title: Coma with absent brainstem reflexes resulting from zolpidem overdose.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Tomasz J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Kuzniar
authors.forename: Rajesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Balagani
authors.forename: Kathryn A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Radigan
authors.forename: Phillip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Factor
authors.forename: Gökhan M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Mutlu
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011725:Pyridines; D000077334:Zolpidem