MAIN RISKS OF ZOLPIDEM ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE IN PATIENTS WITH

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the main risks related to the abuse and dependence of zolpidem in patients with insomnia, considering the clinical impacts associated with its prolonged use. This is an integrative literature review, whose guiding research question was structured based on the PICO strategy. The descriptors “zolpidem,” “abuse,” and “dependence” were combined in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, Google Scholar including studies published between 2000 and 2025 in Portuguese and English. The results indicate that although zolpidem presents a lower potential for tolerance when compared to benzodiazepines, its prolonged and inappropriate use may lead to physical and psychological dependence, as well as significant withdrawal symptoms. The main adverse effects identified include daytime drowsiness, cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, amnesia, and an increased risk of falls, especially among older adults. It is concluded that the rational use of zolpidem, combined with professional monitoring and the prioritization of non-pharmacological interventions, is essential to reduce risks and promote greater therapeutic safety.