Zolpidem-induced amnesia and somnambulism: rare occurrences?

Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2009 Jan;19(1):74-6. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2008.08.007. Epub 2008 Sep 25.

Abstract

Zolpidem, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic of the imidazopyridine class, is very effective in treating insomnia with previous claims of little adverse effects. However, zolpidem-induced somnambulism and amnesic sleep-related behavioral problems were begun to be reported in literature but no systemic investigation has been undertaken in non-Western cultures. In our current retrospective survey, 5.1% (13 out of 255) of Taiwanese patients reported change in sleep-related behavior as adverse effects. This serves as a reminder for clinicians to inquire regarding any unusual behavior of parasomniac activities when prescribing zolpidem.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amnesia / chemically induced*
  • Amnesia / epidemiology
  • Amnesia / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pyridines / adverse effects*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Somnambulism / chemically induced*
  • Somnambulism / epidemiology
  • Somnambulism / psychology*
  • Taiwan / epidemiology
  • Zolpidem

Substances

  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Pyridines
  • Zolpidem