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Detoxifi cation with Intravenous Drip Short-acting Benzodiazepines in a Zolpidem-dependent Patient with Intolerable Withdrawal Dizziness

Chuan-Ya Lee, Shih-Jen Tsai

Objective: To report a case of physical and psychological addiction to an excessive
dose of zolpidem and subsequent completed detoxifi cation using intravenous
drip benzodiazepines. Case report: A 30-year-old female patient had highdose
zolpidem dependence with 120 mg-160 mg per day for two years. She suffered
from severe withdrawal symptoms including dizziness when she discontinued zolpidem.
She experienced more severe dizziness under oral benzodiazepine medication
for detoxifi cation. She was later successfully treated with intravenous drip
short-acting benzodiazepines for the zolpidem withdrawal symptoms without dizziness
adverse effects. Conclusion: Given the similarities in receptor binding and
pharmacologic activities of zolpidem and the benzodiazepines, benzodiazepines
are commonly used for zolpidem detoxifi cation. Intravenous drip short-acting benzodiazepines
may improve the zolpidem withdrawal symptoms without aggravating
dizziness symptoms.
Key Word Intravenous, benzodiazepines, zolpidem-dependent, withdrawal symptoms
Editorial Committe, Taiwanese Journal of Psychiatry
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