Clinical considerations of sleep related amnestic behaviours associated with zolpidem

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-31
Author(s):  
Agata M. Grzegorzewska ◽  
Jerzy J. Landowski ◽  
Wiesław J. Cubała

Objective. Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine agonist of GABA-A receptor indicated for the short-term insomnia treatment. Over the years, there have been reports in literature on zolpidem abuse complications and neuropsychiatric side effects involving headache, dizziness, nightmares, confusion, depression, sleepiness, memory deficits as well as hallucinations, sensory distortions, delirium and sleep-related complex behaviours with anterograde amnesia. The aim of this work is to review and highlight the most serious adverse reactions to zolpidem with emphasis on sleep-related amnestic behaviours. We also focus our attention on common traits, patterns and predisposing factors. This paper refers to zolpidem side effects or complex amnestic behaviours, or sleep related amnestic behaviours presented in literature. Literature review. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted to find relevant studies, case reports and literature reviews addressing the zolpidem use in insomniac patients. Conclusions. Zolpidem may pose a risk for serious adverse reactions most common dose-dependent and associated with age, gender, concurrent use of medications and concomitant comorbidities. If severe adverse reactions occur, the drug should be immediately discontinued or switched to another hypnotic. This review indicates an association between psychotic reactions and complex sleep related behavioural abnormalities in patients using zolpidem alone or in combination with other psychotropic medications. Clinicians should adopt a cautious approach prescribing zolpidem and be alert to possible unusual adverse effects of the drug.

Medicina ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Ioana Cretu ◽  
Bogdan Cretu ◽  
Catalin Cirstoiu ◽  
Adrian Cursaru ◽  
Mihaela Milicescu ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: The occurrence of rheumatological side effects in a patient after receiving immunotherapy for cancer is becoming increasingly common. Oncologists often fail to diagnose and refer affected patients to rheumatologists. This paper presents the various rheumatological adverse events that occur after immunotherapy in patients as well as their treatment and evolution. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 patients were monitored between November 2018 and March 2020. The oncologist monitoring the immunotherapy-treated patients identified the occurrence of musculoskeletal side effects. The grading of toxicities was performed by both the oncologist and the rheumatologist using common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE). Rheumatological treatment was administered, and for some patients, immunotherapy was discontinued. Results: The clinical presentations of the patients varied. Mild side effects (grade 1–2) were reported in a higher proportion than severe side effects (grade 3–5). Therefore, thirty-one patients had mild-to-moderate side effects, and five patients had severe side effects. Adverse reactions occurred, on average, 10 weeks after the initiation of immunotherapy; this indicated that the severity of the toxicity was dose dependent. Patients were treated with NSAIDs or prednisone, depending on the severity of the side effects, and for patients with severe manifestations, immunotherapy was discontinued. The remission of rheumatic manifestations varied depending on the grade of the manifestations. Conclusions: The clinical, biological, and ultrasound presentations of the patients with adverse events followed by cancer treatments differed from classic rheumatological manifestations. Thorough examinations of these patients by both oncologists and rheumatologists are needed in order to correctly diagnose and treat rheumatological adverse events. Multiple studies that include a larger number of participants are needed in order to better understand the pathogenesis and clinical evolution of these patients under different treatment conditions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 1408-1413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nannan Cui ◽  
Hongliu Cai ◽  
Zhitao Li ◽  
Yuting Lu ◽  
Guobin Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Several adverse reactions to tigecycline, which is widely used in patients with severe infections, have been documented. Coagulopathy is a lesser known side effect of tigecycline. Aim of the review We summarize the characteristics, possible mechanisms, and treatment of tigecycline-induced coagulopathy. Method PubMed, Ovid, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge, CNKI, and Wanfang were searched up to March 5, 2019. All articles concerning coagulopathy induced by tigecycline were included. The article types and languages were not limited. The retrieved articles were screened by two experienced clinicians by reading the titles, abstracts, and full texts. Results Ultimately, 17 articles were targeted, including 13 case reports and 4 retrospective observational studies. Tigecycline-induced coagulopathy usually manifests as the dose-dependent prolongation of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time and a reduction in the fibrinogen level. Tigecycline and its metabolites may have multiple effects on coagulation, influencing the extrinsic or intrinsic pathway and even the common pathway. There is no specific treatment for tigecycline-induced coagulopathy, but it can be reversed by withdrawing tigecycline. Conclusion Tigecycline acts on the coagulation system in a dose-dependent manner, and the most severe adverse event is bleeding. Overdose and prolonged use should be avoided, suspected coagulopathy must be recognized in time, and tigecycline should be withdrawn to prevent severe adverse events. Also, drug clearance disorders can develop in patients with liver and/or renal dysfunction. For patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment, the maintenance dose should be reduced, and indicators of coagulation function should be closely monitored.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 207-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Warstler ◽  
Jennifer Bean

