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[Zopiclone dependence. Report of one case]
1Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile.
Revista Medica De Chile
|March 1, 1997
Summary
A woman developed Zopiclone dependence due to insomnia during marital conflict. Treatment involved detoxification and therapy, leading to recovery and continued benzodiazepine use for sleep.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Adjustment disorder with depressed mood can arise from significant life stressors.
- Insomnia is a common symptom associated with mood disorders and adjustment difficulties.
- Hypnotic medications are frequently prescribed for sleep disturbances.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old woman with no prior drug dependence history developed chronic adjustment disorder with depressed mood.
- She was prescribed Zopiclone 7.5 mg nightly for insomnia.
- Rapid tolerance and dependence on Zopiclone occurred.
Findings:
- The patient required admission to a psychiatric clinic for management.
- A slow detoxification process was implemented.
- Combined pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy were utilized for treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for hypnotic dependence even in patients without prior substance use history.
- Effective management involves a multidisciplinary approach including detoxification and psychotherapy.
- Long-term management may include lower-risk medications like benzodiazepines for persistent insomnia.