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A zolpidem and cocaine abuse case report
International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice
|June 18, 2014
Summary
High-dose zolpidem, prescribed for insomnia from cocaine abuse, induced euphoria and hyperactivity. This suggests zolpidem may stimulate the brain's reward pathway, similar to cocaine.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Insomnia is a common issue, particularly in individuals with substance use disorders.
- Zolpidem is a commonly prescribed hypnotic for insomnia.
- Cocaine abuse is associated with significant psychiatric and medical complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of paradoxical stimulant effects from high-dose zolpidem in a patient with cocaine abuse.
- To explore the potential dopaminergic effects of zolpidem at high dosages.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 30-year-old male patient.
- Analysis of patient's self-reported effects after concurrent use of cocaine and high-dose zolpidem (up to 300 mg/day).
Main Results:
- The patient experienced euphoria and hyperactivity when combining cocaine with high-dose zolpidem.
- This contrasts with the expected sedative effects of zolpidem.
Conclusions:
- High doses of zolpidem may possess stimulant properties.
- Zolpidem might interact with the brain's dopaminergic reward pathway, similar to psychostimulants like cocaine.
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