An unusual presentation of visual hallucinations with zolpidem: a case report.

ABSTRACT

Zolpidem is a hypnotic drug with rapid -onset and short duration of action. It is popularly used for the induction and maintenance of sleep in adults suffering from insomnia. It supersedes benzodiazepines with better tolerability and has fewer side effects such as less residual sedation and the potential for rebound insomnia and dependence is also less. Adverse neuropsychiatric reactions such as visual hallucinations, amnesia, sleepwalking and nocturnal eating are known to occur with zolpidem. Literature suggests higher incidence of visual hallucinations with zolpidem when used along with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Furthermore, visual hallucinations are one of the causes for drug withdrawal. We are reporting a case of zolpidem induced visual hallucinations when used alone and also which disappeared with proper assurance to the patient in subsequent use.