Case Series of Zolpidem Dependence in Women
Author Information
Author(s): Gabriel Leal, Igor Studart, Caio Petrus Monteiro Figueiredo, Talita di Santi, Paulo Suen, Silvia Brasiliano, Patricia B. Hochgraf, Pedro Starzynski Bacchi
Primary Institution: Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
Hypothesis
The study aims to describe a series of case reports of zolpidem dependence in an outpatient women-specific tertiary service for substance use disorder in Brazil.
Conclusion
The surge in zolpidem prescriptions may lead to a global health issue of dependence, highlighting the need for better management and treatment protocols.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients displayed escalating oral zolpidem doses ranging from 60-900 mg/day.
- Common withdrawal symptoms included rebound insomnia and social impairment.
- Three patients had comorbid eating disorders.
- None of the cases exhibited other substance use disorders.
Takeaway
This study looked at five women who became dependent on a sleep medicine called zolpidem, showing that it can be more dangerous than people think.
Methodology
Retrospective review of medical records of patients with a diagnosis of zolpidem dependence.
Limitations
The small number of patients and the short follow-up time.
Participant Demographics
All participants were women aged 25-45 with a history of zolpidem dependence.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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