A CASE REPORT OF ZOLPIDEM DEPENDENCE WITH WITHDRAWAL SEIZURE JAYASEELAN R RAJAGOPAL

Zolpidem is a short acting non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug chemically distinct from benzodiazepines. It produces its hypnotic effect by binding specifically to the alpha1 subunit of the GABA-A benzodiazepine receptor complex. According to its specific binding property, it is expected to be a pure hypnotic without the other effects of benzodiazepines. In particular, it was believed that zolpidem is well tolerated in adults and do not produce dependence and withdrawal effects. But a number of recent case reports suggest that tolerance, dependence and withdrawal effects occur in zolpidem consumption. We describe a case of a 28-year-old unmarried man who developed a generalized seizure following sudden zolpidem withdrawal subsequent to its dependence to 500-600 mg per day of zolpidem.