Zolpidem-induced amnesia and somnambulism: Rare occurrences?

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 steep-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 steep-related behavior as adverse effects. This serves as a reminder for clinicians to inquire regarding any unusual behavior of parasomniac activities when prescribing zolpidem. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. and ECNP. All rights reserved.