases of compulsive activity combined with anterograde amnesia after the use of zolpidem.


METHODS
Three women experienced anterograde amnesia and compulsive repetitive behaviors after zolpidem use. These activities consisted of cleaning, shopping, and eating. These behaviors stopped after discontinuation of the zolpidem.


CONCLUSIONS
These reports demonstrate that compulsive activity combined with anterograde amnesia may be associated with the use of zolpidem. Physicians and pharmacists should be aware of this potential side effect.
Tsai
Ming-Jun
MJ
Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tinan City, Taiwan. yhtsai@kmu.edu.tw
Tsai
Yi-Hung
YH
Huang
Yaw-Bin
YB
D000328:Adult; D020324:Amnesia, Anterograde / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011725:Pyridines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D000077334:Zolpidem
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011725:Pyridines; D000077334:Zolpidem