Occurrence of involuntary movements after prolonged misuse of zolpidem: a case report

Abstract

Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine agent used for short-term treatment of insomnia. Several cases of dependence and withdrawal from zolpidem are reported in the literature. Furthermore, involuntary movements after prolonged zolpidem misuse have been described. In this case report, a 69-year-old Italian woman with no history of diagnosed psychiatric or neurologic diseases developed uncontrolled movements and a depressive-anxious syndrome after twelve-year zolpidem misuse. The underlying mechanisms of involuntary movements occurring after long-term zolpidem intake are unknown; yet, we suggest that zolpidem might induce an increase in dopamine release through inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid neurons tonically suppressing dopamine cells. Future studies on the occurrence of persistent disorders after long-term benzodiazepine or Z-drug abuse are needed and clinicians should pay attention to the risk of tardive syndromes related to zolpidem misuse, especially in the case of long-term intake of over-therapeutic dosages.

The challenge of managing difficult to treat psychiatric conditions

“…Conversely, psychiatric treatments may trigger neurologic conditions. In the case report by Ricciardulli et al (2023) (in this issue), a patient abused zolpidem by increasing the daily dose well above the licensed threshold. Years later, the patient presented a hyperkinetic syndrome.…”