Abstract Introduction: Antimicrobial-induced cognitive side effects are often overlooked or underreported. Literature often reports symptoms of antimicrobial-induced cognitive impairment under more general blanket terms, such as neuropsychiatric side effects, neurotoxicity, or drug-induced delirium or encephalopathy. Methods: A PubMed search using terms including antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, side effects, cognitive, neurotoxicity, encephalopathy, and delirium was conducted. Respectively, symptoms of cognitive impairment were teased out of the multiple neurologic complications presented for each case and reported based on antimicrobial class. Articles were excluded if they focused solely on neuropsychiatric side effects such as seizures, psychosis, hallucinations, or mood disturbances, were conducted in animals, or involved antiretroviral medication therapies. Results: Of over 50 case reviews, case reports, retrospective chart reviews, and prospective cohort studies analyzed, 25 were deemed appropriate for purposes of this review. Common antimicrobial-induced cognitive side effects for all antimicrobial classes included confusion, delirium, encephalopathy, and impaired concentration or attention. Recurring risk factors included, but were not limited to, older age and renal impairment. Mechanisms of cognitive impairment were relatively specific to each antimicrobial class. Discussion: Awareness of the potential for antimicrobial-induced cognitive side effects, including the general time frame of symptom onset and symptom presentation, is critical in challenging patient cases. This review article aims to summarize the risk factors, clinical symptoms, mechanisms, and management of antimicrobial-induced cognitive side effects. Pharmacists can play a key role in prevention through adjustment of medications for renal or hepatic dysfunction, avoidance of polypharmacy, and knowledge of critical drug interactions that may precipitate cognitive decline.


2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1279-1290
Author(s):  
N Cimolai

Brimonidine is a first-line topical medication for increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma which may be used alone or in conjunction with other topical therapies. Its structural and pharmacological comparabilities to clonidine give way to the hypothesis that it may cause neuropsychiatric side effects. The majority of case reports citing brimonidine toxicity, either for topical or peripheral exposure, include pediatric age groups but especially infants. Among the latter, a dose-response phenomenon is evident. Dose-response correlates have also been shown among adults. Case series and prospective double-blind treatment studies also give evidence for the occurrence of several central nervous system adverse reactions. Topical ophthalmic brimonidine use should be followed for the occurrence of neuropsychiatric disturbances generally, and enhanced vigilance should be maintained for at-risk populations.


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 579
Author(s):  
Bogdan Doroftei ◽  
Alin Ciobica ◽  
Ovidiu-Dumitru Ilie ◽  
Radu Maftei ◽  
Ciprian Ilea

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 is a novel strain of human beta-coronavirus that has produced over two million deaths and affected one hundred million individuals worldwide. As all the proposed drugs proved to be unstable, inducing side effects, the need to develop a vaccine crystallized in a short time. As a result, we searched the databases for articles in which the authors reported the efficacy and safety of the use of several vaccines vaccines by sex, age group, and frequency of adverse reactions. We identified a total of 19 relevant articles that were discussed throughout this manuscript. We concluded that from all eleven vaccines, three had an efficacy >90% (Pfizer–BioNTech (~95%), Moderna (~94%), and Sputnik V (~92%)) except for Oxford–AstraZeneca (~81%). However, Moderna, Sputnik V, and Oxford–AstraZeneca also alleviate severe adverse reactions, whereas in Pfizer–BioNTech this was not revealed. The remaining five (Convidicea (AD5-nCOV); Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S); Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV); Covaxin (BBV152), and Sinovac (CoronaVac)) were discussed based on their immunogenicity, and safety reported by the recipients since only phases 1 and 2 were conducted without clear evidence published regarding their efficacy. CoviVac and EpiVacCorona have just been approved, which is why no published article could be found. All adverse events reported following the administration of one of the four vaccines ranged from mild to moderate; limited exceptions in which the patients either developed severe forms or died, because most effects were dose-dependent. It can be concluded that aforementioned vaccines are efficient and safe, regardless of age and sex, being well-tolerated by the recipients.


