Zopiclone withdrawal: an unusual cause of delirium in the elderly
Abstract
We report a case of an elderly lady who was admitted for congestive heart failure. She developed delirium during the course of her hospital stay. Multiple investigations were performed but were unremarkable. Finally, a diagnosis of abrupt zopiclone withdrawal causing delirium was made. Zopiclone was resumed at a lower dose and delirium resolved completely.
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All Z-drugs have been associated with withdrawal symptoms, but these appear to be more frequently reported with chronic zolpidem use.
“All Z-drugs have been associated with withdrawal symptoms; however, these appear to be more frequently reported with chronic zolpidem use.”
From Z-drug abuse and dependence: Clinical guideline of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology for diagnosis and management (2025) · cites this paper as [67]
Z-drug withdrawal symptoms may also occur in individuals undergoing chronic use at therapeutic doses.
“However, they may also occur in individuals undergoing chronic use at therapeutic doses.”
From Z-drug abuse and dependence: Clinical guideline of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology for diagnosis and management (2025) · cites this paper as [67]
Signs and symptoms of Z-drug withdrawal are more commonly observed following abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use and at doses higher than those recommended.
“Signs and symptoms of Z-drug withdrawal are more commonly observed following abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use and at doses higher than those recommended.”
From Z-drug abuse and dependence: Clinical guideline of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology for diagnosis and management (2025) · cites this paper as [67]
Cites
Hajak, G., Müller, W. E., Wittchen, H. U., Pittrow, D., & Kirch, W. (2003) · Addiction · doi:10.1046/j.1360-0443.2003.00491.x · Cited by 404 · see citing works
Zopiclone dependence after insomnia related to torticollis
Haasen, C., Müller‐Thomsen, T., Fink, T., Bussopulos, A., & Reimer, J. (2005) · The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1017/s1461145704004973 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
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Schifano, F., Chiappini, S., Corkery, J. M., & Guirguis, A. (2019) · International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology · doi:10.1093/ijnp/pyz007 · Cited by 194 · see citing works
Pharmacoepidemiological characterisation of zolpidem and zopiclone usage
Victorri-Vigneau, C., Feuillet, F., Wainstein, L., Grall-Bronnec, M., Pivette, J., Chaslerie, A., Sébille, V., & Jolliet, P. (2013) · European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00228-013-1557-x · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Stelzer, F. G., Bacelar, A., Éckeli, A. L., Negrão, A. B., Almeida, C. M. O., Franco, C. M. R., Pires, G. N., Gitaí, L. L. G., Sobreira-Neto, M. A., Assis, M., et al. (2025) · Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria · doi:10.1055/s-0045-1812323 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
- Authors
- Wong, C. P., Chiu, P. K. C., & Chu, L. W.
- Affiliations
- Queen Mary Hospital (CN)
- Venue
- Age and Ageing
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press (OUP)
- Published
- 2005-09-01
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 526-527
- ISSN
- 0002-0729 (ISSN-L)
- 1468-2834
- OpenAlex
- W2153503811
- Cited by
- 16
- References
- 2
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 1 · 2013: 2 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 1.30
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Age and Ageing (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine › Intensive Care Unit Cognitive Disorders
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Geriatrics and Gerontology › Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Neurology › Alcoholism and Thiamine Deficiency
- Keywords
- delirium, older adults, benzodiazepine withdrawal, congestive heart failure, delirium resolution
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Delirium, Female, Humans, Hypnotics and Sedatives, Piperazines, Substance Withdrawal Syndrome, Azabicyclo Compounds
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