Coma with absent brainstem reflexes resulting from zolpidem overdose.
Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic with a favorable adverse effect profile. There are single reports of respiratory decompensation associated with zolpidem overdose. We report a case ofa young woman with depression who developed deep coma with respiratory failure and a loss of brainstem reflexes as a result of zolpidem overdose. Supportive management led to a complete recovery of neurologic function. Acute zolpidem overdose should be considered in the differential diagnosis of coma with absent brainstem reflexes.
Kuzniar
Tomasz J
TJ
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA.
Balagani
Rajesh
R
Radigan
Kathryn A
KA
Factor
Phillip
P
Mutlu
Gökhan M
GM
D000328:Adult; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000187:drug effects*; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003863:Depression; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005124:Eye Abnormalities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000506:poisoning*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000506:poisoning*; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal / Q000187:drug effects*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency; D000077334:Zolpidem
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011725:Pyridines; D000077334:Zolpidem