Toxicology and Characteristics of Deaths Involving Zolpidem in New South Wales, Australia 2001-2010

• NCJ Number: 242050
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2012 Pages: 1259-1262
• Author(s): Shane Darke, Ph.D.; Mark Deady, B.Psych.; Johan Duflou, M.Med.Path.
• Date Published: September 2012
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined cases presented to the New South Wales Department of Forensic Medicine between January 1, 2001 and September 31, 2010 in which zolpidem was detected.

Abstract

All cases presenting to the New South Wales Department of Forensic Medicine between January 1, 2001 and September 31, 2010 in which zolpidem was detected, were retrieved. A total of 91 cases were identified. The mean age was 49.4 years, 65.9 percent were male, and 61.5 percent were suicides. Zolpidem was a factor contributing to death in 35 (37.3 percent) cases, of which 31 (34.1 percent) involved zolpidem toxicity. The median blood zolpidem concentration was 0.20 mg/L (range 0.05-3.50 mg/L), with no significant gender difference. Drug toxicity cases involving zolpidem had significantly higher median blood zolpidem concentrations than other cases (0.50 vs. 0.10 mg/L). In 83.5 percent of cases, psychoactive substances other than zolpidem were detected, most commonly antidepressants (46.2 percent), benzodiazepines (35.2 percent), opioids (26.4 percent), and alcohol (39.6 percent). In summary, zolpidem was a factor contributing to death in a large proportion of cases, predominately involving drug toxicity and suicide. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.