2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-72
Author(s):  
Randeep Bhella ◽  
Jo Southgate

Reports of urticaria and rash with bupropion are common, with an estimated incidence of 1-4%. Serious adverse reactions, including seizures and angioedema occur less commonly, but may be dose related. Rarely patients present with fever, arthralgia and myalgia resembling a serumsickness reaction. A case of a 30 year-old man presenting with a rash, angioedema, and arthralgia 19 days after commencing bupropion treatment to aid smoking cessation is described. Treatment with antihistamines and steroids, resulted in improvement within 3 hours, and complete resolution after 3 days. Management also included identifying and discontinuing the causative agent. Recent concerns over neuropsychiatric side effects of bupropion are highlighted. The literature is reviewed and recommendations for safer prescribing discussed.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 496-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Gil-Gouveia ◽  
PJ Goadsby

Lidocaine has been used in treatment of patients with refractory headache. Personal observations of neuropsychiatric toxicity in these patients led us to review our cases and the literature systematically for lidocaine side-effects, especially neuropsychiatric symptoms. In our series of 20 patients, side-effects were observed in all, the most frequent being neuropsychiatric (75%) and cardiological (50%). When reviewing published series on intravenous lidocaine use, reports of side-effects range from 0 to 100%, with neuropsychiatric symptoms being reported in 1.8–100%. Thirty-six case reports of lidocaine-induced psychiatric symptoms were also analysed. Psychiatric symptoms of toxicity were similar in most patients, despite their differing ages, pathologies, co-therapies and lidocaine dosages. In conclusion, lidocaine neuropsychiatric toxicity has a well-recognized stereotypical clinical presentation that is probably unrecognized in headache series. As lidocaine represents an emerging alternative therapy in headache, particularly in short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing, clinicians and patients should be aware of the extent of this problem.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S203-S203
Author(s):  
M. Marinho ◽  
C. Novais ◽  
J. Marques ◽  
M. Bragança

IntroductionEfavirenz, a non-nucleoside analogue inhibitor of the reverse transcriptase, has become commonly used in the treatment of HIV infection. Although highly effective, efavirenz is associated with causing neuropsychiatric side effects in approximately 50% of patients.ObjectivesTo provide an overview of efavirenz-induced neuropsychiatric effects.MethodsLiterature review based on PubMed/Medline.ResultsThe neuropsychiatric side effects of efavirenz usually begin quickly, commonly peak in the first two weeks after the start of therapy, and can include depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, impaired concentration, aggressive behavior, paranoia, psychosis. Generally, these events are mild to moderate in severity and time limited, however, in a small number of cases, are late, persistent or intolerable. They are often associated with a negative impact on treatment adhesion. Some factors are known to increase the risk of neuropsychiatric effects in HIV-positive patients. The behavioral effects of efavirenz appear to be dose-dependent and mediated predominately by the 5-HT2A receptor, a primary site of action of lysergic acid diethylamine (LSD). Importantly, the efavirenz-induced neuropsychiatric effects may be difficult to distinguish from HIV-related neuropsychiatric symptoms, preexisting mental disorder or substance use. The neuropsychiatric effects should be treated with non-pharmacologic or pharmacologic interventions, according to severity. The psychiatric status of patients should be closely monitored for at least the first 6 to 12 months of treatment.ConclusionTaking into account the high rates of neuropsychiatric side effects, it is crucial that the physicians are familiar with this important subject, and the decision to initiate efavirenz in psychiatric patients is individualized.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 701-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiajia Li ◽  
Qing Liang ◽  
GuangChun Sun

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for medical purposes since the ancient time and has gradually gained recognition worldwide. Nowadays, patients with thrombus presiding to anticoagulant/ antiplatelet drugs prefer taking TCM. However, an increasing number of studies on herb–drug interactions have been shown. Nevertheless, findings are frequently conflicting and vague. In this review, we discuss the herb–drug interactions between TCM and anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs to provide guidance on concomitant ingestion with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs. Methods: We undertook a structured search of medicine and drug databases for peer-reviewed literature using focused review questions. Results: Danshen, Ginkgo, Ginger, H. Perforatum, SMY and Puerarin injection had directional regulation effects on the efficacy of anticoagulant drugs by altering the CYPs, pharmacokinetic indexs and hemorheological parameters. H. Perforatum inhibited the efficacy of Clopidogrel by enhancing the CYP3A4 activity and Ginkgo increased the efficacy of Ticlopidine. Additionally, Renshen, the formulae except SMY and injections except Puerarin injection could increase or decrease the efficacy of anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs via regulating the CYPs, platelet aggregation, hemorheological parameters and others. Conclusion: Some cases have reported that TCMs may increase the bleeding risk or has no effect on coagulation when anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs are concurrently used. However, pharmacokinetic studies have presented either consistent or slightly varying results. So it is difficult to ascertain whether the concurrent use of TCM may increase or reduce the pharmacologic effects of anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs with adverse reactions. Therefore, herb–drug interactions of TCM and anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs should be further explored and defined.


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