Epidemiological evidence for a low abuse potential of zolpidem

The abuse risk of new non-benzodiazepine hypnotics such as zolpidem has been discussed in a number of recent publications. We performed a Medline analysis which showed that, to date, 15 cases of abuse or dependence have been published. In 6 patients, the abuse was secondary to other forms of abuse or dependence. Other data from medical statistics and pharmacoepidemiological studies suggest the abuse potential of zolpidem to be much lower than that of other hypnotics. We conclude that zolpidem is a relatively safe drug compared to conventional hypnotics. Patients with other substance abuse histories may be considered as risk patients for later abuse of zolpidem.