Potentially Unsafe Use of Zolpidem Is Common

Zolpidem is the most widely prescribed hypnotic agent in the U.S. Prescribing information limits it to undefined “short-term” use to enhance efficacy. Recommendations for avoiding adverse effects (e.g., cognitive and behavioral impairment) include lower doses in elders, lower starting doses in women, and avoiding concurrent use of other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. These limitations and precautions were compared with actual use in a sample of 35,427 adults in a national prescription database. Researchers analyzed long-term zolpidem use (≥3 prescriptions or ≥61-day supply), concurrent use of other CNS depressants, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, or high dosages (10-mg immediate release or 12.5-mg extended release) in women o…