Abstract

BAHLS, Saint-Clair. Tolerance to zolpidem-induced hallucinations: case report. Rev. psiquiatr. Rio Gd. Sul [online]. 2005, vol.27, n.3, pp. 319-322. ISSN 0101-8108.  doi: 10.1590/S0101-81082005000300011.

BACKGROUND: Zolpidem is reported to be a safe and effective hypnotic agent. In the literature, there are some case reports of hallucinations after zolpidem administration. We report one more case in witch zolpidem lead to hallucinations in young adult female. DISCUSSION: This case, to our knowledge, is the first to suggest the possibility of tolerance to the rare but important hallucination side effect caused by this medicine. We discuss pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic hypotheses about this phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS: Attention to zolpidem-induced hallucinations and tolerance to the drug is required, as well as a more comprehensive understanding of such phenomenon.

Keywords : Zolpidem; tolerance; hallucinations.