Reactions 1461, p38 - 20 Jul 2013

O SZolpidem overdose

Somnolent state: case reportA 51-year-old man developed a somnolent state after an

overdose of zolpidem.The man was found in a somnolent state near a busy road.

Multiple surface wounds were evident on his face and lowerextremities. Routine laboratory parameters and an ECG werenormal. A CT scan with contrast medium of the abdomen andthorax revealed multiple, identical tablet-shaped radiopaqueforeign bodies in the stomach and small intestine. Subsequenttoxicological screening established a zolpidem overdose, witha blood concentration of 900 µg/L (therapeutic range80–200 µg/L) [route, therapeutic indication, amount ofoverdose and time to reaction onset not stated]. He wasdiagnosed with suspected prescription drug poisoning.

The man was moved to the ICU for monitoring, and wasdischarged after 2 days in a good general condition.

Author comment: Our male patient was found in asomnolent state. . . Toxicological screening performed afterthe CT established a zolpidem overdose.Bach AG, et al. 51-year-old-man found somnolent on the street. DeutscheMedizinische Wochenschrift 138: 421-2, No. 9, Mar 2013. Available from: URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1327373 [German; summarised from an Englishtranslation]. - Germany 803090231

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Reactions 20 Jul 2013 No. 14610114-9954/13/1461-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2013 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved