Abuso e Dependência de Zolpidem: Uma Revisão dos Efeitos e Estratégias de Tratamento

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.562122411104

• Palavras-chave: Zolpidem; Dependência; Insônia; Terapia cognitivo-comportamental; Hipnóticos.

• Keywords: Zolpidem; Dependence; Insomnia; Cognitive-behavioral therapy; Hypnotics.

• Abstract: INTRODUCTION Zolpidem, introduced as a safe hypnotic for the treatment of insomnia, has been shown to be effective in the short term. However, its prolonged use has revealed the development of dependence and abuse in several population groups. The increase in prescription and relatively easy access to zolpidem have contributed to its popularization, although its safety profile has been questioned due to the risks of abuse. OBJECTIVES The main objective of this study was to review the effects of zolpidem abuse and dependence, in addition to discussing the most effective treatment strategies for the management of these conditions. METHODS This is a narrative review. The PubMed, sciELO and Medline databases were used and the following descriptors were used: “Zolpidem dependence” AND “Hypnotic abuse” OR “Insomnia treatment” OR “Zolpidem withdrawal syndrome” OR “Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia” in recent years. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Long-term use of zolpidem has been associated with the development of tolerance and dependence, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and patients with psychiatric disorders. Zolpidem dependence shares characteristics with dependence on other hypnotics, such as benzodiazepines, and is associated with cognitive and mental health complications. Gradual discontinuation strategies, combined with behavioral therapies, have been identified as the most effective for managing this dependence, although the lack of access to non-pharmacological treatments is a challenge. CONCLUSION Zolpidem remains an effective option for the short-term treatment of insomnia, but its prolonged use poses significant risks of dependence. Management of dependence requires a multifaceted approach, including gradual discontinuation and the use of behavioral therapies. More restrictive public policies and greater awareness of the risks are necessary to reduce the incidence of zolpidem abuse and dependence.