Zolpidem abuse and dependency in an elderly patient with major depressive disorder: a case report

Objective: Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug for treatment of insomnia. It has been introduced as a lower potential agent for dependency and abusive effects. Case summary: In this study, the reported case was a 62 years old female patient suffering simultaneously with Major Depressive Disorder and Opium Dependency. After abrupt discontinuation of zolpidem, 570 mg per day, she exhibited severe withdrawal symptoms, led her to be admitted to emergency department. Conclusions: Zolpidem has a potency to be abused with high risk of dependency and withdrawal syndromes particularly among elderly patients with comorbid anxiety/depressive symptoms/disorders.