Eszopiclone-induced Parasomnia with Suicide Attempt: A Case Report

Conclusion The possibility for adverse effects, including life-threatening events, when taking eszopiclone should be considered by all prescribers. The pharmacological profile of eszopiclone suggests a potential for a greater risk of adverse events than with other benzodiazepine-like hypnotics such as zolpidem, which has a one-percent risk for sleep-related amnestic behaviors.[10] This risk increases further with concomitant administration of monoaminergic drugs like SSRIs. The risk for these behaviors among patients taking eszopiclone is yet to be quantified and presents an opportunity for future research endeavors. Regardless, other evidence-based treatments for insomnia (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, sedating antidepressants) should always be considered prior to sedative-hypnotic administration, and caution should be exercised when prescribing these medications. References 1. Canaday BR. Amnesia possibly associated with zolpidem administration. Pharmacotherapy. 1996;16(4):687–689. 2. Harazin J, Berigan TR. Zolpidem tartrate and somnambulism. Mil Med. 1999;164(9):669–670. 3. Sattar SP, Ramaswamy S, Bhatia SC, Petty F. Somnambulism due to probable interaction of valproic acid and zolpidem. Ann Pharmacother. 2003;37(10):429–1433. 4. Gibson CE, Caplan JP. Zolpidem-associated parasomnia with serious self-injury: a shot in the dark. Psychosomatics. 2011;52(1):88–91. 5. Chong Y, Fryar CD, Gu Q. Prescription sleep aid use among adults: United States, 200...
Source: Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Case Report Current Issue Depression Mood Disorders Psychiatry Psychopharmacology Sleep Disorders benzodiazepine-like drug reaction Eszopiclone hypnotic insomnia parasomnia sedative Source Type: research