Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
09:29
Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
Published on: August 4, 2022
1.8K
Zolpidem dependence, abuse and withdrawal: A case report
Mostafa Heydari1, Mohsen Saberi Isfeedvajani2
1Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Summary
Zolpidem, a hypnotic, can be abused despite its reported safety for insomnia. This case highlights its potential for dependence, euphoria, and withdrawal symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic targeting GABA-A receptors.
- Widely prescribed for insomnia, with prior reports suggesting low abuse potential.
Observation:
- This case details significant zolpidem abuse.
- The patient exhibited tolerance, euphoria, and a withdrawal syndrome.
Findings:
- Zolpidem demonstrated clear abuse capability in this instance.
- Physical and psychological dependence developed.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant regarding zolpidem abuse potential.
- Further research into risk factors for zolpidem dependence is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:14CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
1.9K
CNS depressants include drugs from the category of barbiturates and benzodiazepines. They are valuable medications for managing anxiety disorders and insomnia. Barbiturates, once used to induce and maintain sleep, have been replaced mainly by benzodiazepines due to barbiturate's toxicity, tolerance, and overdose risks. They interact with GABAA receptors, leading to sedation at low doses and potentially coma and death at higher doses. Phenobarbital, a long-acting barbiturate, possesses...
1.9K
01:17Drug Dependence
1.9K
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
1.9K
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
610
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
610
01:19Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines
1.5K
Benzodiazepines have both sedative and hypnotic properties. They include compounds such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax). Structurally, their cores are similar, consisting of the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring, but they share a common mechanism of action in the central nervous system (CNS).
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...
1.5K
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
981
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
981
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
1.6K
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not...
1.6K